Greetings!
Offline Hello, my name is Jeff, and I'm what you would call an atheist sympathizer. I am very religious myself but I love a good conversation about religion no matter who I speak with so after I found this forum I decided to sign up.
A few things about me:
I have never thought religious texts to be infallible and often disagree with what they say to the fullest extent, even though I consider myself the utmost religious person. In my religion there is no room for intolerance. I hate how the bible condemns homosexuality and also gives guidelines to slavery. If you're curious, I'm a bit of a Jesus freak, and consider what he said to overwrite many things (even though people argue that he himself said he came not to do this, but to uphold the old law.) What Jesus had to say heavily clashed with what had already been written is what I like to say in return to that argument.
I don't believe in hell very much. I believe in evil beings who are not just psychotic, but willfully sadistic, and can see these beings going to "hell" though I don't believe in any type of eternal suffering. I don't believe in atheists going to hell just because they refuse to believe in God. Not in any scenario do I believe atheism is damned for one second to go to hell.
I am a very open-minded person and get comments on this from others somewhat often. I despise organized religion and hate that people are encouraged to listen to pastors instead of thinking for themselves. To me if people spent more time growing the beauty in religious texts while refuting the ugliness we'd all be a lot better off, intellectually and also spiritually.
I have no room in my heart and mind for any type of hatred, for any person, save those who like I said before are willfully sadistic. Many have imbalances in their brains and I do my best to empathize!
I am extremely, extremely religious but my God is nothing like what the normal person's is. I anticipate posts asking about this and I encourage you to do so because perhaps we can come to an understanding of each other's viewpoints.
I also hate arguments that devolve into insults of any nature and think this is foolishness to the utmost degree. You could sacrilege everything I believe in and I won't really mind but hurl one insult and I'll tell you you're a fool.
I hope I am welcome because I have many questions and queries and am wanting to keep my mind as open as possible. Like I said I despise organized religion, but I am overjoyed to see an individual turn to what I consider the true path of religion which to you the atheist is the true path of righteousness. I see little difference except a simple, simple belief.
I am far from the normal religious person if you can't tell, and I'd wager that most of you will like me.
Now to say something to stir the pot: I despise that you have such an aggressive atheist campaign going and believe you're wrong in trying to turn people away from God. I think it would be much healthier and SMARTER to have a campaign, say, against the contradictions in religious texts. You could allow yourself into the home of a religious person welcomed, state that you're an atheist, and still argue your case that righteousness is the way to live your life and that blind "faith" is foolishness. Or the fact that all these terrible things done in the name of religion are absolutely perverted.
Now to say something to do my best to convert you to agnosticism at least (Please read, and criticize if you wish!): Please understand that the path of righteousness is the path to the True God. I am going to be a social worker and live life as humbly and charitably as I can for many reasons, the main one being that I look at the suffering masses and can't help but think how blind and/or evil those in power can be. (Just as one example.) So I implore you to be agnostic and though I know this is already falling on deaf ears so to say, I know deep down that God doesn't even mind that you're atheist because there can't be such a thing as a God who hates. It is impossible for this to occur because that would make some beings better than God.
I have a lot more to say but I'll keep this post at this length. I have done this writing in haste and have not honed and 'perfected' my argument. Again I hope I am welcome and perhaps we can achieve something greater than Atheism vs Theism, we can achieve Intellect vs Idiocy and Wisdom vs Foolishness.
I thought I'd add one more thing. The most racist people I have ever met (and I'm from South Carolina, people) were in Florida, at a private Catholic high school. (And I am not judging Catholicism just the students that they had. I do my best not to judge others but hatred I can not just stand by and watch.) Racism is my pet peeve and I know in many cases such as the Kosovo massacres, religion has only made things worse.
I will most likely agree with what most of you have to say but I think I will restate that trying to take faith away from people is foolish, (and usually impossible) while directing them towards righteousness is the best thing you can do, and will open their eyes.
Hastily written,
Jeff
It is said the great ones catch teardrops in their hands.
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Wait... those actually exist o_O?
You may have missed the previous ad
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/onewhowatches/RRSBannerALT.jpg
Still feel like stickin around?
So what are you exactly..? some non-denominational thinga ma gig?
