Hello

[Mr Camel]

You'll find most of us here tend to agree with Youtube videos by reliable sources such as Richarddawkins.net and anything from the NCSE.

I'd rather point out the absurdity of atheism..... They chuck out theism because they're upset with the Church.

We don't simply "chuck out" theism because we're upset with the Church. We advocate for what's best for our society... we want our children to learn about science and not fairy-tales; we do not wish to expose them to false propaganda, we do not wish to hide them from the truth.

On that note, I see you're a fan of science... I take it you accept evolution?
If not, good luck here.

Welcome to the forums

[Eilonnwy]

Edward, saying you will not talk to certain types of atheists here is a bad start. It tells me you have an agenda, and are not really interested in honest discussion. We like theists, but not ones who think they can avoid conversations they don't like. I'm also wary of your little blog. We don't exist so you can troll and then laugh about it there.

All in all, you're off to a bad start in my mind, the mods will be keeping an eye on you. You should probably read this: http://atheistforums.org/thread-3559.html

And honestly, no matter how much we disagree with you, if you at least respond and don't preach/troll, you'll last.

[Autumnlicious]

Trolls disappear fast around here.

If you are, cheerio.

[Edward the Theist]

At some point, you have to wonder if the problem is you, don't you think? Not that you are a problem here, but that statement implies that you plan to be. That would make you a troll. Are you a troll?

I would certainly agree that the common denominator is me. But I would not call myself a troll. A troll is basically anything anyone else says it is, but I tend to think of it as someone who goes around baiting others into contentious, pointless debates--just to cause aggravation. That's not me.

I notice some people who have replied in this intro post are already offended. That doesn't make me a troll. I notice one doesn't even want me in the forum; if he had his way I wouldn't be. Well, he's probably going to think I'm a troll no matter what.

I would say I'm confrontational and controversial. But I'm not a troll.

[Paul the Human]

That's good to hear. In hopes that what you say is true, I re-extend my welcome. Try to refrain from sweeping generalizations about what you think atheism is all about and you should be able to have some decent conversations. See in the forums.

[Darwinian]

I'd rather point out the absurdity of atheism..... They chuck out theism because they're upset with the Church.

This sounds a little trollish to me already, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

If this were why atheists rejected the concept of a god or gods then yes, I would agree that it would be an absurd reason, however, I think that you will find that most atheists conclude that there is no supernatural deity because...

a) The Universe seems to work and behave in exactly the way it would if such a being did not exist.

b) To us it seems so obvious looking back at the history of mankind and his desperate attempts to make sense of his environment that he would place himself at the centre of things and 'create' an all powerful version of himself to fill in the many gaps and unexplainable problems he encountered.

c) Atheism is the most rational stance to take in that there is not a single scrap of evidence to suggest the existence of such a being nor is there any reason to suspect that such a being might or should exist.

And on a side note. I don't think that you are going to last very long here.

[Eilonnwy]

I'm not offended, I'm appropriately skeptical of your attitude. Your first impression failed, and not because you're a theist.

I'd rather point out the absurdity of atheism..... They chuck out theism because they're upset with the Church.

Hahaha.

[Ace Otana]

Already, Edward the Theist has demonstrated to me at least that he either knows very little about what atheism is or knows nothing about it.
Based on his first few posts I can see very little reason to waste any time debating with him. I think he should first educated himself before wasting people's time.

Though I would like him to explain to us how atheism is a religion. Since atheists like myself don't claim anything. I think it would provide an excellent demonstration on lack of education/knowledge/understanding.
So ,edward. Please enlighten us.

[Edward the Theist]

Edward, saying you will not talk to certain types of atheists here is a bad start. It tells me you have an agenda, and are not really interested in honest discussion. We like theists, but not ones who think they can avoid conversations they don't like. I'm also wary of your little blog. We don't exist so you can troll and then laugh about it there.

I'm more than ready to engage in honest discussion. That's why I'm not going to discuss things with certain types of people who don't want an honest discussion or continue a discussion that is pointless. That's all I meant.

As for my blog, I just started it, and I haven't even posted anything in it yet except a welcome post. I'm not sure why you think I'm going to laugh about your forum there. But it doesn't matter. I asked about having a link in my sig, and now I see that isn't necessary because you allow a person to post a link in their profile. And that's good enough for me.

All in all, you're off to a bad start in my mind, the mods will be keeping an eye on you. You should probably read this: http://atheistforums.org/thread-3559.html

Well, it's too bad you feel that way, but I can't change that. I am who I am, as you are who you are. But I will read that post as soon as I finish posting this.

And honestly, no matter how much we disagree with you, if you at least respond and don't preach/troll, you'll last.

That's fair. But also keep in mind that my style tends to draw a lot of responses, and I can't respond to everyone because it takes too much time. Or that's how it's been in the past. Case in point, this post. It has 25 hits of traffic so far, and it's an intro. It's heating up, people are getting offended already, so I'm out. I'm not going to respond to any more posts in here, because it's time to move on to knew topics. I haven't even visted the general discussion area yet. Now, if someone gets offended because I'm not responding to them in here, I can't help that. Or, if someone is baiting me, I'm not going to respond to them.

So, I'm willing to discuss all manner of things, and I want to. But there are certain posts and certain types of people I'm not going to respond to. I donated money to this site; I'm not a troll; I'm just a theist who believes the truth can prevail. I don't want to preach anything--I don't have anything to preach. By all means, keep an eye on me. I actually don't think I have that much to say, anyway.

[downbeatplumb]

I'd rather point out the absurdity of atheism..... They chuck out theism because they're upset with the Church.

Oh dear not a good start.

Already making sweeping and unfounded generalisations, .

Personally I'm an atheist because I find the existence of a god to be unlikely at best and absurd at worst.
All the church has done to me is bore me and make it so I cant shop after 4 oclock on sunday.