Atheist Sunday Assembly goes worldwide, the future is bright for non-believers

Originally posted by woodwardjnr

Originally posted by DocHolidaze
reply to post by grainofsand

 

like I said, a true atheist celebrates nothing. to embellish on this. an atheist only celebrates what is important to him/her in there life not anybody elses, and certainly not an idea. anybody that would attend one of these things is a poser, and just trying to fit in.

How do you know what atheists celebrate. Most atheists I know enjoy Xmas as much as any Christian. You don't have a monopoly on Christmas, which is a pagan event anyway. Why can we not celebrate the change in seasons, like humans have since long before Christianity came along.

How much of the bible do you truly believe, did you follow the laws about no sex before marriage, loving your neighbour? Or just the cherry picked version, that gives you a sense of spiritual one upmanship.

I dont think you understand my statmnet, sorry.

if you read through some of my posts on this thread you may have a better understanding of what im trying to say.

and i was raised catholic, but now only believe in the force(not the star wars kind) more of a physicts type force.

although i do cherry pic one law of the bible.

the part about not being alowed to use birth control. Condoms Suck lol

reply to post by firegoggles

Thank you for sharing your unprovable faith based position.
I do not subscribe to your viewpoint but it is interesting to see the beliefs of others, no matter how lacking in evidence they may be.

grainofsand - First off, I will state that I am a Christian. For me, that means I try to follow the example set by Christ to love and serve everyone equally regardless of their beliefs. I am not a religious sheep who needs the manmade interpretation of the Bible nor do I need to go to some agenda driven church of hypocrites. I am not one of those hellfire and damnation "Christians" who relishes in the thought of non believing infidels burning in hell. I don't even believe in hell - as there is no word in any of the original languages of the Bible that translate into "eternal burning torment". The words translated into "hell" would be more accurately translated into the word "grave" - as in the place where you put a dead body...but I digress and all the above is a different thread or discussion.

I frankly am baffled as to why so many people are having such a problem with like minded people coming together to socialize. Someone else (forgot who) said earlier that humans are social creatures, so it's only natural that we would gather with like minded people to socialize. You, my friend, are getting arrows of hatred slung at you from believers in God and non-believers alike. Simply because you are letting people know about a place to socialize and they feel this need to label you and mock you in order to feel superior.

One thing this thread shows without a doubt is that both "believers" and "non-believers" are equally capable of hatred, hypocrisy and superiority complexes. Sometimes I will read something or see some news story or whatever that restores my faith in humanity. At other times, like a great many of the responses in this thread, my faith in humanity goes right back down the drain.

reply to post by interupt42

The difference is that anything is possible but as man's understanding expands we come to realize that certain things are less probable.

So, when applied to a specific definition of god, a person can come to the conclusion that it isn't very likely and can honestly say that he doesn't believe God exists in that context.

reply to post by DaMod

Could be but from the look of it you seem to prod them into the proverbial foaming.

They are free to gather and express themselves, even if you don't agree with what they say.

reply to post by DaMod
There is no 'church of atheism' as you well know.
It is a label you have constructed in an attempt to belittle the aspirations of non believers to create a religious free zone for social enjoyment and mutual benefit through the obvious networking advantages.
It really is appearing troll-like to continue making such a wild claim in a blatant attempt at distorting the perception of what the assembly is all about.

Originally posted by grainofsand

Originally posted by NewAgeMan

Originally posted by grainofsand
reply to post by NewAgeMan

 

This includes ghosts, demons, pixies, gnomes, elves, mermaids, dragons etc etc.

This just proves my point, how absurd, that's not what I was referring to at all.

How is it absurd?
Those ideas I mentioned are no more provable or unprovable than your concept of a divine entity or force.
They are just further examples of things without any shred of evidence that I do not believe in.

That's not true. There's a lot of evidence from modern science regarding a fully-informed, self aware, zero point field as a first/last cause whereby the reality we inhabit is an intelligent subtraction from the absolute formless potential, or in other words that our reality and we ourselves are an expression or manifestation of the infinite and eternal Godhead in order so that a shared experience, with freedom, is possible, including presumably the freedom to conduct ourselves and our lives without condition or coercion. In my books this represents an extraordinary irony of the farthest reaching significance and proportion relative to both believers and atheists alike who may be considered ignorant if only because the absolute Reality cannot be understood, but only lived. Our response to the free gift of life then is what matters and for me personally I like to reserve the right to be grateful, but to each his own.

reply to post by daskakik


No, I wouldn't say that. For example.

I once had my friends over for dinner at my house. She and her husband are Atheist. Whilst eating dinner, they noticed I had a crucifix on my wall in my house.

In my house.

At that moment BAM, they started with their prodding and poking. They made some snide comments, and I asked them to leave.

And god forbid I wear a cross around my neck in public. Most people don't care but there is always that one that just can't leave it alone.

I've just had too many atheists get in my business too many times without provocation. Believe me there are those among you that just feel the need to ruin everyone else's day.

Another example. I was at a party and the people around started discussing their distaste for religion and religious people. I mentioned very politely that I would prefer that we changed the subject because I found some of what they were saying offensive.. One guy chimed up "well your Jesus is a f'ing &$^#". Needless to say it resulted in a physical altercation.



I actually prefer not to discuss religion as it always seems to cause problems.

reply to post by tallcool1

Thank you for such a considerate, reasoned and fair reply to my intentions in this thread. It is very much appreciated

Originally posted by flice
One thing that did set us Atheists apart from the rest of the idiots of the world is that we don't have to idolize or worship anything... we can simply just state that we are happy not being brainwashed by anything other than common sense and the fact that goodness of heart is not instilled by joining a church but is given to you from birth.

