Atheist @ X-mas Time

[BigBuddhaPup]

If it hasn't been figured out by anyone that has read some of my posts, I am an atheist.

I enjoy X-mas, it is a wonderful secular holiday to me... I celebrate it as a season for my family and friends.... past memories...

Any other atheist/agnostics out there? Anyone enjoy the Yuletide season like I do?
:thumbup:

[Marino13]

What do you get when you cross an atheist with a Jehovahs Witness?....


Someone who knocks at your door for no apparent reason




If there were no God, there would be no atheists.
-Gilbert K. Chesterton

[CKFresh]

BBP, I'm right there with you. I'm not sure if I can be called an atheist, because I'm not sure. I'm definately not a Christian, or any other form of organized religion, but I like to believe that there is SOMETHING other than us. But, I'm pretty close to being an atheist.

Yeah I love this time of year. As a kid there were the gifts, as a teen there were the annoying relatives, and as an adult there are the annoying in-laws. But hey, we get together we people we are close to, tell stories, and get drunk. SOunds good to me.

Happy Holidays everyone.

[ncoastraider]

an atheist's headstone reads...all dressed up and nowhere to go

[Montrovant]

Depending on how you define the terms, I'm an atheist or agnostic. Don't believe in any god(s), but admit to the possibility. Sort of a philosophy of ignorance; barring a personal appearance by any god(s), I don't think anyone has reason to believe in any particular religious view. I live as though there is no god, so I guess atheist may be a better fit, but whatever :)

I don't celebrate Christmas, because 1)it's a religious holiday, whether you consider it Christian or pagan, despite the secular way it's celebrated for the most part and 2)I have no family ties to drag me into any kind of celebration. I suppose you could add 3)I don't want to buy a bunch of presents for people lol. So I'm not a particular fan of the season, it's just another bunch of days to me for the most part.

[Heathen]

As old SC members know, I'm also an atheist. I enjoy the holidays and see it as a time to celebrate family and friends... you know... the MOST important things in you LIFE!!

[BigBuddhaPup]

What do you get when you cross an atheist with a Jehovahs Witness?....


Someone who knocks at your door for no apparent reason




If there were no God, there would be no atheists.
-Gilbert K. Chesterton


Heh, heh, good ones...

If there were no humans, there would be no God.
-BBP

[BigBuddhaPup]

BBP, I'm right there with you. I'm not sure if I can be called an atheist, because I'm not sure. I'm definately not a Christian, or any other form of organized religion, but I like to believe that there is SOMETHING other than us. But, I'm pretty close to being an atheist.

Yeah I love this time of year. As a kid there were the gifts, as a teen there were the annoying relatives, and as an adult there are the annoying in-laws. But hey, we get together we people we are close to, tell stories, and get drunk. SOunds good to me.

Happy Holidays everyone.


CKFresh,

Maybe agnostic? or deist?

I always loved the gifts...I like giving as much as receiving... Annoying in-laws are always a fine excuse to drink, but the holidays serve that function as well... Yep, I like telling stories of past and the good times..

[BigBuddhaPup]

an atheist's headstone reads...all dressed up and nowhere to go

Another good one..*L*


I am going to be cremated myself... sprinkle me in a good spot, or smoke me, I don't care... you can even have my clothes if you want... I have some nice Steelers jerseys...

[BigBuddhaPup]

Depending on how you define the terms, I'm an atheist or agnostic. Don't believe in any god(s), but admit to the possibility. Sort of a philosophy of ignorance; barring a personal appearance by any god(s), I don't think anyone has reason to believe in any particular religious view. I live as though there is no god, so I guess atheist may be a better fit, but whatever :)

I don't celebrate Christmas, because 1)it's a religious holiday, whether you consider it Christian or pagan, despite the secular way it's celebrated for the most part and 2)I have no family ties to drag me into any kind of celebration. I suppose you could add 3)I don't want to buy a bunch of presents for people lol. So I'm not a particular fan of the season, it's just another bunch of days to me for the most part.

Montrovant,

I think a person can be both, agnostic and atheist...

I don't celebrate Christmas in any religious sense obviously...but I do take from the season some of the rituals, especially the ones that hold family and friend dear...

What, no present for me? You cad! You bounder!

Aw, that is okay... we will have a good ale, good music, and good conversation... Cheers to ya...

[BigBuddhaPup]

As old SC members know, I'm also an atheist. I enjoy the holidays and see it as a time to celebrate family and friends... you know... the MOST important things in you LIFE!!

:thumbup: Kudos... I am with ya...

