Introduction

[twocompulsive]

My name is Tom. I am 47 and an Atheist. I became one less than five years ago when I noticed that the pieces didn't fit. Although I'm not religious myself I fully believe that anyone has the freedom to believe whatever they wish as long as it doesn't impinge upon the freedom of others. I'm very interested in any aspect of the human condition and read up on these subjects : History, Religion, Physics, Psychology, Philosophy. I am not a learned man, but try to understand as much as I can about the world I inhabit. I also read Science Fiction. I try to treat everyone as equal, but am only human and am sometimes guilty of putting myself before others. I do however believe in the Golden Rule. I also believe that you can condemn someone for what they have said or done, but not them as individuals. The bar for this is absolute. No exceptions. I'm imperfect so therefore don't have the moral authority to judge others, irrespective of whatever their wrongdoing may be. I believe in physical exercise as well and walk regularly and weightlift daily. I also believe that it is possible to go through your entire adult life without ever having to borrow a single penny. Everyone should be capable of living within their means. I'm not afraid of death and look forward to spending all of eternity in a blissful state of non-consciousness after I shake off this mortal coil. I also don't like paragraphs that much. Thank you for having gotten this far anyway. Tom.

[The Magic Pudding]

Hello Tom

I also believe that you can condemn someone for what they have said or done, but not them as individuals.

I find it very easy to condemn people as individuals, as a group even if they are particularly annoying.

I also don't like paragraphs that much.

I fear others will condemn you for that.

[eric209]

"I'm imperfect so therefore don't have the moral authority to judge others, irrespective of whatever their wrongdoing may be. "

This is a Christian/Relgious position. Read some sam harris, daniel dennet or christopher hitchens.

One can argue that the concept of a perfect being is improbable. Does that mean nobody should judge anyone? no. It means we should be careful about it though. Sam harris has more on this issue.

Harris contends that the only moral framework worth talking about is one where "morally good" things pertain to increases in the "well-being of conscious creatures". He then argues that, problems with philosophy of science and reason in general notwithstanding, 'moral questions' will have objectively right and wrong answers which are grounded in empirical facts about what causes people to flourish.

[Minimalist]

Hello, Tom.

I fully believe that anyone has the freedom to believe whatever they wish as long as it doesn't impinge upon the freedom of others.

Which is where it always breaks down as the douchebags think it is their god-given right to shove their nonsense up everyone elses ass.

[Shell B]

Welcome, Tom. You can have religious like beliefs and still be an atheist. I try not to be judgmental as well. Christians do not have a monopoly on that. However, some things are worthy of judgment and I find myself having to judge, lest I lose my sense of right and wrong. The disgust and contempt I feel for certain people reminds me of who I do not want to be. Anyway, enjoy your time here and paragraphs are your friend. Just hit enter twice and see how it feels.

[Epimethean]

Welcome, Tom the atheist.

[Cinjin]

semi-new atheist.

congratulations on your escape. Religion is a brutal prison. Welcome.

[tackattack]

Welcome to the forums, feel free to jump right on in or lurk a bit.

[frankiej]

Welcome sir.


I find perfection to be a kind of silly idea. No one can really properly know what it is, so in my eyes feel free to judge away. We all do it.

[BloodyHeretic]

Nice to meet you!