So all in all... I don't support these meets. We can combat the silliness of idolatry without these meetings...

Combat? Combat what? That suggests atheists in some way want to have some confrontation with people who have a different point of view - this is now becoming more and more cultish which is why you will see cynicism on this thread from people who follow a faith and those that (they profess) don't.

reply to post by DaMod


I see, you mean in real life because I only have your posts to go on. I'm sure you are not making those things up but it really isn't much different than any other group, religious or secular, looking to "share" there all too important information.

These things have become part of society.

reply to post by NewAgeMan

As I've said previously, if you feel you have experienced or observed enough evidence to believe in such things then I am happy for you.
I have not witnessed anything to draw me towards your particular belief though.

Atheist is not a religion people. It's lack of religion. And lack of belief in god(s).

Originally posted by interupt42

Let me ask it this way, what is difference between an agnostic and an atheist?

My understanding is that an atheist doesn't believe in god based on lack of scientific proof derived from our known scientific laws .

Whereas an agnostic claims that he/she has no clue as to whether a god exists or doesn't exist, despite the lack of scientific proof derived from our known scientific laws .

In very simple terms.

Gnosticism: Knowledge
Agnosticism: Lack of knowledge
Theism: Belief in God
Atheism: Lack of belief in God

Which means one can be any combination of the two.

Agnostic Atheist: Lack of belief in God without claims of absolute knowledge
Gnostic Atheist: Lack of belief with claims of certainty
Angostic Theist: Belief in God without claims of absolute knowledge
Gnostic Theist: Belief in God with claims of absolute knowledge

I consider myself both an agnostic and an atheist.

However, it's not quite as simple as that because people also use agnosticism to means someone who has no clue either way, which is the way you use it. But still, an agnostic is always an atheist because they fit the definition of not believing in God.

Originally posted by DaMod
Of course my personal experience with atheists has been when they see anything that can even be remotely described as religious, they start foaming at the mouth.

edit on 12-3-2013 by DaMod because: (no reason given)

Religious, yes...spiritual, no.

Example:
An Atheist and a Theist both have a "ghost" experience...
The atheist then will say it was a remarkable phenomena that he cannot yet explain in any scientific context. He will then more than likely speculate on some things, but his skeptical side will prevent him (typically) from declaring it to be something

The Theist will take the same experience and demand it was from a deity, will then demand ceremonies and tributes..will make up all sorts of rules, come up with a heirachy of power, talk about the future plans of said ghost thing, etc.

The Theist reacts this way because there is a fear of the unknown..and instead of admit general ignorance, they fill in the blanks with pretty much anything that comes to mind that cannot be immediately disproven (the ghost loves kittens).

See, a spiritual experience would be the ghost experience and maybe some speculation, some introspection, etc...the religion is the making stuff up and saying its true because it can't be determined false.

reply to post by humphreysjim


Agnostic is someone who's not sure if god(s) exist or not. Atheist is someone who rejects belief in god(s).

Originally posted by something wicked

Originally posted by flice
One thing that did set us Atheists apart from the rest of the idiots of the world is that we don't have to idolize or worship anything... we can simply just state that we are happy not being brainwashed by anything other than common sense and the fact that goodness of heart is not instilled by joining a church but is given to you from birth.

So all in all... I don't support these meets. We can combat the silliness of idolatry without these meetings...

Combat? Combat what? That suggests atheists in some way want to have some confrontation with people who have a different point of view - this is now becoming more and more cultish which is why you will see cynicism on this thread from people who follow a faith and those that (they profess) don't.

I shall only comment on the intentions of the sunday assembly and it is nothing to do with combating theists, but all about creating a religious-free space for social connection and interesting discussion. The local group in my area is also in discussion about charitable work for our community, that is far removed from claims of confrontation and closer to altruistic human ideas, without the fear of an invisible entity guiding people towards such a path.

Originally posted by humphreysjim

Originally posted by firegoggles

Atheism is the ultimate expression of pride and arrogance.

Is it possible for God to exist?
What is your simple answer? Yes or No?

The correct answer is "define God". Which God? What are his properties? How can you meaningfully speak of the possible existence of a being who has not been properly defined?

Is it possible for BNJHGHGVJH to exist?
What is your simple answer? Yes or No?

If we accept that "God" means, simply "A higher power who is the creator of this Universe", then I would reply "Yes, it is possible he exists". At the same time, I would still call myself an atheist because atheism is simply the lack of belief in God.

A better question would be:

Do you believe that God (a higher power who is the creator of this Universe) exists?
What is your simple answer? Yes or No?

If your answer is not "Yes", then you are an atheist, whether you are sure or not, or you have no idea. Any answer but "Yes" means you fit the definition of atheist, because you lack belief in it.

Deny ignorance, learn what atheism really means before attacking it so ignorantly.

edit on 12-3-2013 by humphreysjim because: (no reason given)

That's an interesting definition, but it's yours. Where does being an agnostic sit in your very black and white mindset? An answer of 'I don't know' does not make one an atheist. An answer of 'No', well, I'll grant you that one.

Edit to add, I wish at least one faith would have a patron saint for atheists, that would make me smile.

reply to post by blahxd67

No, atheist is just the term to describe someone who doesn't believe in any gods. Please try to avoid distorting the position with loaded words like "reject"

Yeah, this is how it starts.