[PPKA]

If it hasn't been figured out by anyone that has read some of my posts, I am an atheist.

I enjoy X-mas, it is a wonderful secular holiday to me... I celebrate it as a season for my family and friends.... past memories...

Any other atheist/agnostics out there? Anyone enjoy the Yuletide season like I do?
:thumbup:



Buddha,

you're killing me. why do you call yourself a religious name?

I define God to be X, since I know X exists, God exists.

Merry Xmas

[boston_aloha]

So may I ask one of you atheist what you believe happens after you die? Just curious...

[BigBuddhaPup]

Buddha,

you're killing me. why do you call yourself a religious name?

I define God to be X, since I know X exists, God exists.

Merry Xmas


It is my nickname for my dog.. he looks like a big buddha pup when he sits and look intently at me..

BTW, I don't see the historical buddha as a religious icon, I see him as a man, just like Jesus as well...

Like I said before on another board which I was attacked for using "X"-mas... it is a common abbreviation for Christmas... the X is Greek for Christos(Christ)... no slam, no disrespect, just an abbreviation...

If you wanted to make it mathematical, then X is an unknown quantity with you have to figure out... very agnostic(in solely mathematical terms)...

Happy Holidays to ya!:o

[BigBuddhaPup]

So may I ask one of you atheist what you believe happens after you die? Just curious...

Boston,

You cease to be.

[PPKA]

I don't care about that stuff Buddha. you know me better than that.

you can call it Merry Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs day as far as I'm concerned.

I was just wondering.

I believe atheists have their own religion. I just don't know what its called.

Atheism just doesn't sound right. lets invent a name unless you already have one picked out. ;)

[BigBuddhaPup]

I don't care about that stuff Buddha. you know me better than that.

you can call it Merry Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs day as far as I'm concerned.

I was just wondering.

I believe atheists have their own religion. I just don't know what its called.

Atheism just doesn't sound right. lets invent a name unless you already have one picked out. ;)

I figured I would put it out there before others made it an issue... Merry Disney Day..I am sure ABC/Disney would enjoy that...

Sometimes nothing means nothing, PPKA... Atheism simply fits, it is non-belief, non-religion, no god...call it what you will... the vital thing missing from atheism that makes it a non-religion is that, atheists think that metaphysics are bunk.

The simplest definition is 'there is no god'....

[Jaguar Rick]

BBP, I think I would have to say I'm an Agnostic. I always thought that an Atheist believed there was [I]no[I] God. I really don't know. As a child I was forced to go to church and was even baptized. I attribute that to being young and very impressionable. I was caught under the spell of a slick evangelist. I despise being with people at a meal and them stopping everything for a prayer recited aloud. I think that is uncalled for. Why do Christians have to try pulling everyone else into their beliefs? Everyone who needs to pray, can do so to themselves. My other pet peeve is door-to-door pests, asking me "have you been saved?" It's especially bad in NC and GA.
For Christmas we celebrate like many people do. We have a tree, have our kids over, eat, drink and be merry. I am very concerned that the separation of church and state is narrowing.
rick

[BigBuddhaPup]

BBP, I think I would have to say I'm an Agnostic. I always thought that an Atheist believed there was [I]no[I] God. I really don't know. As a child I was forced to go to church and was even baptized. I attribute that to being young and very impressionable. I was caught under the spell of a slick evangelist. I despise being with people at a meal and them stopping everything for a prayer recited aloud. I think that is uncalled for. Why do Christians have to try pulling everyone else into their beliefs? Everyone who needs to pray, can do so to themselves. My other pet peeve is door-to-door pests, asking me "have you been saved?" It's especially bad in NC and GA.
For Christmas we celebrate like many people do. We have a tree, have our kids over, eat, drink and be merry. I am very concerned that the separation of church and state is narrowing.
rick

I would say I am an agnostic, as in we don't have starting point of the universe/multiverse... but I am also an atheist, as in there isn't a god(s), it is simply a man-made creation to fit into the "what we don't know yet" hole that will always be there...

I, as you know, grew up in NC as well... My family is southern baptist, my grandfather is a primitive baptist preacher, I am well versed on their brand of Christianity... the thing is it is part of the religion to recruit(testify) to others, I am not fond of the practice either...I have had people come to my door where I live now(NH) and want to leave pamplets, or invite me to their religion....you would think they would the hint when they have to walk past my truch with the bumpersticker in plain view that says "Militant Agnostic: I don't know, and neither do you"...but they still come... now if I see them coming, I just let my dogs out on my deck to say "hi"...

Absolutely, family, friends, eat, drink and be merry...

