gorocks99;1060163 wrote:So, there's some of the tension as well, and partially why atheists are less likely to stand idle and "believe what they believe and leave it alone." Because a Christian is commanded to do the opposite and many people, regardless of their beliefs, will take opportunity to defend their beliefs when questioned.

I have no problem at all with an atheist or anyone who wants to defend his belief.

Devils Advocate;1060166 wrote:I think these guys have been dead a looooong time. Who elected the replacements?

Jesus duh.

gorocks99;1060163 wrote:So, there's some of the tension as well, and partially why atheists are less likely to stand idle and "believe what they believe and leave it alone." Because a Christian is commanded to do the opposite and many people, regardless of their beliefs, will take opportunity to defend their beliefs when questioned.

That's typically how I feel. If people on one side feel free (or even compelled, as Skyhook's bible verse dealie shows) to talk about their beliefs, why shouldn't someone like me, who isn't all down with it, have the same freedom to speak. The "can't you just hold your beliefs to yourself" line of thought, to me, seems more like a "I don't wanna hear other views!!!!! SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!!!!" response than anything else.

Although I have to admit, Little Danny's co-worker seems like a total tool. "I don't like religion, so I'm in a religion that doesn't like religion and I'll preach and sermonize just like a religious person except it's not a religion." LOL...if I look at church as an idiotic waste of time and money, I doubt I'd look at atheist meetings any more favorably.

Skyhook79;1060191 wrote:Jesus duh.

This guy???

http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Love-Jesusduh/203452846350321

As has been stated here, it is a matter of moderation. I think the majority of people go about their lives worried mostly about themselves when it comes to matters of faith. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, whatever. They believe what they believe, study it, think about it and discuss it with others who wish to discuss it. However like everything else, there are those in each of these groups who have to take it to the extreme. It's not enough that they believe _____. Everyone else needs to be told about it.

Notice I say "Eveyone needs to be TOLD about it" as opposed to "Everyone needs to be brought around to this way of thinking". I say that because I believe these type of extreme people aren't so much interested in truly converting someone to their own views. Rather, I think they enjoye being contrarians, arguing and yes, feeling superior by insulting someone else's core belief.

Believe what you want; it's a free country. No one can prove scientifically that there is or isn't a God. People who believe are convinced there is, people who don't believe are convinced there isn't. There isn't really any compromise between the two.

Dr Winston O'Boogie;1060381 wrote:As has been stated here, it is a matter of moderation. I think the majority of people go about their lives worried mostly about themselves when it comes to matters of faith. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, whatever. They believe what they believe, study it, think about it and discuss it with others who wish to discuss it. However like everything else, there are those in each of these groups who have to take it to the extreme. It's not enough that they believe _____. Everyone else needs to be told about it.

Notice I say "Eveyone needs to be TOLD about it" as opposed to "Everyone needs to be brought around to this way of thinking". I say that because I believe these type of extreme people aren't so much interested in truly converting someone to their own views. Rather, I think they enjoye being contrarians, arguing and yes, feeling superior by insulting someone else's core belief.

Believe what you want; it's a free country. No one can prove scientifically that there is or isn't a God. People who believe are convinced there is, people who don't believe are convinced there isn't. There isn't really any compromise between the two.