Hi! I'm Richard ^_^
So you despise people who are just casually evil? yet are ok with those who are "willfully" evil? or did you phrase your sentence wrong?
Few people will just attack you for no reason... (not even i ) but give them a reason and we're sure to pounce (stupidity is a BIG reason).
So far sir, you are the cream of the recent batch of theists to roll through these parts... its almost a relief >.>
Not for me to answer... but dont you worry, people are gonna be ALL over this one
Your probably gonna get a few links about terminology here... but most people on this site ARE agnostic... towards the prospect of a god or gods... just not the "religious" gods... you know, Christian God, Thor, Allah, etc (agnostic atheism and all that blah )
And for refference... Gods CAN hate >.> especially the omnipotent ones (they can do anything, remember?
)
-Would you like a list of gods that have the ability to hate?
Ya... their righteousness... is us impaled on a pike... or hung by our own intestines... i think i'll pass
Welcome... Dont be a Theitard, lunch is at 11;30... todays special, Baby Back Ribs (Atheist style... Mmmm Mmm! ), nap times at 3pm... and the orgy doesnt start till 7 ^_^
What Would Kharn Do?
LOL! Yes I am quite different from the norm but I consider my religious beliefs to be superior to those poor people who sit around and do nothing but agree with a hateful preacher. I don't mind people ripping on me on the internet so go for it! I'll probably learn something which is all I could hope to do in the first place.
Many people have imbalances in their brains that cause them to act in a way they wouldn't under normal circumstances, I'd consider this not willfully evil. Casual evil I'm not sure of what you mean.
I don't believe that God can hate but I see exactly what you're saying. I'd love to see a list too. I am somewhat Muslim, (I love their religion when it's practiced properly, which to me is the norm) but mostly consider myself RasTafari/Christian. If you have never read up on Marcus Garvey he had some very beautiful things to say.
I am not the smartest person in the world, far from it, but I do consider myself somewhat wise and one of the few real Christians there are in this world. If you read Jesus's greatest commandment, love for your neighbor is part and one with the greatest commandment. I'm studying to be a social worker, feed and clothe the poor etc, and I feel that Christians who do nothing in the way of charity (unless they're on hard times themselves I suppose) aren't real Christians. I mean the rich man passing through the eye of a needle? He either meant it literally or the term used for a tiny hole near a city's gates, which is still a squeeze.
And on the topic of righteousness I'd consider it "balancing a scale" so to say, and always always using philosophy and more importantly LOGIC (something again I empathize with your views of the religion on) when discerning what is right and wrong. To me we're here not to judge what is good from bad, but rather what is right instead of what is wrong. (Not to sound like inane babble but I hope that translates.) I think the "atheist agenda" or whatever you'd like to call it would gain a lot more from trying to convince others that no righteous God would condone certain acts that are done in His name, but I could go on here and I'll save it for the more ruthless posters I suppose.
I hope I make sense, like I said I'm not the smartest person in the world and I don't like communicating through text very much. Sorry in advance if I didn't address what you said properly.
Thank you for the warm welcome and I hope we ALL can gain an understanding from our differing viewpoints. I am very glad to hear that there are many agnostics here too. I like your signature too I recognize the evil guy from a music video(s) I've seen.
It is said the great ones catch teardrops in their hands.
.... GOOD,
I see we are pissed off .... yes YES
I have a loud guitar , wanna hear !
I can yell too .... then I can be so so sweet , "sugar sugar" .....
Love Love , Kill Kill ,
HEAVY METAL, and a love song, whats the difference ???? There ain't none ......
PLay it in your head .... turn it up ...... I can't clearly hear whispers, Are you GOD or NOT ?????? I can fix that .....
RRS the place it happens ...... 
Atheism Books.
Firstly
http://www.rationalresponders.com/forum/the_rational_response_squad_radio_show/general_conversation_introductions_and_humor/7011
Learn it... love it
It will solve a great many contextual misunderstandings
Stick around here, and you'll see what casually evil is... (im willfully evil ;p btw )
Those imbalances in their brains happen to be completely normal... to them, and their kind... and has existed for many-a-millenia, and happens to be a contributing factor in humanities success in times long passed.