I agree about being wary of a Theocracy...

[AmpleSound]

Alright, well Christians don't go door to door and try to talk you into their beliefs... Christians as a whole should accept everyone with an open mind, heart, and eyes for what ever they choose! It is the Mormons, and the Jehovah's Witness that go door to door bugging the hell out of you!

As far as Atheists and Agnostics go: Atheists do not believe in God or a "higher being"... Agnostics believe there is a God, but do not choose to accept any form of religion to "worship" God.

To me religion should never be forced upon people, but as far as prayer goes... If you have a problem, and no one else at the table does... Whynot just get up go out of the room and comeback when the "open" prayer is done. If they are true to their religion or what not, then they shouldn't judge you for not partaking in their prayer... I'm set on the fact of "No religions, just Jesus!" I don't like organized religion, and honestly I don't think Jesus did either... He taught mostly outside, saying that "church" isn't really an indoors place that you go to. There is a pretty cool bikers church called "Set Free", and the whole "No religions, just Jesus!" is their slogan.

I smoke pot, I drink booze, and I'm not married but live with my fiance! Oh no is God going to strike me down... I don't believe so, I've accepted Jesus as my Savior, and I try to be a good person as He did teach!

[BigBuddhaPup]

Alright, well Christians don't go door to door and try to talk you into their beliefs... Christians as a whole should accept everyone with an open mind, heart, and eyes for what ever they choose! It is the Mormons, and the Jehovah's Witness that go door to door bugging the hell out of you!

As far as Atheists and Agnostics go: Atheists do not believe in God or a "higher being"... Agnostics believe there is a God, but do not choose to accept any form of religion to "worship" God.

To me religion should never be forced upon people, but as far as prayer goes... If you have a problem, and no one else at the table does... Whynot just get up go out of the room and comeback when the "open" prayer is done. If they are true to their religion or what not, then they shouldn't judge you for not partaking in their prayer... I'm set on the fact of "No religions, just Jesus!" I don't like organized religion, and honestly I don't think Jesus did either... He taught mostly outside, saying that "church" isn't really an indoors place that you go to. There is a pretty cool bikers church called "Set Free", and the whole "No religions, just Jesus!" is their slogan.

I smoke pot, I drink booze, and I'm not married but live with my fiance! Oh no is God going to strike me down... I don't believe so, I've accepted Jesus as my Savior, and I try to be a good person as He did teach!



It is usually Baptists that come knockin' on my door...but nvm, not important..

"Word History: An agnostic does not deny the existence of God and heaven but holds that one cannot know for certain whether or not they exist. The term agnostic was fittingly coined by the 19th-century British scientist Thomas H. Huxley, who believed that only material phenomena were objects of exact knowledge. He made up the word from the prefix a-, meaning "without, not," as in amoral, and the noun Gnostic. Gnostic is related to the Greek word gnōsis, "knowledge," which was used by early Christian writers to mean "higher, esoteric knowledge of spiritual things"; hence, Gnostic referred to those with such knowledge. In coining the term agnostic, Huxley was considering as "Gnostics" a group of his fellow intellectuals—"ists," as he called them—who had eagerly embraced various doctrines or theories that explained the world to their satisfaction. Because he was a "man without a rag of a label to cover himself with," Huxley coined the term agnostic for himself, its first published use being in 1870."- Dictionary.com

""What is atheism?"

Atheism is characterized by an absence of belief in the existence of gods. This absence of belief generally comes about either through deliberate choice, or from an inherent inability to believe religious teachings which seem literally incredible. It is not a lack of belief born out of simple ignorance of religious teachings. Some atheists go beyond a mere absence of belief in gods: they actively believe that particular gods, or all gods, do not exist. Just lacking belief in Gods is often referred to as the "weak atheist" position; whereas believing that gods do not (or cannot) exist is known as "strong atheism."
Regarding people who have never been exposed to the concept of 'god': Whether they are 'atheists' or not is a matter of debate. Since you're unlikely to meet anyone who has never encountered religion, it's not a very important debate...It is important, however, to note the difference between the strong and weak atheist positions. "Weak atheism" is simple scepticism; disbelief in the existence of God. "Strong atheism" is an explicitly held belief that God does not exist. Please do not fall into the trap of assuming that all atheists are "strong atheists." There is a qualitative difference in the "strong" and "weak" positions; it's not just a matter of degree. Some atheists believe in the nonexistence of all Gods; others limit their atheism to specific Gods, such as the Christian God, rather than making flat-out denials." - Infidel.org

Just thought it might be interesting to flesh out the definitions a bit...it is easy to see how "weak atheism/agnosticism" do intersect...

