I don't think anyone thought you were being condescending. They were referring to ChadWooters, self professed "pompous ass", not you.

(August 19, 2014 at 2:47 pm)Statler Waldorf Wrote: I think most people tend to like being around other people who think just like they do. Just my thoughts.

Fixed for accuracy.

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(August 19, 2014 at 4:11 pm)Luckie Wrote: I try to be hands off, when it comes to those whom I know with religion. The more I try to be accepting of their beliefs, the more I realize that their lives are in struggle and torment, because of their beliefs. I haven't yet figured out how to help people like this, besides being sure of myself and offering a beacon of reason and light to their darkness, should they choose to take it.

It's been my experience that being completely earnest with believers, about my lack of faith, my apathy towards their religion, and my interest in being real, looking deep, and what could be interpreted as spiritual (though I feel it in a completely non-woo way) fosters discussion and promotes thinking outside our boxes, for both participants in the conversation.

I perhaps flatter myself to say that this approach sometimes is helpful -- but I've gotten thanks from people of all (non)beliefs for listening to them and their concerns and considerations. And at the least, I haven't gone out of my way to antagonize anyone.

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(August 19, 2014 at 4:42 pm)ShaMan Wrote:

(August 19, 2014 at 4:11 pm)Luckie Wrote: The more I try to be accepting of their beliefs, the more I realize that their lives are in struggle and torment, because of their beliefs.

Compassion has turned my angst into understanding, and where I formerly saw hypocrisy, I now see the ignorance which leads there, and my zeal has become well tempered in its fervent expression.

Beautifully put.

(August 20, 2014 at 3:41 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: Fixed for accuracy.

Accept for the theists on here.

(August 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm)ChadWooters Wrote:

(August 18, 2014 at 5:13 am)robvalue Wrote: Theists are frequently trying to "save" atheists from the eternal punishments which await them for their lack of faith.

Salvation means much more than a "Get Out of Hell Free" card. It also involves delivery from the nihilism of ontological naturalism, the idolatry of scientism, the bondage of sin, and ignorance of your true Self.

Atheism saved from from the nihilism of christanity, your are just Gods play thing and life had no meaning.Free thought showed me that Nihilism is nothing to do with a disbelief in Gods.Life's meaning is whatever YOU decide.

(August 19, 2014 at 5:22 pm)Goosebump Wrote: I think Losty put it to bed.

Don't mention bed and Losty in the same sentence unless you're asking for thread derailment.

(August 20, 2014 at 7:50 pm)Stimbo Wrote:

(August 19, 2014 at 5:22 pm)Goosebump Wrote: I think Losty put it to bed.

Don't mention bed and Losty in the same sentence unless you're asking for thread derailment.

I will not take any blame for this, but I will most certainly take part in it

(August 20, 2014 at 7:56 pm)Losty Wrote: I will not take any blame for this, but I will most certainly take part in it

Can we talk?

(August 20, 2014 at 7:58 pm)ShaMan Wrote:

(August 20, 2014 at 7:56 pm)Losty Wrote: I will not take any blame for this, but I will most certainly take part in it

Can we talk?

Anytime, what's up?

delete post

(August 18, 2014 at 7:08 am)Mothonis_Cathicgal Wrote: If religion didn't negatively impact nonbelievers,or society I don't think anyone would really want to debate it

People tend to hate what they don't understand.