Roy Moore accused of sexual contact with 14-year old

[KingsGambit]

I think that's fair - we just seem to draw the Christian hating variety. Usually. With notable exceptions. Of which you appear to be one. But there may be more. It's just that the Christian haters stick out more.

Getting

I think it's kind of a self selecting bias type thing. People who don't have strong opinions on theology subjects aren't going to sign up for a site called Theology Web. A lot of the average Joe type atheists you'll meet in everyday life aren't going to act the same way.

[carpedm9587]

I think that's fair - we just seem to draw the Christian hating variety. Usually. With notable exceptions. Of which you appear to be one. But there may be more. It's just that the Christian haters stick out more.

Getting

Makes me think of my favorite quote:

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. ... In fact, violence merely increases hate. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

A child's default position is to love. We learn to hate. If we can learn to hate, we can unlearn it, and return to our default position.

[carpedm9587]

I think it's kind of a self selecting bias type thing. People who don't have strong opinions on theology subjects aren't going to sign up for a site called Theology Web. A lot of the average Joe type atheists you'll meet in everyday life aren't going to act the same way.

Probably true...except for those of us who have a slightly different motive...

[Cow Poke]

A child's default position is to love.

Meh, have you ever been in a nursery or a day care? Nobody wants that red ball in the corner until one kid gets it, then it's 'call the riot police'!!!!

We learn to hate. If we can learn to hate, we can unlearn it, and return to our default position.

We also need to learn to love properly. Many people get lust and love confused.

[Cow Poke]

I think it's kind of a self selecting bias type thing. People who don't have strong opinions on theology subjects aren't going to sign up for a site called Theology Web. A lot of the average Joe type atheists you'll meet in everyday life aren't going to act the same way.

I agree - in the vast majority of cases, they're not here for fellowship.

[carpedm9587]

Meh, have you ever been in a nursery or a day care? Nobody wants that red ball in the corner until one kid gets it, then it's 'call the riot police'!!!!

I said love, CP - not share!
There is no doubt that the youngest infant is all about "me." That is the scope of their world - their own need. But they don't hate. They need and they love. It doesn't take too long, however, to learn to hate and fear. Usually, shortly after you become mobile, you start learning the lessons.

We also need to learn to love properly. Many people get lust and love confused.

Well - they ARE different - but I've found that a little lust in a marriage can be a marvelous companion to love...

[Cow Poke]

I said love, CP - not share!

We can share because we love, or we can share because a bigger-than-us person demands it.

There is no doubt that the youngest infant is all about "me."

Which goes against the concept of love, yes?

That is the scope of their world - their own need. But they don't hate.

You haven't met Mrs. Brallon's kid! (but, no, children - especially the little ones - don't generally hate)

They need and they love. It doesn't take too long, however, to learn to hate and fear. Usually, shortly after you become mobile, you start learning the lessons.

Well - they ARE different - but I've found that a little lust in a marriage can be a marvelous companion to love...

Sheeeesh, we're talking about CHILDREN!!!!


(oh wait, that might be what causes them)

[Sparko]

I fixed that for you...

You should know by now that it is not that simple...

Meet the Atheist who believes in God


According to recent studies, 21% of atheists believe in God. 10% of them pray.
Read more at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/genevei...BfHiMUqTHuW.99

[carpedm9587]

You should know by now that it is not that simple...

Meet the Atheist who believes in God

According to recent studies, 21% of atheists believe in God. 10% of them pray.
Read more at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/genevei...BfHiMUqTHuW.99

OK, I've read both. My response is

The word "atheist" comes from two root words: a - meaning "without" or "against" and "theos" meaning god. The word describes someone who believes that a god does not exist. It MIGHT accurately be used to describe someone who is against an existing god, but that is a non-conventional use of the term. So the sentence "21% of atheists believe in god" makes as much sense (to me) as "21% of Christians do not believe a god exists." Since the heart of Christianity lies in theism, the sentence makes no sense. I doubt most Christians would accept, "21% of Christians do not believe in the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth," though that might actually be true. But to not believe in a god at all is diametrically opposed to Christianity. Likewise, to believe in a god at all is diametrically opposed to atheism.

Anyone can call themselves anything they want. It does not mean they are using the words as they are conventionally defined.

[carpedm9587]

Which goes against the concept of love, yes?

No. I can love myself too

And sometimes I have to work hard at it.

[Sparko]

OK, I've read both. My response is

The word "atheist" comes from two root words: a - meaning "without" or "against" and "theos" meaning god. The word describes someone who believes that a god does not exist. It MIGHT accurately be used to describe someone who is against an existing god, but that is a non-conventional use of the term. So the sentence "21% of atheists believe in god" makes as much sense (to me) as "21% of Christians do not believe a god exists." Since the heart of Christianity lies in theism, the sentence makes no sense. I doubt most Christians would accept, "21% of Christians do not believe in the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth," though that might actually be true. But to not believe in a god at all is diametrically opposed to Christianity. Likewise, to believe in a god at all is diametrically opposed to atheism.

Anyone can call themselves anything they want. It does not mean they are using the words as they are conventionally defined.

I think we had one guy sign up here claiming to be a Christian Atheist. Of course we didn't allow him to use that designation.

[EvoUK]

I agree - in the vast majority of cases, they're not here for fellowship.

[One Bad Pig]

I think we had one guy sign up here claiming to be a Christian Atheist. Of course we didn't allow him to use that designation.

You remember JCA?

[Cow Poke]

And, weird lot that we are, you picked a rather questionable sample.

[carpedm9587]

I think we had one guy sign up here claiming to be a Christian Atheist. Of course we didn't allow him to use that designation.

Oh I don't really care what designation people use. They can call themselves whatever they want. But if they want to be understood, it is usually advisable to use words as they are conventionally defined. Otherwise, we run a significant flirtation that underwear with fish bagels will bloviate orange craniums until fried pumps explode.