[Heathen]

So may I ask one of you atheist what you believe happens after you die? Just curious...

The same as when a dog or cat dies.... you cease to be.

[wufpax]

Buddha...you know I love ya man!

AmpleSound I too have that same sort of belief...I have been living with my fiance for almost 7 years and we have two beautiful daughters...I dont attend church, but I know what's in my heart! I was raised in the bible belt as a Baptist. (no stones ppl) I found too many of them are hypocrits so therefore disassociated myself from the whole thing except my beliefs...I do believe there is a higher power...

I have friends of many beliefs...some athiest, some muslin, and some, I dont know what they are. I have never tried to force my beliefs on any of them. It is there right in society to have their own beliefs, whether we like their beliefs are not!

I will end this with saying...Happy Holidays to you all...!

[BigBuddhaPup]

I am loved! I will look past the Wolfpack thing(WFU fan here)...


Happy Holidays!

[wufpax]

Good Luck on that Bowl game...picked you guys to win...Somewhere on these boards! :lol:

I overlook you being both a Steelers and WFU fan...:lol:





*side note...I am a Giants fan rooting for the Chargers to win the Super Bowl...how crazy is that...I love Philip Rivers!

[BigBuddhaPup]

Good Luck on that Bowl game...picked you guys to win...Somewhere on these boards! :lol:

I overlook you being both a Steelers and WFU fan...:lol:





*side note...I am a Giants fan rooting for the Chargers to win the Super Bowl...how crazy is that...I love Philip Rivers!

That will be tough victory for Wake, but they have done it constantly this year...


So this is a romantic/lustful type fixation love with the forementioned Mr. Rivers? Or just a continuation of his NCST days?... Just think if the draft would have went as planned, Philip Rivers would have ended up in Pittsburgh, he was projected around the 11th pick, and he was number one on the Steelers draft board(he worked out for Cowher,too)... But I have to say I am happy with the results as they occurred...

How cool for you would it have been if the Giants would have taken Rivers instead of Manning? Like Christmas morn...:D

[CKFresh]

CKFresh,

Maybe agnostic? or deist?

I always loved the gifts...I like giving as much as receiving... Annoying in-laws are always a fine excuse to drink, but the holidays serve that function as well... Yep, I like telling stories of past and the good times..

Yeah, agnostic I guess.

[Montrovant]

So may I ask one of you atheist what you believe happens after you die? Just curious...

I'm with BBP on this, death is the end of being.

It follows with my lack of belief in any god, don't see any evidence to think anything happens after dying. And I don't see it as a bad thing, as some of a religious nature do; maybe nothing good happens, but nothing bad happens either :) Not to mention, the whole idea of living forever seems like a bad one to me. Eternity is a long time, it's bound to get boring! :P

[IntheNet]

The best way to discover the folly of atheism is to be on a commerical flight and have it suddenly drop 10,000 feet... agnostic and aetheist alike will be praying to God like nobody's business... matter of fact they'll be the ones leading the prayer in the aisle evangelistic like and begging for forgiveness...

I believe the phrase, No Aetheists in Foxholes, has applicability here... they simply believe when it is convenient for them to do so... they will be "saved" in like matter I feel!

[CKFresh]

Yeah, Inthenet, keep thinking that everyone thinks like you. Unfortunately, a lot of think, therefore we don't believe the garbage that is in the Bible.

[BigBuddhaPup]

The best way to discover the folly of atheism is to be on a commerical flight and have it suddenly drop 10,000 feet... agnostic and aetheist alike will be praying to God like nobody's business... matter of fact they'll be the ones leading the prayer in the aisle evangelistic like and begging for forgiveness...

I believe the phrase, No Aetheists in Foxholes, has applicability here... they simply believe when it is convenient for them to do so... they will be "saved" in like matter I feel!


InTheNet, what you refer to in psychology is called "bargining"... some people will grasp at any thing if in a bad position....

When I was in the Army, and was in actual foxhole, the irony wasn't missed...I would actually laugh, and say "yes there are atheists in foxholes"... or as the Army called us, NRP (No Religious Preference)...:D

[BigBuddhaPup]

CKFresh,

I enjoy some good fiction....sometimes... of course I don't lead my life by it... but each to their own... as long as it is their own, and leave me the hell out of it...

It's "The War on Atheism"! *L*

[buckeyefan78]

InTheNet, what you refer to in psychology is called "bargining"... some people will grasp at any thing if in a bad position....