But those are stories for another time ...
So... your an Islamic Rastafarian Christian ? o_O? ...
(and if you'd read the koran you'd know it is not a religion to "love" neither is christianity... )
I suggest you observe the "atheist vs theist" thread and some of the numerous scientific threads... compaired to your compaitriots, your a fuckin genius (dont go proving me wrong in the future >.> )
*cough* GODS commandment *cough*
That is but a small fragment of our arguements, but none the less, its in there
We actually have a video chat room (2 actually) kinda low durring the week days, but the weekends are a blast
Some one may have all the pertinent information handy, i dont, although there is a link at the top of the website
Stop by every once and a while, its such a change of pace to scream at some one over a microphone, then through text ^_^
And yet a week ago, no one on this site EVER heard or seen him before i made it >.>
and now i get link requests out that ass about it ^_^
PS; If you ever make sense of I AM GOD AS YOU, inform your primary health care provider, and check into a mental institution immediately
What Would Kharn Do?
The Final Chapter ! ...... yeah so I wished ..... so then is RRS ! Guns a blazing, and Swords so sharp, a few more blows , the dragon of religion will soon DIE,
Yeah I AM an Optomist ..... I have FAITH !
nice to die with some pride, thanks friends ..... always, ME ....
Atheism Books.
You know... it scares me that ive actually been seeing a rhyme and reason behind your posts... for the last week...
I think i should take my own advice, and see a doctor -_-
(took me long enough, eh? ^_^ )
What Would Kharn Do?
Welcome! A religious atheist sympathizer..you see something new every day!
A few things about me:
I find this interesting.While I admire your stance, as a former fundy I don't see how a christian could be against the bible but everyones different.
That's a relief.So if I end up there I can say you misled me?
I'm liking you..
Consider this one of those posts.
I agree.Personal insults have no place in debates.
Everyone is welcome,some just make it hard to stay that way.I think you'll find everyone more than happy to answer any questions to the best of their abilities. I hope you can keep a open mind,its an admirable trait.
You'll probably catch some flak for this,but I'm not in the mood to go there now.Suffice it to say,we like it and it's unlikely to change.
I know most of the core members call themselves agnostic atheists. I'm sure others will expound on the meanings more.
Well welcome again.You seem very interesting and nice,like Doomed Soul said,a refreshing break from other theists lately.I must say I've never met a christian(you would describe yourself as christian right?) like you. I grew up fundy and would have said you were misled by the devil and not a real christian
,but thankfully I'm more tolerant and open minded now. I hope you enjoy the forums and can learn something.
Psalm 14:1 "the fool hath said in his heart there is a God"-From a 1763 misprinted edition of the bible
Argument from Sadism: Theist presents argument in a wall of text with no punctuation and wrong spelling. Atheist cannot read and is forced to concede.
I don't need no doctor, that won't save me ,
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Px7QZYgp1tk
Atheism Books.
I have written in haste so now that I can I'll take my time.
I'm sympathetic because of the terrible things that have been done in the name of religion, but mostly because there is just so much damn suffering in the world. I had it bad as an American I must say and have struggled but compared to the norm? It's like I have a silver spoon in my mouth. My only understanding of all of this terrible suffering is the fact that our religions promise an eternal or "near eternal" (mathematically impossible, I know, but I think you feel what I mean) afterlife/higher existence that will be like paradise.
SayI was born in Ethiopia, suffered through ruthless warlords for years, and died after going through hell only to awake to paradise as long as I can stand it... Then there's the opposite, someone like Paris Hilton who is a rich bimbo heiress who gets anything she wants in life.. Who's going to appreciate and be in bliss more, right? I know you've heard this argument before, "paradise wouldn't exist without suffering" etc, but that resonates strongly in me for some reason. I'd wager my belief is because this world is ruled by ruthless men.
I'd describe myself as Christian, like I said I'm a "Jesus freak." Most everything Jesus says is quite lovely no matter how you look at it, (I'm sure a few of you like to call him a hippie and such) and truthfully if you look at what the 'man' had to say, his way is absolutely perverted. He was all about loving your fellow man and I'd love to see the atheist movement have a stronger sense of this. All the atheist activists I've ever met are screaming about how God is a lie, etc, and rather than inviting people it's always in attack mode. I hope this makes sense - it's just not a good strategy. Religion can offer all these promises while atheist activists seem to be about shouting down what already has been. I'll have to take you up on that offer of communicating via a mic, because my brain just isn't summoning the correct words right now.
