Another Theist

[Violet]

Jews are still here, you know

[fr0d0]

Welcome theist!

I was waiting for the religious aspect to your intro story LOL. So your activism wasn't anything to do with your beliefs?

[A Theist]

I can't say that I've really tried to apply those critical arguments to my faith.

I'm sure you've used your criticism to dismiss various other religions. If you don't use it on your own how would you EVER know if Christianity is true?

Christianity was an idea (little seed) that was planted in your head either because of your parents, friends or country where you were born. If you were born somewhere else you would have opted for a different religion and probably used your same criticism to dismiss Christianity.

Sorry I've just realised that I never said "welcome to the forums" Enjoy your stay!

To answer your first question, I would say that's a fairly accurate observation.

I would have to agree that cultrual surroundings and upbringing, for the most part, does influence our world view. But I also have to argue that there are exceptions to that rule. In my case, My upbringing had no influence on my religious views. I can't say that I wasn't exposed to religion as a child in other ways either. So, I would have to agree that a ( little seed ) was planted somewhere in my youth.

I appreciate the welcome. Thanks.

[Tails Turrosaki]

The first step to resolving a problem is knowing you have one.
Welcome to the tough road to Agnosticism. :3

[A Theist]

Welcome theist!

I was waiting for the religious aspect to your intro story LOL. So your activism wasn't anything to do with your beliefs?

In this case my religious beliefs are completely separate from this issue. I'm the leader of an organized PAC group in my community. We advocate tax relief in addition to giving the community a voice in the decision policies of our local governments. We fought a year long bitter campaign that left our community deeply divided. Anyway, thanks for the welcome.

[Tails Turrosaki]

blahblahblah... We advocate tax relief in addition to giving the community a voice in the decision policies of our local governments... blahblahblah

You better not be preaching shit about your religion, then. T^T I might have to hit you if you are...

[Violet]

How would you hit him??? Do you have mystical powers that I do not?

[Tails Turrosaki]

How would you hit him??? Do you have mystical powers that I do not?

Yes. I'm God in disguise.
Don't tell anybody, though!! o3o

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I have applied critical arguments to theological approaches to interpretation.

Experience has taught me that when a believer makes that claim I need to be careful not to assume he means the same thing I would, because so far that is seldom the case.

To me,that claim means:

Having grasped the meaning of the word 'evidence'. Understanding the difference between a 'theory and a 'hypothesis and grasping the concept of "the burden of of proof".

Being familiar with some of the more common logical fallacies used by apologists. EG;

Argument from ignorance.

Argument from authority

Argumentum ad populum

The no true Scotsman fallacy (often thinly disguised as 'no true Christian')

Tu quoque.

The straw man

As you are discussing matters with atheists it's also a good idea to be aware what the word 'atheist' means. A hint; "atheism is NOT a religion,a philosophy,ideology or a political movement.


The link below is a good place to begin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logical_fallacies

My apologies if yo are already familiar; I don't know you,so am assuming that like most theists we get here you have little understanding or experience of critical thinking. I don't say that to patronise you, but as an expression of long experience on several atheist forums. I can't really comment on Christian forums as I'm always banned as soon as I start questioning them.

It's ironic that the most rabid atheist forums (EG Raving Atheists) are more tolerant and accepting than any Christian forum I've visited. That's only because they won't let me be a moderator.

[Violet]

I'll be sure to keep it a secret!

Besides, we all know that only Dotard is the real God... he's the only one that makes sense.