When I was in the Army, and was in actual foxhole, the irony wasn't missed...I would actually laugh, and say "yes there are atheists in foxholes"... or as the Army called us, NRP (No Religious Preference)...:D

This one makes me laugh.

A few weeks back my wife had the flu and was mumbling in agony "Oh God...oh God...oh God."

I yelled from the other room..."you don't believe in God...try again!"

She continued her moaning and eventually got better.

All's well that ends well. :thumbup:

[Heathen]

The best way to discover the folly of atheism is to be on a commerical flight and have it suddenly drop 10,000 feet... agnostic and aetheist alike will be praying to God like nobody's business... matter of fact they'll be the ones leading the prayer in the aisle evangelistic like and begging for forgiveness...

I believe the phrase, No Aetheists in Foxholes, has applicability here... they simply believe when it is convenient for them to do so... they will be "saved" in like matter I feel!

As an ex-soldier I can totally refute that statement.

I believe that people of "faith" are arrogant and think they're more important than an animal (which is what we are) thinking that if you live your life according to the rules in a book, you go to heaven for eternity.

Personally the thought of "living forever" scares the sh!t outta me.... I don't want to live forever... I'd get bored pretty quick I think.

[PPKA]

I guess I just wasn't brought up the same way as some of you. I was taught to have an open heart and an open mind by my mother and my father always told me to look out for yourself because nobody will do it for you.

I use both of their simple philosophies to live my life.

I cannot and will not turn my back to anyone's beliefs or non-beliefs. do what you will, but do unto others.

granted, there are people all over this world that view their religion and faith as a business and I would have nothing to do with them. I view it as an open hand. I don't offer guidance or preach my faith. I offer help when it is asked for and needed.

If those that use their faith to their own gains are lumped in with those that use their faith to help others, you will turn us all away. In that instance, New Orleans would still be a swamp.

those beliefs come from my own belief in God. not a higher power or a power line running down the road. If I have more to give, I will give it.

[Ravana]

I am going to be cremated myself... sprinkle me in a good spot, or smoke me

Unless I've been trading quips with a particularly eloquent tobacco plant, I believe I'll stick with my current pipe fill, thank you.... :lol:

Atheist: two possible definitions—one who does not believe in any divine being(s), or one who specifically believes that there are not any. The difference is that, in the first case, the person may not have been introduced to the possibility of divine beings, or, having been introduced to such, has simply ignored the issue; this is not a "belief," but rather a lack thereof. The second has considered the issue and rejects the possibility; this is a "belief"—some argue that it is a "religion," confusing those two terms. (I believe in the existence of Corvette Stingrays; doesn't mean I worship them. Well, okay, maybe I do....) Both versions are "a-[as in 'anti-']theistic."

Agnostic: One who is not sure; more narrowly, one who believes that it is impossible to know for sure. Following the latter, an agnostic may or may not "believe" in a divine being or beings, but admits uncertainty.

Deist: one who believes in a divine being or beings on "purely rational grounds" (quoting my dictionary's definition), "without reliance on revelation or authority." What "rational grounds" lead to such a belief, I'm not sure.

...hmm. I've always avoided answering questions about my own beliefs; makes it easier to take—or oppose—any side that comes along. Should I or shouldn't I...? (Hey, RavenPoe: you never finished guessing my educational background; wanna go for religion? LOL ;) )

I know what I'd like to believe, in at least one aspect... what I'd like everyone to believe. That's reincarnation. Not for any of the reasons ever articulated for it, either. The reason I wish everyone believed in reincarnation is that, if they did, they'd take better care of the world. Think about it: you're no longer talking about "the world your grandchildren will have to live in"....

...you're talking about the world you'll have to live in... next time around.

Makes a difference in your thinking, doesn't it?

[Montrovant]

Oddly enough Ravana, it doesn't make a difference in my thinking :)

Since I don't remember any past lives, I have to assume that if reincarnation happens, I won't remember this life in my next incarnation, either. That being the case, it's almost starting from a clean slate; i.e. it won't really be ME the next time around. Therefore, I don't care any more or less about what the world will be like after I die :P

I do consider reincarnation a more likely form of life-after-death than anything like heaven or valhalla or whatever non-reincarnation afterlife a person might believe in. 80 years or so (speaking in average life-span terms) seems like an awfully short time in which to be judged for how a person will spend eternity. If there is a god, and it is a benevolent god, I'd like to think it would give us the chance to improve till we get it right, not damn us to an eternity of pain for screwing up once :)

If there's a tobacco plant posting on these boards....well, I'll have to consider that it's time to start using some drugs :lol:

[Ravana]

