For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views? Why did you go one step ahead of atheism? In general, an atheist simply rejects all god claims and doesn't believe in any deities. An anti-theist not only rejects all god claims, but they openly fight against theistic beliefs and label all religion as harmful to society and mankind.

For me personally, the reason I'm not an anti-theist is because I simply don't care about attacking religion and beliefs. Sure, I'll get involved in debates with theists on this site, but I don't defy and fight theism in real life, nor am I an outspoken atheist. I also don't go looking for religious people to debate or ridicule on the internet.

I've read lots of bad experiences people have had because of their beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have never gone through anything bad as a child in relation to church, Sunday school or religion (well, except for being lead to believe in Jebus). Sorry for rambling, but I'll appreciate any answers from people about why they are anti-theists.

(June 27, 2014 at 12:57 pm)Broseph Ballin Wrote: For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views? Why did you go one step ahead of atheism?

I don't know that I'd call it "one step ahead" - ahead of what, of whom, how would that be measured? It's just a different position altogether. One doesn't even have to be an atheist to express an anti-theist position. I suppose it's one of those fragile sorts of modifiers used to convey nuance.

Quote: In general, an atheist simply rejects all god claims and doesn't believe in any deities. An anti-theist not only rejects all god claims, but they openly fight against theistic beliefs and label all religion as harmful to society and mankind.

To be dead on accurate, if we want to compare what you're calling an "atheist position" with it;s like in anti-theism.....an anti-theist could accept all god claims, and remain an anti-theist. You're trying to compare apples and oranges. I suppose it's on the periphery though. If I simply thought that these things were untrue then so what - another fairy tale told to children...get in line. It is precisely because I think these things are horrid -even if they were true- and that -regardless of whether or not they are true, people act upon them as if they were- that I "fight against theistic beliefs" etc.

Quote:For me personally, the reason I'm not an anti-theist is because I simply don't care about attacking religion and beliefs.

Neither do I, as an anti-theist.

Quote:Sure, I'll get involved in debates with theists on this site, but I don't defy and fight theism in real life, nor am I an outspoken atheist. I also don't go looking for religious people to debate or ridicule on the internet.

Neither do I, as an anti-theist.

Quote:I've read lots of bad experiences people have had because of their beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have never gone through anything bad as a child in relation to church, Sunday school or religion (well, except for being lead to believe in Jebus). Sorry for rambling, but I'll appreciate any answers from people about why they are anti-theists.

So have I, but I, like you, had no "bad experiences" in my childhood either. In fact I've had wonderful experiences of (and because of) the faith of others.

(June 27, 2014 at 12:57 pm)Broseph Ballin Wrote: For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views? Why did you go one step ahead of atheism? In general, an atheist simply rejects all god claims and doesn't believe in any deities. An anti-theist not only rejects all god claims, but they openly fight against theistic beliefs and label all religion as harmful to society and mankind.

It's been a gradual change for me.

I think I've always been against religious fundamentalism. It leads to wars, anti-science movements, scaring children with hellfire, and any number of other bad things. I don't know how anyone who doesn't believe can possibly think fundamentalism whether Christian or Muslim is not major world problem.

My concern about more moderate beliefs has grown slowly. What I see is people looking inside themselves, coming to a conclusion, and labeling that conclusion god. Once the conclusion is labeled god, all debate is over. That person ceases to think on the subject. That is dangerous. And it's part of what drives extremely divisive issues like abortion, homosexuality, sex education etc.

Quote:For me personally, the reason I'm not an anti-theist is because I simply don't care about attacking religion and beliefs. Sure, I'll get involved in debates with theists on this site, but I don't defy and fight theism in real life, nor am I an outspoken atheist. I also don't go looking for religious people to debate or ridicule on the internet.

I'm not likely to ever go door to door arguing with theists. Nor am I likely to barge into theist sites arguing for atheist. But I am becoming much more outspoken. I think atheism needs to be more public. In particular the reasons for atheism need to be more public.

Quote: I've read lots of bad experiences people have had because of their beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have never gone through anything bad as a child in relation to church, Sunday school or religion (well, except for being lead to believe in Jebus). Sorry for rambling, but I'll appreciate any answers from people about why they are anti-theists.