Anyways seeing that miracles are hard to prove, and that there is so much suffering going on, yes I am absolutely an atheist sympathizer! To me anyway, while we're on this earth instead of the next, it's more important to lift up and help out your fellow man than anything else. Including worshiping God in many many cases because it can be so hard for someone who is going through hell to say "Thanks for everything!"
So anyway don't take my critique of the atheist activism the wrong way, I just don't see a good strategy in it. Challenge people's views on what is the right thing to do rather than (to many) saying that there is no hope. I hope my message is getting across here.
I don't know what else to say so I'll wait for more responses.
It is said the great ones catch teardrops in their hands.
Hey friend, Religious_Rebel,
I AM an atheist and I LOVE JESUS ! Many atheists do , but that's not what's important ..... "We are ONE" .... is the greatest message .... thanks for boldly coming to this great RRS site.
Atheism Books.
Welcome to the forums, Religious_Rebel!
You first need to consider that our activism is a response to militant religion trying to subdue us and take over our country and turn it into a theocracy. If this was not occuring we most likely would not be here. I hate the fact that we have to do it too. But it's either fight or die.
Secondly I think you are confused with agnosticism. Being an "agnostic" doesn't say anything about what you believe about god. To simply say you are agnostic doesn't say anything really. Most people here, including myself, are agnostic atheists. We don't profess that there isn't a god. Just that we have no good reason to believe there is.
You might be interested to know that I was personally involved in helping to stop the Kosovo massacres. If you've never experienced a stranded and overloaded boat full of terrified women, children, and old men cheer when you wave to them, then well...there's nothing like it. I sometimes think that to many of those people, seeing me wave at them was the end of a very horrible experience in their lives. I hope most of them are still well and happy now.
"I am an atheist, thank God." -Oriana Fallaci
I am very glad to hear that you were able to do what you could to aid the Kosovians. You know, I love to get angry about all the problems we have here in the States, but compared to mass rape and genocide due to ancient forces... Such as the fact that the Serbs love to cite atrocities done during the crusades, for example... Makes me almost glad our "arch-nemesis" is a bunch of insane/brainwashed Muslims over in the middle east.
I am aware what an agnostic is as I have a few friends who have been and are like what you described. I've done my best to say to them that religion was meant to be on an individual level.
Can anyone help me with a link to a set, concise, list of goals for your organization? I agree that theocracy is an utmost danger to free thought and diversity, things like this, but I am curious as to your organization's mission statement. I imagine it isn't something along the lines of "make everyone agnostic" but rather to promote a split from the hard-headed beliefs that people are shepherded into following.
Thank you in advance.
It is said the great ones catch teardrops in their hands.
A quick word of welcome, and a few more words of advice: Welcome. Don't post random rebuttals to the blasphemy challenge in completely unrelated threads. It's unlikely you'll get yourself banned unless you ask for it (don't), but you'll get yourself relegated to trollville - and justifiably.
"But still I am the Cat who walks by himself, and all places are alike to me!" ~Rudyard Kipling
Mazid the Raider says: I'd rather face the naked truth than to go "augh, dude, put some clothes on or something" and hand him some God robes, cause you and I know that the naked truth is pale, hairy, and has an outie
Entomophila says: Ew. AN outie
You guys are a blast. Listen up, when you are god , all else is rather silly. Religion and being religious very often mean differnet things, obviously.
Also to be a Jesus fan can mean different things. I a jesus fan would consider labeling myself a christian as an insult to my atheist jesus.
Yet another would say Xain simply means I am also a jesus fan. ????
Sorry I can't think, the guitars are so dang loud in my studio room here now, where's my ear plugs damn it.
Anyway language pretty much sucks, but that's all we got, keep trying ...... I do ..... I AM GOD just like you ..... just like jesus and buddha said .....
what ever .... sheezzzzz All is ONE ....
[ and the band sucks tonight ]
Atheism Books.