Since I don't remember any past lives, I have to assume that if reincarnation happens, I won't remember this life in my next incarnation, either. That being the case, it's almost starting from a clean slate; i.e. it won't really be ME the next time around. Therefore, I don't care any more or less about what the world will be like after I die

Yes, but your consciousness would still exist—you would still be conscious of the time, and the conditions, you were living in. You will still experience it... even if it's a "whole new you." Do you really want to put yourself through some of the things we're setting ourselves up for? (Look at it this way: assume the Christians are right, and we go to Heaven or Hell. Assume further, however, that your mind is wiped before you arrive. Would you still want to submit yourself to the agonies of Hell... even if you didn't remember what you did to get yourself there once you arrived?) :redhot:

[BigBuddhaPup]

Unless I've been trading quips with a particularly eloquent tobacco plant, I believe I'll stick with my current pipe fill, thank you.... :lol:

Atheist: two possible definitions—one who does not believe in any divine being(s), or one who specifically believes that there are not any. The difference is that, in the first case, the person may not have been introduced to the possibility of divine beings, or, having been introduced to such, has simply ignored the issue; this is not a "belief," but rather a lack thereof. The second has considered the issue and rejects the possibility; this is a "belief"—some argue that it is a "religion," confusing those two terms. (I believe in the existence of Corvette Stingrays; doesn't mean I worship them. Well, okay, maybe I do....) Both versions are "a-[as in 'anti-']theistic."

Agnostic: One who is not sure; more narrowly, one who believes that it is impossible to know for sure. Following the latter, an agnostic may or may not "believe" in a divine being or beings, but admits uncertainty.

Deist: one who believes in a divine being or beings on "purely rational grounds" (quoting my dictionary's definition), "without reliance on revelation or authority." What "rational grounds" lead to such a belief, I'm not sure.

...hmm. I've always avoided answering questions about my own beliefs; makes it easier to take—or oppose—any side that comes along. Should I or shouldn't I...? (Hey, RavenPoe: you never finished guessing my educational background; wanna go for religion? LOL ;) )

I know what I'd like to believe, in at least one aspect... what I'd like everyone to believe. That's reincarnation. Not for any of the reasons ever articulated for it, either. The reason I wish everyone believed in reincarnation is that, if they did, they'd take better care of the world. Think about it: you're no longer talking about "the world your grandchildren will have to live in"....

...you're talking about the world you'll have to live in... next time around.

Makes a difference in your thinking, doesn't it?


You can use a nice pipe tobacco and me blend, or some hallocinogen if you like...

I think atheism deals with what you propose very well... If you have the mindset this is your one and only shot...the tendency would be to do the best you can with that one shot...

I would go with deist if I was guessing your preference... as for education, bachelors, maybe liberal arts...

[CKFresh]

BBP, Could use your help on the Chrisitan at Christmas time thread. Trying to explain why evolution is taught in schools and religion is not. I'm sure you could talk some sense into 'em.

[BigBuddhaPup]

CKFresh,

That is the thing about faith(blind belief), it is very difficult to propose rational thought to that discussion....

[CKFresh]

very true....

[IntheNet]

Trying to explain why evolution is taught in schools and religion is not...

Discrimination and prejudice?

[RavenPoe]

Discrimination and prejudice?

By whom? Who are these discriminators?

[CKFresh]

Yeah, I love how people who are in the majority in America (Christians) like to play the discrimination card. List Inthenet, most of America is Christian, no one is trying to discriminate. We just want the best information to be taught in schools. If the Bible had all the answers it would be a lot easier. Unfortunately, the Bible has been proven wrong, time and time again, so we need to use some other reasources to get the answer (aka SCIENCE). I'm sorry that science offends you and doesn't fit your beliefs, but to the rest of the rational world, science has done a lot of good for the world.

[IntheNet]

By whom? Who are these discriminators?


Those who deny creationism as a life origin theory to be instructed in public schools... I doubt it is the teachers themselves as they follow the lesson plans approved by the School Boards, and they, in turn, follow District and/or regional lesson plans approved at the state level. It is a top down process. Kooky, secular progressive, State curriculum advisors and those who approve curricula are likely the ones at fault and those who need dismissal, termination, or firings.

[BigBuddhaPup]

This isn't how it is to be an atheist at X-mas time... we have rational discussions...we laugh at creationism...tell stories about our families/friends' past...

Okay, back to the pseudo-science... Creationism is sad attempt of Christians to refute Evolution... I would put it in the same category as Scientology... Can we teach Scientology in schools too? Zenu would be most grateful. Or how Muhammed had a magical flying donkey? I like the story we are on Giant Turtles' back....