I haven't really had any bad religious experiences. I have fond memories of the church I was raised in even though I never really believed.

(June 27, 2014 at 12:57 pm)Broseph Ballin Wrote: For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views? Why did you go one step ahead of atheism? In general, an atheist simply rejects all god claims and doesn't believe in any deities. An anti-theist not only rejects all god claims, but they openly fight against theistic beliefs and label all religion as harmful to society and mankind.

For me personally, the reason I'm not an anti-theist is because I simply don't care about attacking religion and beliefs. Sure, I'll get involved in debates with theists on this site, but I don't defy and fight theism in real life, nor am I an outspoken atheist. I also don't go looking for religious people to debate or ridicule on the internet.

I've read lots of bad experiences people have had because of their beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have never gone through anything bad as a child in relation to church, Sunday school or religion (well, except for being lead to believe in Jebus). Sorry for rambling, but I'll appreciate any answers from people about why they are anti-theists.

I'll tell you what...

Let's meet on the roof of the World Trade Center and you try to convince me that it is not worth fighting against religion, and I'll try to convince you that it is...


...oh wait...

Not to mention;


Religious persecution of gays and preventing them from having equal rights.

Religious based pseudoscience taught in public schools.

Witch burnings by Christians in Africa.

The impeding of scientific advancement based on religious beliefs (stem cell research).

Why am I anti-theist? The various atrocities committed by the world's religions, usually with scripture as one of the driving motives. The efforts made by the theists, not to preach their particular magical beliefs but to legislate them. In general, the hatred, bigotry and intolerance which is inherent in religious belief. That's why.

Do I really care what they believe? No, as long as they keep it to themselves. Something they cannot and will not do.

(June 27, 2014 at 1:47 pm)Simon Moon Wrote:

(June 27, 2014 at 12:57 pm)Broseph Ballin Wrote: For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views? Why did you go one step ahead of atheism? In general, an atheist simply rejects all god claims and doesn't believe in any deities. An anti-theist not only rejects all god claims, but they openly fight against theistic beliefs and label all religion as harmful to society and mankind.

For me personally, the reason I'm not an anti-theist is because I simply don't care about attacking religion and beliefs. Sure, I'll get involved in debates with theists on this site, but I don't defy and fight theism in real life, nor am I an outspoken atheist. I also don't go looking for religious people to debate or ridicule on the internet.

I've read lots of bad experiences people have had because of their beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have never gone through anything bad as a child in relation to church, Sunday school or religion (well, except for being lead to believe in Jebus). Sorry for rambling, but I'll appreciate any answers from people about why they are anti-theists.

I'll tell you what...

Let's meet on the roof of the World Trade Center and you try to convince me that it is not worth fighting against religion, and I'll try to convince you that it is...


...oh wait...

Not to mention;


Religious persecution of gays and preventing them from having equal rights.

Religious based pseudoscience taught in public schools.

Which burnings by Christians in Africa.

The impeding of scientific advancement based on religious beliefs (stem cell research).

Haha, I don't think it's a waste of time to fight religion. I think it's a worthy cause, as religion has caused a lot of fucked up shit to happen, but I don't fight it mostly because I'm too lazy :p
I don't think I said it was a waste of time, but if I did I'll change that later tonight when I get home.

Can you name one religion in all of history that's been really true?

(June 27, 2014 at 7:33 pm)Wyrd of Gawd Wrote: Can you name one religion in all of history that's been really true?

Nope, they're all bullshit.

I see the history and current events of religion holding down progress and equality. Despite Jesus preaching loving thy neighbor, he also preached to be more loyal to him than anyone else. The bible has been used to justify genocide, and preventing social progress.

While christians have done many good things, I don't think their christianity really mattered, so much as having good upbringing and opportunities. In practice, religion seems to have hindered far more than it helped.

(June 27, 2014 at 12:57 pm)Broseph Ballin Wrote: For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views?

9/11

Opened my eyes to the insidious danger that is the theistic way of thinking.

Once you believe in absurdities, atrocities might not be too far behind.

Now, I refuse to cow-tow to the Christian hegemony rampant in the US. Fuck 'em all. Fuck 'em all to hell!

That, and I'm a sadist. Love to pull the wings off the theist flies.