Good question. I myself have wondered what the members of the RRS do at their cult meetings.

This site helps to educate people with rational, logical thought. Taking donations to help keep the site and radio show running is not equivalent to a religion. Don't even go there

Why would you pray to Dawkins when his writings get such mixed reviews? If it was Holy Scripture, then the New York Review of Books wouldn't tell people to check it out at the library instead of spending money on it, would it?

It was a joke.

Theists often tell me that I 'pray' to Dawkins and Darwin, which is a silly assertation. 

I didn't even LIKE the God Delusion that much. 

I hope Brian, Rook and Kelly make some money off this site. They certainly earn it. But I think that they probably roll all the money that comes in back into the ongoing RRS efforts.

I know, Reverend, that you would never question the integrity of the RRS just because they ask for donations to help the cause. That might be construed as "casting the first stone."

No kidding.

Cult = give us ALL your money and never talk to your friends and family.

RRS = give us something if you can and if you can't no biggy 

Exactly!:D 

OWNED!!!!

LOL, that was awesome. 

This topic as been brought up before, be careful with the topic and make sure you back up the things you say.

http://www.rationalresponders.com/forum/miscellanous_forums/trollville/4465

 I'm picking and choosing. I'm also casting the first stone with glee. "Universal Life Church" Reverend Devilin. I'm a minister of atheism. and I like to testify brethren

I've just listened to one of the radio show's it starts in a remarkably similar way to any TV evangelist. including the bad use of the English language 

"You are help supporting a good cause when you do this. we are working very hard to get rational thought spread to those who need it most.  And with your financial support we will be able to do that"

"working very hard to get rational thought spread to those who need it most " so it's money for the cause Tilberian. I see 

Y'know what Rev? If Sapient and Kelly were spending every cent on cocaine and hookers I wouldn't give a rat's ass as long as the website stays up. As far as I'm concerned, this presence on the net is worth every penny they collect.

Why don't you lay your cards on the table and state clearly your interest in all this?

Glad to Tilberian hypocrisy read your own statement. you happily admit to blindly following the money making cause. if this was another web site and another money making cause undoubtedly you would condemn it. "Religion itself is nothing more than a moneymaking scam " first principles of any religious organization get some devoted followers and start raking in the money. atheism is a faith that uses logic and science to explain the fundamental questions of life. Christianity Judaism Islam are faiths that use magical books of fairy tales to explain these fundamental questions. Christianity Judaism Islam atheism. at there're root are all based in faith. Tilberian you are a devoted follower of a faith-based organization that's making money. excuse me for playing devil's advocate but there are obvious parallels

Voiderest I'm just pointing out you'll already at the same level no dragging needed

If the intention of this organization is nonprofit then surely it should register as a charity so its followers can get tax deduction

I think the bottom line here is that it really doesn't matter, does it?  Those that donate do so because they want to support the RRS.  This allows everyone to participate whether they subscribe or not.

As far as comparing this to a cult - wrong.  No one here tells me what to think.  Ever.  I am free to debate, learn, disagree or even leave if I want.  

I suppose you could compare it to an anti-religious religious organization, but then I think they should apply for the non-profit status.  Funny, though, I think they might be denied. 

Can we get back on topic?

I'd like to know more about this atheist porn site.  Atheist chicks are far more sexy.

HAH! Me to! Thats what the reverend stuff is about in my avatar lol.  

"How so? Have you bought into the idea you have faith in your car the same way a theist has faith in their god?"

 faith in your own existence. and what you perceived as reality is reality

"I don't think the co-founders are dumb enough to try. You may not realize it but there have been groups (however short a life span or how small) formed to destroy the RRS and they are looking for anyway to do it."

 I was unaware of this. but wouldn't this in itself call for greater clarity in this organization

"Really faith in reality.

