(October 1, 2018 at 1:42 pm)SYZ Wrote: Despite purporting to advance the "cause" of atheism, Andrews has, by his
petty closure of the TTA forum, indicated that his agenda may well be the
exact opposite.

The TTA forum has provided a voice for literally thousands of atheist the
world over at various times, and contains(ed) a wealth of religious data and
links to hundreds of sites relevant to atheism, agnosticism, and disbelief.

I was always uneasy (still am) by the fact that for a decade, Andrews was a
radio broadcaster and zealous Christian apologist.  Is it at all possible that he
may again 'desert the cause' and revert to theism?  He spent 40 years of his
life as a Christian, making money from his belief.  Could he be making less
money as an atheist—as it's more than obvious it's only the opportunity of big
dollars that drives his particular cause.  Whatever it may be.
 

Great post SYZ. I posseted the hypothesis that money may be the reason the forum was nuked shortly after the forum closure was announced and following a recent podcast where he was promoting his latest book in an aggressive manner which I've not seen him do before, I remember thinking he sounded kinda desperate. I could be completely wrong of course but its not beyond the realms of possibility after all atheism is definitely not the cash cow that organised religion is.

(October 1, 2018 at 1:42 pm)SYZ Wrote: I was always uneasy (still am) by the fact that for a decade, Andrews was a
radio broadcaster and zealous Christian apologist.  Is it at all possible that he
may again 'desert the cause' and revert to theism?  He spent 40 years of his
life as a Christian, making money from his belief.  Could he be making less
money as an atheist—as it's more than obvious it's only the opportunity of big
dollars that drives his particular cause.  Whatever it may be.

I wondered the same thing. Think how much more successful his career would be as a reformed atheist compared to yet another run of the mill zealous Christian radio show host.

We know the preachers in mega churches don't really believe what they peddle. Why wouldn't someone like that try and alternative route to fame and fortune?

I have to wonder how much this move has cost him? How many patrons have stopped donating?

I believe it was partially donations that paid for his honeymoon a couple of years ago?

Hmmm atheism isn't nearly as profitable as religion, that is certain.

(October 1, 2018 at 3:13 pm)The Valkyrie Wrote: I have to wonder how much this move has cost him?  How many patrons have stopped donating?

I believe it was partially donations that paid for his honeymoon a couple of years ago?

We'll find out if he starts going on incessantly about how community is important.

It's weird, Seth's videos were some of the first atheist videos I ever came across, and his website was what jumpstarted me into looking into the issue. I lurked on TFTSNBD for a long time and learned a lot. The main takeaway from lurking there was how normal atheists seemed, and how confident they were in dismissing my lifelong beliefs.

Sad to see the guy who basically introduced me to atheism just toss away the community he started, even if he was never really involved with it. I think I'll unsubscribe from his youtube channel and podcast, especially since I have been listening to his show less and less anyway. Hasn't been very interesting in a while. The best content was always the phone calls from atheists in the community and he doesn't seem to do that a lot anymore.

He's actually brought up how much money he could make if he made a return to Christianity as a reformed atheist..

(October 1, 2018 at 3:13 pm)The Valkyrie Wrote: I have to wonder how much this move has cost him?  How many patrons have stopped donating?

I believe it was partially donations that paid for his honeymoon a couple of years ago?

He mentioned on his podcast that he was getting married in Alaska and in lieu of gifts he asked his audience to make donations to one of the charities that dig wells and provide pumps so people get clean drinking water. Raised quite a lot if I remember correctly. So although he was a real douche nozzle to us he does have some redeeming features.

(October 1, 2018 at 3:13 pm)LastPoet Wrote: Hmmm atheism isn't nearly as profitable as religion, that is certain.

I hope it never does. The best thing about not belonging to a club or believing in an authoritarian goon is that you can think for yourself.

The only downside is it can become like "herding cats". It is hard to combat bad logic in a world of sheep.

Can I just say:

I wish more of you refugees would start threads and/or dive in to ongoing discussions. You seem super-likable based on what I've read here and elsewhere on the forum.

Dad voice: I want to see RobbyPants-level participation from all of you. Understand?

They're still going thru withdrawal and shock. Some of you people are not making it any easier. You know who you are.