Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming. Special thanks to ABierman1986 and TheDarkestofTheAngels. I especially liked ABierman1986's last post. Edward the Theist, you started of nicely with 'understanding a Christian's mindset', however, after that it felt like I am being fed a theistic doctrination about the existence of God and Jesus. It's not my point to question the existence of Jesus. he might have existed, and there might be clinching proof one day of his existence (maybe it's there already) but even in that case, Jesus was a man and not a supernatural being or God.
Zen Badger, I feel some of us atheists are not the brightest bulbs here as padraic pointed out. I am a common person myself, and not a scientist or a great a intellectual or a philosopher. (I have to admit I enjoyed your comment in the context of some arguments I hear from people when they try to make me believe).
My problem is not converting all the theists I meet. I would be happy to live my own life as long as I am not bothered and a stranger cannot bother me with his beliefs. It's my closest circle that bothers me. At best, they get on my nerves and at worst, they use 'emotional blackmail' to make me conform to thoughts I don't believe in. They used to be nice people who were only a little religious, but the problem started with the swarm of televangelists, faith healers, and self-help people like Robin Sharma. The power of suggestion is great indeed.
I became an atheist (6 in atheist scale) after reading 'The God Delusion'. I never really believed in any religion/theistic God anyway, however I did believe in some kind of a majestic entity that is responsible for the laws of universe before I became an atheist (or maybe it was just a desire to believe and I overcame the desire when I read Richard Dawkins pointing the difference between the reality of God and the desire to believe in God). However, it was a problem even to mention the title of Richard Dawkins' 'The God Delusion' to any of my friends. Most were offended by the word "Delusion". Yet, I think of all the Dawkins' books, this is the one that's simple enough to be understood by people at all levels. I tried 'Letter to a Christian Nation', but even though my friends and my mother read it, enjoyed it, they only said: 'it was an interesting read - but why does he write these things? Surely all these are only argument sake. Don't you believe in all these things, because it's a stunt to make money and he (Harris) must secretly be a Christian'. I am glad that Sam Harris didn't hear this, though I think he must be used to hearing comments like this. However, after hearing this from them, I am frightened to even start saying 'Christopher Hitchens'.
I am going to take a look at the you tube videos now. Who knows, videos might be more effective. I am amazed how Richard Dawkins always comes across as courteous and patient, even when he has to repeatedly face illogical arguments. Thanks especially for the Wendy Wright video and I am going to try my luck with the video and the other related videos.
Zen Badger, I feel some of us atheists are not the brightest bulbs here as padraic pointed out. I am a common person myself, and not a scientist or a great a intellectual or a philosopher. (I have to admit I enjoyed your comment in the context of some arguments I hear from people when they try to make me believe).
My problem is not converting all the theists I meet. I would be happy to live my own life as long as I am not bothered and a stranger cannot bother me with his beliefs. It's my closest circle that bothers me. At best, they get on my nerves and at worst, they use 'emotional blackmail' to make me conform to thoughts I don't believe in. They used to be nice people who were only a little religious, but the problem started with the swarm of televangelists, faith healers, and self-help people like Robin Sharma. The power of suggestion is great indeed.
I became an atheist (6 in atheist scale) after reading 'The God Delusion'. I never really believed in any religion/theistic God anyway, however I did believe in some kind of a majestic entity that is responsible for the laws of universe before I became an atheist (or maybe it was just a desire to believe and I overcame the desire when I read Richard Dawkins pointing the difference between the reality of God and the desire to believe in God). However, it was a problem even to mention the title of Richard Dawkins' 'The God Delusion' to any of my friends. Most were offended by the word "Delusion". Yet, I think of all the Dawkins' books, this is the one that's simple enough to be understood by people at all levels. I tried 'Letter to a Christian Nation', but even though my friends and my mother read it, enjoyed it, they only said: 'it was an interesting read - but why does he write these things? Surely all these are only argument sake. Don't you believe in all these things, because it's a stunt to make money and he (Harris) must secretly be a Christian'. I am glad that Sam Harris didn't hear this, though I think he must be used to hearing comments like this. However, after hearing this from them, I am frightened to even start saying 'Christopher Hitchens'.
I am going to take a look at the you tube videos now. Who knows, videos might be more effective. I am amazed how Richard Dawkins always comes across as courteous and patient, even when he has to repeatedly face illogical arguments. Thanks especially for the Wendy Wright video and I am going to try my luck with the video and the other related videos.
