Personally I welcome all challenges to my beliefs. They dont even have to be respectful, but they better be factual.
I don't want to be wrong any longer than necessary.
An important difference between atheists and true believers
by Hortensia 219 Replies latest social current
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DJS
Outside of this forum I never discuss religion, politics or social matters with anyone. First, it would accomplish nothing and second I conserve my energy for more useful pursuits, such as chasing girls.
This forum is uniquely designed for questioning, challenging and calling out stupidity, wherever it may reside. Praise the lord (I'm atheist so that doesn't really mean much).
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FlyingHighNow
If you are anything like me, your beliefs aren't static. My views have changed through out my life. We all have our journeys.
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FlyingHighNow
Julian is an atheist. He does not believe there is a god. Yes, Julian does believe in astrology. He's 18, by the way. He's not one to be overly strict about what an atheist can believe or not believe. Whatever he believes or doesn't believe, he isn't pushy about it.
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galaxie
FHN;...its not really the fact that someone doesn't accept your thoughtful conclusions, but more that as part of a religious discussion forum all our conclusions are open to lets say friendly scrutiny.
If any of our conclusions about a subject are without any factual evidential basis, then its basically no better than guess work.
Just to say I believe such and such because I feel like it(especially supernatural beliefs) stops a proper reasoned debate in its tracks, hence causing frustration which can then spill over into negativity.
So when you say thoughtful conclusion it is the thought process which may be questioned, which sometimes offends people.
Wouldn't you agree explaining how one comes to a conclusion is a valid questioning process even if it makes one uncomfortable
Best wishes
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cofty
Yes, Julian does believe in astrology.
So it would be a bit odd if he criticied anybody else's beliefs wouldn't it?
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FlyingHighNow
It would be a bit out of character for him to be pushy about his beliefs or non beliefs, Cofty.
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snare&racket
We have SO MUCH in common here with each other. This is a big planet and JW's are a tiny minority, even smaller is the number of people that were churned out of that cult, in pain and suffering. We have all experienced suffering at the hands of a wierd cult most peoole know nothing at all about. Simply put, we only have each other to turn to, if looking for understanding for what we have gone through.
We are a unique bunch that very few understand, we have each other and I value that highly. I do love to come here and promote science and evidence, it is all the things I wish I had knowledge of, before I said "Yes" three times and got in that pool. I don't come to argue, debate or verbally masturbate, I come to vent a frustration at wasted time in a cult, I come & hope to help someone find information and evidence they are looking for. It is almost a letter to my younger self...
We are ex JW's, there is no need to then seperate into religious and atheist camps. There are FAR more religious topics here than atheist or scientific. But that is ok. There is some clashing of minds, from my perspective the same people arrive at threads on science and evolution, hijacking them with questions they don't want answers to. Atheists, yes we do shitty things too, I am so tempted to go to the thread on prayer and show the research that proves it makes people MORE unwell, it is a well known study... but 9/10 times, I don't do that , I leave them to discuss their beliefs.
But seriously, there is no need for us to be so confrontational. as for science and evidence, it is not OUR evidence or OUR science, we are not the people to debate or prove wrong. Take your opposing evidence collated via the scientific method, to the academic world. You will change the world if you are right. But until you do, respect that we are only here sharing knowledge not yet proved wrong and with evidence supporting it.
I for my part feel religious beliefs and scientific theories are not equal, but that does not mean I don't respect you or respect your right to a view. This is often misunderstood, because I dont respect the actual beliefs, says nothing for how I feel about the person.
I guess one ore big difference between atheists and religion, is that it just isn't personal with us. feel free to question me, challenge my beleifs all day. If the evidence changes tommorow, so will I. There is no personal attachment to what I believe, it is just based on evidence. I remember well, just how personal my religious beliefs were however and though I respect that it can be so personal to some, not believing I obviously don't respect the claims themselves. But I think it is often misintepreted as being personal disrespect. On a religious apostate forum, advocating science, it is a bit of a minefield for us...
Ahh man why can't we just hug again...
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FlyingHighNow
Galaxy, my point is that here on JWN, some believers and some atheists are pushy and evangelistic about their beliefs. In the world outside JWN, I rarely hear anyone discuss religion or atheism. I have friends who are believers and friends who are atheists. Both are pretty respectful of each other's views, on the rare occasion that either is discussed. But, I live in West Michigan, which is a pretty respectful culture, in general.
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cofty
In the world outside JWN, I rarely hear anyone discuss religion or atheism. I have friends who are believers and friends who are atheists
Me too.