Well I know I'm not 100% sure on reality, but it doesn't take much "faith"

But that's all it takes. I cannot deny this element of faith. although I consider myself a atheist. it's there so I must except it. to deny truth would be hypocritical. (I am sometimes hypocritical but I try not to be)

"Oh so whatever I think is going on is going on? This would mean everyone is right and wrong at the same time. Good luck with that."

I'm not entirely sure what you mean here ?

"How so? Because Sapient doesn't want to be stalked or be bound to terms set forth by the government he wouldn't otherwise be bound by?"

I need time to think about this, I've only recently become aware of the real physical danger atheists may have in the USA.

Well, these demented fuckwits are making a good living for themselves, that's for sure...  There's nothing quite like attending an adult industry event and getting proselytized by these jerks for Jesus. The founders made a shitload of money with porn sites before they got Jesus.  Now they spend their time convincing people in the adult biz to leave the industry and come to Jesus; and among the "civilians" (i.e. porn consumers) that they can help them get over "porn addiction." Although I suppose if you're gullible enough to believe there's a god not only watching you, but is going to put a black mark in your "book of life" for every instance of bishop-flogging, I guess you'd be naive enough to believe that only Jesus can save you.

While I can't say whether the founders and core members of XXXChurch truly converted or not, I've gotta admit it's quite the racket! Ex-porn stars to do the "booth babe" thing, and a percentage (or maybe ALL) of the sales of filtering software for all of the guys who (mistakenly) believe their time's better spent denying their natural instincts and thumping a bible than whacking their weasels.

 Oh, and I'd just LOVE to get a review of the Porn Debate between Ron Jeremy and the "Porn Pastor" Craig Gross - if any of you happen to be in cities on their tour and attend (if just to heckle!).

Welcome to the most religious country in the world outside of those run by fundy Muslims. For all their whining about discrimination and persecution, I'm quite sure it's more likely that I (or any other unapologetic, vocal and "out" atheist) would be the victim of a "religiously motivated" attack, either on our persons or property.

Just out of curiosity... how many here have walked out to their cars to find that one of their Darwin fish or godless bumper stickers has been removed or defaced? Or noticed that theirs is the only car in the parking lot with a Chick tract stuck in the window? I know it's happened to me more than once - and I've only been "out" for about 5 years.

If it were truly based on nothing, it would not exist. Since it clearly does exist, it must be based on something.

The practice of faith in God is also contingent (or appears to be by its adherents). One has problems or hopes or aspirations, one trusts God with them, one takes action (enlightened by God's grace and the wisdom of others) and then a positive outcome is reached (often different and better than the outcome imagined by the individual)….lather, rinse, repeat...until theistic faith is based on past experience. One may argue that the outcome would have taken place without the "trusting God" step but why try to get someone to change a belief system that's working for them?

/peace

 Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

 Faith my definition. belief in that which cannot be proved

Subjectivism maybe to constrictive as a definition.  I'll quote my reply to jive Turkey. for an understanding of the way I perceive things

 Hands down the business of religion wins, a smart conman gets himself involved in the business of religion, and honest man gets himself involved in that which isn't as financially rewarding for the betterment of society.

So you do not think it is possible to prove you exist?

I am 100% sure I exist, just as you and anyone else is 100% sure they exist.

Cogito ergo sum?

When it comes to other people or other aspects of my reality I am not 100% sure, but I do not have anything else to go on.

When most theist say they have faith in god they mean they are 100% sure yet do not hold it to the same standards as other things. I'm not sure if by faith you mean "something that I think is probably true based on logic and experience" or "something that I think is true"

Now lets say for a second you are right, everyone must have faith. Your argument against us is that because we have some faith we can't criticize other's faith. If thats true I have faith that they are wrong. You can't criticize me now. Then again if everything we were saying here was based on faith then you shouldn't have been criticizing us to begin with.

Of course that wasn't your beginning argument, it was just used as your proof the RRS is a cult. However that doesn't help you because that would make any org a cult...