Darkness of angels -
Yes atheists can be very defensive. When someone is defensive and resorts to ridiculing others, does that sound like the person is secure, or insecure? On the one hand, we have extremist religious people (note : not the norm), who, together with atheists, play out a scenario filled with negativity. And I'm in the middle, looking around, wondering if anyone on either side realises the part they play in all of it. It takes two sides to have a conflict, either side can walk away, both sides need to be involved for the scenario to be able to take place. On one side you have a judgmental attitude, and on the other side you have defensiveness and a need to lash out. Both sides reciprocate each other in their own way, blinding them to the fact that their differences needn't be a problem. Maybe it's just that I have the relative luxury of not being caught up in it in any way. Religious fundamentalists only have the power to belittle atheists because atheists allow it. The solution is very simple, just walk away, let them be fundamentalists all on their own, with no one to play with, and just do your own thing. You needn't be part of the equation. I can't remember who said it but there'sa famous quote, which I'll paraphrase : "What would happen if there was a war, and no one turned up?" What many atheists seem to be doing is not only turning up, but putting glasses over their eyes which causes them to see everything and everyone (even those not involved) in terms of the very conflict which they have a choice to walk away from, and thus dismantle. Another quote, which I'll paraphrase (I think it was Einstein who said it) : "You can't solve a problem with the same mentality as those who started it". Again, maybe it's just me and the fact that I'm not involved in it, but I dare say it is clear to me that atheists have given away their power, and become like their aggressors, which is a shame as I myself and many other theists have no problem with your view that god doesn't exist. And those atheists who are stuck in the conflict are missing out on the one thing which I think matters the most, and which is the true test for all of us : Get on with each other. If the next man doesn't share your view, live with the difference. If he chooses to attack you, walk away (attitude wise).
Yes atheists can be very defensive. When someone is defensive and resorts to ridiculing others, does that sound like the person is secure, or insecure? On the one hand, we have extremist religious people (note : not the norm), who, together with atheists, play out a scenario filled with negativity. And I'm in the middle, looking around, wondering if anyone on either side realises the part they play in all of it. It takes two sides to have a conflict, either side can walk away, both sides need to be involved for the scenario to be able to take place. On one side you have a judgmental attitude, and on the other side you have defensiveness and a need to lash out. Both sides reciprocate each other in their own way, blinding them to the fact that their differences needn't be a problem. Maybe it's just that I have the relative luxury of not being caught up in it in any way. Religious fundamentalists only have the power to belittle atheists because atheists allow it. The solution is very simple, just walk away, let them be fundamentalists all on their own, with no one to play with, and just do your own thing. You needn't be part of the equation. I can't remember who said it but there'sa famous quote, which I'll paraphrase : "What would happen if there was a war, and no one turned up?" What many atheists seem to be doing is not only turning up, but putting glasses over their eyes which causes them to see everything and everyone (even those not involved) in terms of the very conflict which they have a choice to walk away from, and thus dismantle. Another quote, which I'll paraphrase (I think it was Einstein who said it) : "You can't solve a problem with the same mentality as those who started it". Again, maybe it's just me and the fact that I'm not involved in it, but I dare say it is clear to me that atheists have given away their power, and become like their aggressors, which is a shame as I myself and many other theists have no problem with your view that god doesn't exist. And those atheists who are stuck in the conflict are missing out on the one thing which I think matters the most, and which is the true test for all of us : Get on with each other. If the next man doesn't share your view, live with the difference. If he chooses to attack you, walk away (attitude wise).
