Hostile to atheists (page 6)

NewChapter

FHN, on this board we agree to discuss these things and put ourselves out there. In real lilfe, trust me, it goes better if atheists just keep their mouths shut. We need to be more open, to tell people we are here, to show that the US isn't all fundamentalists or people that want religion (only one kind of religion) to permeate public policy, but it's tough.

I am tryng out a dating site. I never tried it before, but my brother is engaged to someone he met, so I thought I'd give it a shot. At first, many people wanted to chat. I had the bad experience with the guy that wouldn't shut up about the bible, even though I clearly stated I was an atheist with no interest in religion. I went back and updated my profile to actually add that in sentences instead of one or two words in the details. Almost all chat requests have stopped. I said, if you are a religious person, we will not be a good match. If you would rather meet Dawkins than the pope, then we probably have something to talk about.

And now I am a pariah. Which is fine, since I turned down almost every chat anyway----but it is still telling.

NC

NewChapter

UU's are like that. Their beliefs can be quite fluid at times, and atheism does not intimidate them. I go to a UU church from time to time, and no one has ever tried to 'covert' me. I like the people and the programs, many of which are secular. They not only tolerate, but they value atheists. But they are a minority. They have found a way to coexist---that is unusual.

NC

d

The other religion that is atheist in a sense, is Buddhism which deals with enlightment and being your own person.Buddhism deals with self enlightment.

FlyingHighNow

I think atheists usually don't feel a big need to discuss their non belief, in real life. That's a big difference from here. Julian doesn't talk about it unless someone else brings it up and he just says, "I don't feel anything up there." And he leaves it at that. We had an interesting discussion about the scriptures that call God dynamic energy. He said he can kind of grasp that type of force, but pretty much, he's not feeling anything up there. For what it's worth, New Chapter. I am a Universalist. I don't believe in a judging god. I don't believe anyone is condemned or needs redemption. I don't get reception on that either from more fundamentalist believers or from atheists. So I don't discuss my beliefs at work or with the general public. I also have gotten to where I don't mention my political leanings either because there are so many Republicans on my work team. When they talk about their stuff, I just wait for a sentence I can agree with and say, "Well, now, I can agree with that."

FlyingHighNow

But they are a minority. They have found a way to coexist---that is unusual.

NC

The Episcopalians and Anglicans are very accepting, too. They believe everyone is on a unique, spiritual journey. They respect the individual conscience. They don't preach about sin and hell. They do good things or work in their personal lives for others and have outreach into the community. You feel moved by the beauty of the services, the intelligence in the sermons (15-20 minutes) and the real outward show of love. No one tells you what to believe or not believe or what to do.

NewChapter

I don't get reception on that either from more fundamentalist believers or from atheists.

I don't understand that sentence. But for the record, when it comes to religious people, I get along quite well with Universalists and pagans. Of course, many pagans are Universalists too----along with Buddhist etc. But I find that people reflect their god or godlike concept. If they don't believe in judgement, redemption, or punishment, they are a joy to be around. When we get into the believers who think we need to be redeemed or punished, that is where the problem sets in, because then they feel the overwhelming need to save, or convince, to judge, to disapprove.

I'm at a place right now where I can't stand being around it. But UU's don't bother me in the least, and I love being with them. Their love is so sincere, because it is not based on doctrine. Their trust is precious, because they trust me to make my own decisions and take this journey my way. They are inclusive rather than exclusive, and frankly, I can't say enough good about them. I really doubted that a bunch of people with vastly different beliefs and non-beliefs could coexist as family with genuine affection. Then I saw it in action.

The pastor at this church once opened her sermon by saying she was grateful for the non-believers, the doubters and the opinionated, because we need them. And that truly is the sentiment.

NC

NewChapter

I think UCC is like that too. They often partner with UU on social projects.

FlyingHighNow

Grand Rapids is in the midst of an educational campaign that promotes knowledge and understanding of other faiths. St. Andrews, Nurya's church, has participated. So at Oasis, on Wednesday nights, we've had speakers from Hinduism, the Jewish faith, Islam and others. I have only been able to attend the ones on Hinduism and Judaism. These were lectures that explained the history, beliefs and practices of different faiths. These were held all over the city. They may still be going on. On the night about Judaism, we were served a Jewish seder meal. The speaker was one who teaches Jewish studies out at GVSU. I realized he was the father of Andy's best friend from high school, Bob.

The Episcopal Church promotes ecumenical cooperation. There is a very liberal, forward thinking Catholic Information center in Grand Rapids. They partner with the Lutherans for Even Song and outreach campaigns. Nurya got to know Father Mic Schriver, a good friend of mine from St. Mark's. He used to be Roman Catholic and felt drawn towards the priesthood from boyhood. But college came and so did girls and he met his wife Paula and so much for the RC priesthood and its celibacy. He decided at 35 to take his family and attend the Anglican seminary and be ordained as an Episcopal Priest. I want to ask her more about how she arrived at her belief in God and Fr. Mic figured into her decision to go to Seminary.

FlyingHighNow

" For what it's worth, New Chapter. I am a Universalist. I don't believe in a judging god. I don't believe anyone is condemned or needs redemption. I don't get reception on that either from more fundamentalist believers or from atheists. So I don't discuss my beliefs at work or with the general public. "

That quote is from me. I mean, I don't get a good reception in public for my beliefs, so I am pretty careful who I discuss them with. I like the church of my youth because I can discuss what I truly feel without condemnation or being judged.

I like Oasis at St. Andrews because we have discussions where usually Fr. Fedewa is the facilitator. We can say what we truly believe or do not believe and we encouraged NOT to comment negatively on what someone has said, but to listen. This past few months we discussed Saving Jesus Redux from the DVD series Asking the Questions. They blew any myths that are perpetuated about Jesus. I think many fundamentalists would have got up and left the discussion pretty quickly.

talesin

I agree with tec ,,, it's less of an issue north of the 49th parallel.

tal

Hostile to atheists

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