This is why I hate people who hate "fucking christians"

[Bad Writer]

Please tell us more about these ignorant atheists who act as stumbling blocks to science. If there's any merit to your claim, let us have it, and then realize that we are not responsible for the actions of certain people even if we disbelieve god claims just like them.

[*Deidre*]

Just because someone disbelieves in the existence of a Deity, doesn't mean they always use reason and are well educated in science. They might have a greater desire to seek an education in science etc., but not believing in God doesn't mean that someone will be any more well versed in science than a religious person. That's an odd "argument."

[Jacob(smooth)]

Perhaps the argument here is not whether atheists can be fuckwits, do much as whether they are fuckwits BECAUSE they are atheists. In the same way, whether the violence and resistance to reason from christians is because of their Christianity?

[max-greece]

Perhaps the argument here is not whether atheists can be fuckwits, do much as whether they are fuckwits BECAUSE they are atheists. In the same way, whether the violence and resistance to reason from christians is because of their Christianity?

There you go thinking of atheism as a belief system again - how refreshing.

Just to clarify - the only common denominator amongst atheists is a lack of belief in God or gods.

Now, of course, if there was anything to any of these religions then all atheists should be fuckwits as they lack a given deities moral guidance.

That they are not all, whilst adherents to religions do unspeakably immoral things rather undermines the whole God given morality thing, does it not?

[Jacob(smooth)]

Perhaps the argument here is not whether atheists can be fuckwits, do much as whether they are fuckwits BECAUSE they are atheists. In the same way, whether the violence and resistance to reason from christians is because of their Christianity?

There you go thinking of atheism as a belief system again - how refreshing.

Just to clarify - the only common denominator amongst atheists is a lack of belief in God or gods.

Now, of course, if there was anything to any of these religions then all atheists should be fuckwits as they lack a given deities moral guidance.

That they are not all, whilst adherents to religions do unspeakably immoral things rather undermines the whole God given morality thing, does it not?

It certainly does. Although the wild inconsistencies in morality within the religious texts is a rather more immediate issue with the concept of God given morality.

So far as atheism not being a belief system, didactically you are correct. However it's interesting to note that we are having this discussion board specifically built for and titled, atheism.

Something we share is the lack of belief in the loch Ness monster. However there are no discussion boards for "a-nessies" to get together and discuss their lack of belief...

Why is that?

[Brakeman]

When it comes to the slippery slope, it is this...hatred, and exclusion. ..

.. to educate people about the real truths of life.

I'm a firm believer that once people taste truth, they won't settle for the imitation, and that is -- religion. I hope this helps you to see my point, better.

Yes, I think so,

but to clarify... If an atheist is not a normal person but is an amazing individual that is always cheery and sweet and he/she only used good sound reasoning with impeccable manners to counter the christian's argumentative points in a discussion medium, than no slippery slope applies to them. Correct?

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.. it's interesting to note that we are having this discussion board specifically built for and titled, atheism.

Something we share is the lack of belief in the loch Ness monster. However there are no discussion boards for "a-nessies" to get together and discuss their lack of belief...

Why is that?

We atheists, assuming I speak for many, do not have a desire to be "atheists" all of our lives. We would rather it be that all people use the available logic and common sense and stop believing in all this gods and supernatural bullshit. Then we wouldn't be atheist labeled, we wouldn't need the term, just like "a-nessies." We dream of a world that would be free of the horrible scars and divisions created by religion. We dream of a modern Iran, Iraq, North Africa, and Americas that hold all individuals, Male, Female, Homosexuals, etc., free and equal. We dream of a world where children are educated to live well in a society and not educated that people are inherently evil and deserving of roasting forever in a burning hell.

[Jacob(smooth)]

What an interesting answer.

From what you say it sounds as if atheism in this context is defined at least in part by an opposition to religion, rather than merely lacking it oneself. Is that correct?

[Zazzy]

What an interesting answer.

From what you say it sounds as if atheism in this context is defined at least in part by an opposition to religion, rather than merely lacking it oneself. Is that correct?

If religions were entirely peaceful and weren't hell-bent on forcing their religious preferences on everyone else, I can't see the term atheist being anything other than a descriptor that nobody really cared about. The reason atheists feel a need to meet up at forums like this is because we feel a need to push back against religious forces that impinge on us, and so we need a group.

For me, it's less opposition to religion, and more defense against it, and I suspect most people here feel the same way.

[Brakeman]

What an interesting answer.

From what you say it sounds as if atheism in this context is defined at least in part by an opposition to religion, rather than merely lacking it oneself. Is that correct?

No, there are plenty of atheist individuals that choose not to participate in debate or even disclosure. While many would actively debate, I'm guessing that the majority would rather it go away quietly with no direct involvement.

[Mister Agenda]

So far as atheism not being a belief system, didactically you are correct. However it's interesting to note that we are having this discussion board specifically built for and titled, atheism.

Something we share is the lack of belief in the loch Ness monster. However there are no discussion boards for "a-nessies" to get together and discuss their lack of belief...

Why is that?

The Loch Ness Monster is a small enough topic to fit in a few threads on a paranormal skepticism board. Cryptids and other paranormal claims altogether merit an entire discussion board, and those exist.

I suppose Nessie alone could support a discussion board if enough people believed in her strongly enough to keep enough conversations going with skeptics to support a whole board.

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What an interesting answer.

From what you say it sounds as if atheism in this context is defined at least in part by an opposition to religion, rather than merely lacking it oneself. Is that correct?

Opposition to religion would be anti-religionism. Some people say antitheism, but that would be more specifically being against people believing in God/gods rather than religion. Interestingly, one would not necessarily have to be an atheist to be an antireligionist.

Fun fact: I'm a member of a religion.