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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 6:49 pm
(This post was last modified: March 8, 2012 at 6:51 pm by NoMoreFaith.)
(March 8, 2012 at 6:39 pm)Werewolff Wrote: I think I agree with pretty much everything you've said, NMFaith. The only exception is that if a religious person comes up to me and starts talking about their beliefs, I don't really argue with them. I say good luck. I can't think of anything I could possibly gain from having a debate and trying to convince them that my view is right. If it's a friend or acquaintance and they want a friendly debate that's a different matter.
It depends on how mentally deranged you are, in what you gain by pointing out the flaws in their argument.
I learnt to play chess because the moment of the game where they realise they have lost is a beautiful and an incomparable experience. You see their heart break as you crush their superiority complex, its a split second of their sweet agony before the rational part kicks in and mute acceptance takes over. Any chess player who plays live knows that moment, and they are lying if they feel bad about it.
I now play a lot of poker since it combines the above on a more regular basis with the added bonus of the realisation that you have not only broken them, but made off with their money too makes it twice as sweet.
If they want to play the game with me, whether proselytising their version of faith at me using logical constructions open to debate, or challenging my spatial awareness and strategic thinking, or challenging my pattern awareness and mathematical ability... they chose to do it... and its not up to me to make them feel good about it, I'm just playing the game they came to me with, and I play for keeps. I lose often too, and still beautiful, but such is life, its the game that matters.
Win or Lose, they are beautiful moments. Whether I'm the one winning or losing at chess or poker or debate, these moments of pure emotion are what make life worth living.
I'm a bad man and completely unapologetic about it 
Self-authenticating private evidence is useless, because it is indistinguishable from the illusion of it. ― Kel, Kelosophy Blog
If you’re going to watch tele, you should watch Scooby Doo. That show was so cool because every time there’s a church with a ghoul, or a ghost in a school. They looked beneath the mask and what was inside?
The f**king janitor or the dude who runs the waterslide. Throughout history every mystery. Ever solved has turned out to be. Not Magic. ― Tim Minchin, Storm
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Yes you are a bad, bad man. I know what you mean about chess, I can totally relate to that, and it is a sweet feeling. But you have to remember that for a lot of people believing in god is a big part of their lives. You know how I met my wife? She came up to me in the street and asked me if I believed in god (she was more of a churchgoer then than she is now). Now, after reading what you've just said, I wonder what would have happened if I had tried to crush her just for the sake of feeling a sense of self satisfaction, rather than replying "No, but do you believe in love at first sight?" which is what I did say to her. We sometimes have "debates" about the existence of god (well, more like playful discussions just to pass the time) and I'm always mindful of how much of an ass I would come across as if I ever got on my high horse with her. It's a question of maturity.
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 7:46 pm
![[Image: Tundra-Hunter-Warwick-Skin.jpg]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.fantasydimensions.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F08%2FTundra-Hunter-Warwick-Skin.jpg)
Welcome.
Please give me a home where cloud buffalo roam
Where the dear and the strangers can play
Where sometimes is heard a discouraging word
But the skies are not stormy all day
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 7:46 pm
I'm...
...touched.
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 7:47 pm
(This post was last modified: March 8, 2012 at 7:51 pm by NoMoreFaith.)
(March 8, 2012 at 7:39 pm)Werewolff Wrote: You know how I met my wife? She came up to me in the street and asked me if I believed in god (she was more of a churchgoer then than she is now). Now, after reading what you've just said, I wonder what would have happened if I had tried to crush her just for the sake of feeling a sense of self satisfaction, rather than replying "No, but do you believe in love at first sight?" which is what I did say to her. We sometimes have "debates" about the existence of god (well, more like playful discussions just to pass the time) and I'm always mindful of how much of an ass I would come across as if I ever got on my high horse with her. It's a question of maturity.
What a beautiful story. That's genuinely touching.
To me, it all depends on the manner in which you are approached.
If approached as an equal, then we can have a friendly discussion.
If approached as a sinner who is already considered damned, I may not hold back so much (read as; not at all)
I treat people with the equal amount of respect they are offering. Offer little respect, and I feel no compunction in returning the favour.
Same with chess, and poker. If someone is there to beat me, or to take my money, I will return the favour as best I can.
If its a friendly game of chess and poker (although admittedly there is rarely a truly "friendly" game of poker), I'm not as focused on "crushing" them. Same goes for debate. Friendly debate is about exploring the limits of our rationale. Unfriendly assertive debate is about me crushing their idea of superiority.
NINJA EDIT: I can already tell I'm going to enjoy your posts here, and looking forward to them.
Self-authenticating private evidence is useless, because it is indistinguishable from the illusion of it. ― Kel, Kelosophy Blog
If you’re going to watch tele, you should watch Scooby Doo. That show was so cool because every time there’s a church with a ghoul, or a ghost in a school. They looked beneath the mask and what was inside?
The f**king janitor or the dude who runs the waterslide. Throughout history every mystery. Ever solved has turned out to be. Not Magic. ― Tim Minchin, Storm
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 7:56 pm
I have no patience for them but to each his own.
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 7:57 pm
(This post was last modified: March 8, 2012 at 7:59 pm by Werewolff.)
Fair enough, I guess that's how I'd go about it too, FNMore. Yes, if they're respectful then no matter what, they should get some respect back. Personally I don't very often find myself in situations where someone (I mean a theist) is condescending. And even if they speak with an air of knowing, to me that's ok too. I don't blame them for feeling like they know. There's a bit of the gnostic in all of us, if we're honest. I actually have quite a lot of respect for anyone with strong views. It shows character. As you can probably tell, it takes a lot for a theist to piss me off. I like theists, I think the world is a far richer place with them than without them. Same goes for believers in other things.
(March 8, 2012 at 7:56 pm)Minimalist Wrote: I have no patience for them but to each his own.
Yeah right. You say that now. But my mrs makes a mean hot cross bun.
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 8:16 pm
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RE: Another atheist here
March 8, 2012 at 8:19 pm
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RE: Another atheist here
March 9, 2012 at 12:29 am
"The Universe is run by the complex interweaving of three elements: energy, matter, and enlightened self-interest." G'Kar-B5
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