[sikotik]

Great thread, BBP! Just like the good ole days:thumbup:

You know I'm with you.. I think I'm agnostic- that's the one where you don't know, right?

But one thing I'm quite sure about is that I find it very hard to take anyone seriously who believes that the Bible should be taken completely literally..

And as far as Christmas-time, I enjoy the traditions and the gift giving (although lately I seem to be on a bad streak with my gift giving prowess)... and I just choose to look at the whole 'nativity' aspect of Xmas in the same light as Santa Claus and Rudolph... Does that make me a heathen.. Heathen?

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!:)

[BigBuddhaPup]

Great thread, BBP! Just like the good ole days:thumbup:

You know I'm with you.. I think I'm agnostic- that's the one where you don't know, right?

But one thing I'm quite sure about is that I find it very hard to take anyone seriously who believes that the Bible should be taken completely literally..

And as far as Christmas-time, I enjoy the traditions and the gift giving (although lately I seem to be on a bad streak with my gift giving prowess)... and I just choose to look at the whole 'nativity' aspect of Xmas in the same light as Santa Claus and Rudolph... Does that make me a heathen.. Heathen?

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!:)


I have a manger scene, with all the figures...is a family heirloom thing... so it is put up because it has stories associated with it... I have a rottie, shar pei and a buddha figures I put in the manger with the rest... my postmodern twist to the whole thing *L*...

I think you might be a Heathen... Oh jeez.. like the freakin' redneck thing... oh well..

You might be heathen if someone tells you that you are going to hell...

Why bad gift selection on your part?

[RavenPoe]

Those who deny creationism as a life origin theory to be instructed in public schools... I doubt it is the teachers themselves as they follow the lesson plans approved by the School Boards, and they, in turn, follow District and/or regional lesson plans approved at the state level. It is a top down process. Kooky, secular progressive, State curriculum advisors and those who approve curricula are likely the ones at fault and those who need dismissal, termination, or firings.

Creationism isn't a life origin theory so it's pretty easy to deny that. In order to be classified as a theory, you would need some additional proof besides the bible. Can you prove that the bible is more than.....say......300 years old? How? You wouldn't dare use radiocarbon dating, would you?

Just saying.

I should quickly add that hand-me-down human hearsay isn't proof. Hearsay is so unbelievable that it's not even allowed as evidence in American court of law. Even first hand hearsay.

[NYG Babe 28]

Hey Bigbuddahpup,
I too am agnostic. I grew up in a Catholic household. My family is still catholic. I celebrate the Christmas season as a season for giving. So we do ther typical rituals. Decorate, exchange gifts and spend time with my family and loved ones. I love the holiday. My boyfriend is jewish and he takes part in it all too... after much prodding but we both enjoy it despite the lack of religous meaning for us. It works for us.

Ok... I am off to the bahs in Boston to get some brew!

Later!

NYG Babe

[CKFresh]

Man, NYGBabe, that sounds fun. Bars in Boston, can I come please?

[cheesey]

I'm up for some bars in Boston. Do we have to drink that Sam Adams swill?

[RavenPoe]

I'm up for some bars in Boston. Do we have to drink that Sam Adams swill?

Hey now! Sam Adams is fine American beer.

[BigBuddhaPup]

Hey Bigbuddahpup,
I too am agnostic. I grew up in a Catholic household. My family is still catholic. I celebrate the Christmas season as a season for giving. So we do ther typical rituals. Decorate, exchange gifts and spend time with my family and loved ones. I love the holiday. My boyfriend is jewish and he takes part in it all too... after much prodding but we both enjoy it despite the lack of religous meaning for us. It works for us.

Ok... I am off to the bahs in Boston to get some brew!

Later!

NYG Babe

Does he do Chanukah?

Boston has plenty of good drinkin' spots.... the wharfs, Tremont/Boylston St....Southie has plenty of good Irish pubs... I live 40 miles north in NH, so I go to Boston, time to time... FAO Schwartz would be cool to look at this time of year...

[BigBuddhaPup]

Hey now! Sam Adams is fine American beer.


RavenPoe,

I have to disagree...Sam Adams is nasty beer...

I have to say, which is pretty obvious, most good beer is usually European... a few decent brews from Canada... and Red Stripe is excellent(Jamacian)...

Bass Ale, Smithwicks, Amstel... and Guiness(only draft)..are some of my favorites..:thumbup:

[BigBuddhaPup]

I'm up for some bars in Boston. Do we have to drink that Sam Adams swill?

