(WARNING: Rant)
I have seen an alarming trend around the Internet: atheists insulting theists for the purpose of insulting. I mean i have nothing against attacking and challenging their beliefs, but some of the things i see around there are not the educated argument of someone who wants to change their mindset. It is petty, it is useless, and it is simply humiliating as an atheist to see others who share my (lack of) beliefs partake in that behavior. Likewise, saying that being religious means being an enslaved sheep who doesn't question anything he's told is idiotic and does not further the discussion in any way.
I hate the stereotype that atheists are bitter, angry people who like to act superior and condescending to anyone who does not share their views...but the problem is i see a LOT of people corresponding to that precise stereotype.
Acting as though being an atheist makes them superior as human beings.
Of course, this in no way concerns a majority, or even a big minority: it is only a few people, some of the time. An example that made me want to write this is right on these boards:
I mean a statement like that brings absolutely nothing to the conversation. And is not that funny.
Faith, like it or not, does present advantages. It can lighten grief after a tragic loss, give you courage in times of need and gives you comfort in the face of death. Faith drives some people to do amazing things and this cannot be denied. Also, the majority of theists do not spend a lot of time on their religion. Maybe once a week for church, for the few that actually do go to church.
So in light of that, blanket statements about the religious being weak-minded idiots, or zealous fanatics, are simply not true, and as such making those statements makes the one making them look...like a rude douchebag.
Although i am an atheist, i can see that theists are not another brand of people that are inferior or stupid. There is no black or white, only shades of grey.
As to the title for that topic: Religion is ridiculous. From their beliefs to their traditions to their dogmas. But the theists themselves are not the ones to attack, their religion is. Ad Hominem attacks do not further the discussion and only reinforces stereotypes about atheists.
I disagree with you, but i don't think you're Hitler.
(End Rant)
I have seen an alarming trend around the Internet: atheists insulting theists for the purpose of insulting. I mean i have nothing against attacking and challenging their beliefs, but some of the things i see around there are not the educated argument of someone who wants to change their mindset. It is petty, it is useless, and it is simply humiliating as an atheist to see others who share my (lack of) beliefs partake in that behavior. Likewise, saying that being religious means being an enslaved sheep who doesn't question anything he's told is idiotic and does not further the discussion in any way.
I hate the stereotype that atheists are bitter, angry people who like to act superior and condescending to anyone who does not share their views...but the problem is i see a LOT of people corresponding to that precise stereotype.
Acting as though being an atheist makes them superior as human beings.
Of course, this in no way concerns a majority, or even a big minority: it is only a few people, some of the time. An example that made me want to write this is right on these boards:
(February 19, 2011 at 11:57 pm)Itslikebeingshiton Wrote: I guess i would need to know if you would need toilet paper in heaven. Am I going to have to take a shit every day in Heaven like I do on Earth? Does god have to take shits? Does he wipe his ass with Demon wings? If so then why does God have to take a shit?
I mean a statement like that brings absolutely nothing to the conversation. And is not that funny.
Faith, like it or not, does present advantages. It can lighten grief after a tragic loss, give you courage in times of need and gives you comfort in the face of death. Faith drives some people to do amazing things and this cannot be denied. Also, the majority of theists do not spend a lot of time on their religion. Maybe once a week for church, for the few that actually do go to church.
So in light of that, blanket statements about the religious being weak-minded idiots, or zealous fanatics, are simply not true, and as such making those statements makes the one making them look...like a rude douchebag.
Although i am an atheist, i can see that theists are not another brand of people that are inferior or stupid. There is no black or white, only shades of grey.
As to the title for that topic: Religion is ridiculous. From their beliefs to their traditions to their dogmas. But the theists themselves are not the ones to attack, their religion is. Ad Hominem attacks do not further the discussion and only reinforces stereotypes about atheists.
I disagree with you, but i don't think you're Hitler.
(End Rant)
