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seathanaich (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
Differences of opinion in all major areas (politics, economics, social policy, etc) lead to the same sort of contempt that religion leads to, though I'd argue the "your wrong and you'll be punished eternally for it" type does make the others pale by comparison.
I would also argue that the mere existence of non-believers sets off the worst anti-atheist bigotry.
I think the only way past this is to ensure that you do not judge and value a person for only one facet of their life.
LightestTurkey (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
Interpreting God's word to suit one's own purposes is very dangerous and something all followers of faith are guilty of. At the end of the day, everybody wants to be right don't they? However, I believe God is just - different factors in our lives will affect whether we accept or reject the Saviour - believing all non-Christians shall be damned is parodoxical of Christian beliefs. I am part of no Church, however, I interpret the Bible as best I can and try to leave personal interest out.
LightestTurkey (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
It's definitely possible - the problem is that many atheists hold the believers in contempt and the attitude they take towards faith often provokes believers. However, both atheists and those of faith are guilty of being too imposing of their beliefs - it often creates strife between the groups. It's a personal thing though, and its the different personalities, not their beliefs (although this may add to it), that creates arrogance.
mch50r (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
Most of my friends and family are not people of faith. I too as LightestTurkey do not refer to myself as religious because that is all about ceremony and tradition as opposed to relationship with Christ. I hope and pray for them everyday, I have no ill will towards them or any other nonbeliever. Sometimes I strike back with a terse attitude when athiests take the position of intellectual superiority based on thier theory vs my belief.
seathanaich (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
My best friend is very religious. I am forced to assume, from talking to religious people, that there is honestly no way he can appreciate me as much as I appreciate him, no matter how hard he tries. This is, to me, just one of the many sad things that religion causes in its adherents - it reduces the joy in the life of my friend.
xsfslayer (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
I'm not disagreeing with you at all. But to make the point of true religion accepting all of god's children is a moot point, as a huge majority of religious followers do not practice any "true" practice of religion, as they choose to interpret words as they wish. Even the concept of a "true" religion is only another interpretation of religion.
If you wish to pray for me, I hold no objections :) I just doubt its results.
xsfslayer (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
Hmm interesting question. I attended a Christian church for 10 years, and during my time there, it seemed as if the majority of its members held non-believers in contempt.
seathanaich (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
The only real question is whether there can be human kindness WITH religion. I'm not saying this rhetorically. Can a religious believer truly not feel contempt for a non-believer? I can't answer this question, because I'm not religious.
LightestTurkey (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)
That is true Christian religion. It's not about the ceremony and tradition - that is all man-made. You would appreciate true Christianity that accepts all and proves itself by its acts, not its words. I call Christianity a faith, to escape the negative connotations "relgion" now has. I'll pray for you.
seathanaich (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)
Gee, how generous of you, allowing me to think what I want without stoning me to death for it.
Religionists are online because they are alarmed at the erosion of their cults. Atheists are online because they want to help limit and reduce the harm religion does; but it's normal for religionists to project their own insecurity and doubt onto the non-religious. That's a debating trick used in all debates. Demonising is common too.
Tell me a Buy Bull prophesy that has come true, oh Great Carnak. |