CKFresh, Cheesey, RavenPoe, NYGBabe... first round is on me... :D

[Ravana]

You can use a nice pipe tobacco and me blend, or some hallocinogen if you like...

Okay... hmm... a little jimson, uhm.. what other hallucinogens smoke well? (Aside from cannabis and opium—neither hallucinogens per se.)

I think atheism deals with what you propose very well... If you have the mindset this is your one and only shot...the tendency would be to do the best you can with that one shot...

Actually, my point was different: if this is your only shot, then you have no self-interest in the conditions of the world after you die—you can treat it any way you want to, because nothing else matters to you... in terms of pure self-interest.

Reincarnation means you'll be back, though... and have to deal with the mess you left earlier.

Btw, there is no conflict between reincarnation and atheism—don't need a god to be sending you back to another body... just happens. Something for you to think about, perhaps.

[BigBuddhaPup]

Okay... hmm... a little jimson, uhm.. what other hallucinogens smoke well? (Aside from cannabis and opium—neither hallucinogens per se.)



Actually, my point was different: if this is your only shot, then you have no self-interest in the conditions of the world after you die—you can treat it any way you want to, because nothing else matters to you... in terms of pure self-interest.

Reincarnation means you'll be back, though... and have to deal with the mess you left earlier.

Btw, there is no conflict between reincarnation and atheism—don't need a god to be sending you back to another body... just happens. Something for you to think about, perhaps.



Is it your assumption that people will not do the right thing if they know this is their only shot? Very cynical. My theory is that people will want to maximize their happiness... I don't think personal happiness manifests itself as selfishness...

I understand that being atheist for some simply means they don't believe in god, "weak atheism"... but for some, myself included, metaphysical notions are moot... reincarnation isn't provable, nor would it make any difference because you would have no prior knowledge of your former self/world or of reincarnation even occuring...


Anyone else open one present on Christmas Eve? It has been a family tradition since I can remember...

[Cure]

Is it your assumption that people will not do the right thing if they know this is their only shot? Very cynical. My theory is that people will want to maximize their happiness... I don't think personal happiness manifests itself as selfishness...

I understand that being atheist for some simply means they don't believe in god, "weak atheism"... but for some, myself included, metaphysical notions are moot... reincarnation isn't provable, nor would it make any difference because you would have no prior knowledge of your former self/world or of reincarnation even occuring...


Anyone else open one present on Christmas Eve? It has been a family tradition since I can remember...

Always open a present on christmas eve... it's like an appetizer.
...and I can't stand Sam Adams. Flat Branch Oil Change Stout is the shiznit.

[RavenPoe]

RavenPoe,

I have to disagree...Sam Adams is nasty beer...

I have to say, which is pretty obvious, most good beer is usually European... a few decent brews from Canada... and Red Stripe is excellent(Jamacian)...

Bass Ale, Smithwicks, Amstel... and Guiness(only draft)..are some of my favorites..:thumbup:

BBP,

I drink Sam Adams all the time. Also a beer from up your way called Magic Hat. There are a few from around here that are pretty good. I like most of the Sam Adams line but the Winter Lager is my favorite.

I drink just about every import, some are good others aren't. Many imports are seriously overrated and overpriced. You listed Amstel....blahhh......watered down Heineken which isn't all that good either. Smithwicks is from Guinness as is Harp's. Both are ok in my opinion but not decidedly better than Sam Adams.

My favorite import is, of course, Guinness but I'm also real fond of Newcastle Brown Ale. There's also Sam Smith's, another British line that are real good but real expensive. :)

[BigBuddhaPup]

BBP,

I drink Sam Adams all the time. Also a beer from up your way called Magic Hat. There are a few from around here that are pretty good. I like most of the Sam Adams line but the Winter Lager is my favorite.

I drink just about every import, some are good others aren't. Many imports are seriously overrated and overpriced. You listed Amstel....blahhh......watered down Heineken which isn't all that good either. Smithwicks is from Guinness as is Harp's. Both are ok in my opinion but not decidedly better than Sam Adams.

My favorite import is, of course, Guinness but I'm also real fond of Newcastle Brown Ale. There's also Sam Smith's, another British line that are real good but real expensive. :)


I never drank a Sam Adams I have liked...but people up here swear by it, or on it sometimes *L*... Not Amstel Light, but Amstel... there is a difference, but you can only get it in Canada.... Yep, Smithwicks and Harps are by Guinness...

I like Newcastle Brown Ale... hadn't tried Sam Smiths...

Magic Hat is all right...there is also Harpoon IPA and Smuttynose breweries in this area as well.. they aren't bad...