Quotes of the day
posted at 10:45 pm on October 20, 2009 by Allahpundit
“The old atheists said there was no God. The so-called ‘New Atheists’ said there was no God, and they were vocally vicious about it. Now, the new ‘New Atheists’ — call it Atheism 3.0 — say there’s still no God, but maybe religion isn’t all that bad…
“‘The work that we need to do, we atheists, humanists and non-believers, is to build a better world and not try to tear down those with whom we disagree,’ said Greg M. Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at Harvard University…
“Atheists who insist that religion be removed from the public square are doing themselves a disservice, argues Austin Dacey, a former United Nations representative for the staunchly secularist Center for Inquiry and author of The Secular Conscience: Why Belief Belongs in Public Life. A godless public square not only shields religion from public criticism, it also circumvents a broader debate on morality, he argues…
“Atheists are ‘God’s whistle-blowers,’ who keep believers honest and focused on the here-and-now, Selmanovic said. ‘Atheism at its best grabs us by the collar and throws us to the ground, demanding to see lives well lived, forcing us to dig deeper and live up to the best of our own religions,’ he writes.”
***
“Yesterday’s radicals wanted to tear down the economic structure of capitalism and replace it with socialism, and eventually communism. Today’s radicals are intellectually spent: they want to annihilate American culture, having absolutely nothing to put in its place. In that regard, these moral anarchists are an even bigger menace than the Marxists who came before them.
“If societal destruction is the goal, then it makes no sense to waste time by attacking the political or economic structure: the key to any society is its culture, and the heart of any culture is religion. In this society, that means Christianity, the big prize being Catholicism. Which explains why secular saboteurs are waging war against it.”
Blowback
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Atheists=prideful false teachers
PrezHussein on October 20, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Not sure I’ve ever read a stupider sentence. Atheists as “God’s whistleblowers?”
What next, Iranian Holocaust deniers are just keeping the Jooos from capitalizing on a painful period of history unfairly?
cs89 on October 20, 2009 at 10:51 PM
But what do the Sea Otters think?
trubble on October 20, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Every public square in America, and in Europe, should have a statue of Pope Urban II.
MB4 on October 20, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Muhammud’s gonna be pissed when she hears this crap!
bannedbyhuffpo on October 20, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Sarc, in case it isn’t obvious.
cs89 on October 20, 2009 at 10:52 PM
It seems to me that the Constitution has a line about religion…something about the state not establishing a religion or hindering the free expression of religion. So, the atheists can believe what they want to believe and the rest of us can do the same.
Just leave people alone. Don’t take down crosses and get ugly about someone saying a prayer in your presence.
Terrye on October 20, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I’m happy for them to believe what they believe, as long as they’re fine with me believing what I believe. If that’s what they are, I’m TOTALLY down with them.
And Prez…don’t be obnoxious just because you can. I’m so sick of opposition baiting on the religion threads.
tickleddragon on October 20, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Faith is a personal thing, but as long as Atheists don’t fall into moral or cultural relativism (an easy trap to fall into from Atheism mind you) they should be sparred stoning or the gallows imho.
saus on October 20, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Aha, it’s all coming together now. In his head. Which is really confused.
cs89 on October 20, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Sorry AP, not gonna take the bait on this obvious attempt to get hits. WTF does this have to do with politics, conservatism, or anything else that rightly belongs on HotAir? The only comment you will get from me on this thread is this one telling you this way of fishing for hits is getting old.
miConsevative on October 20, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Religion is dangerous. Relationships with God are fruitful.
Grafted on October 20, 2009 at 10:56 PM
The sheer fact that Atheists have a religion, Atheism, destroys their credibility in this argument. See definitions 2-4:
Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈli-jən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely
Date: 13th century
1 a : the state of a religious b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
uknowmorethanme on October 20, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Do you know the difference between a conservative athiest and a liberal athiest? A conservative athiest is just an athiest, a liberal athiest is an athiest that wants everyone to be an athiest…
mjbrooks3 on October 20, 2009 at 10:57 PM
So true. Look at the awful civilizations they have built.
TheBigOldDog on October 20, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Atheianity?
blatantblue on October 20, 2009 at 11:00 PM
While I totally appreciate these tolerant atheists’ attitudes, and return all props and respect to atheists striving to be good people who have honestly concluded there is no God, all due respect I do think it’s not right to praise the influence of religion if you don’t believe its Source even exists.
Reminds me of the guy who praised Catholicism because “I think the Mass is so pretty, great music etc.” I said that was nice but told him as politely as I could that that was a silly reason to consider Catholicism as a belief system. I’m a Catholic for one reason only: I believe it’s true.
CS Lewis (as usual) put it best (paraphrasing here): Christianity (or any belief) should be embraced for one reason only: because one believes it’s true. No other reason (“it’s good for society,” etc.) is a good one.
This BTW is the exact reason I have tons of respect for honest atheists (meaning those who have thoroughly considered the question and on intellectual grounds – not “no one’s going to be the boss of me” grounds – have concluded there is no Deity). And why I have so little respect for Christians who say they believe but don’t bother much to act in line with what they say is true.
inviolet on October 20, 2009 at 11:00 PM
GWBWLTK = God’s Whistle Blowers Who Love Their Kitties
rinohumper on October 20, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Bumper sticker alert . Please grow up . The simplicity is killing me.
CWforFreedom on October 20, 2009 at 11:01 PM
The Dark Ages were fun-packed times. Now who was it who wielded the power back then?
fogw on October 20, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I’m going to say what I said in the Headlines thread on this…
It seems condescending to me. Faith does not require utility. If I have my faith on the basis of utility, I cease to have faith. After all, I do not have faith in God, but rather faith in the utility of my faith. Proper faith does not require, or concern itself with, utility.
But regardless, it seems settled that religion is necessary, in whatever form. Of course, you can’t have a religion for the sake of utility, otherwise it ceases to be a religion and it’s power is gone.
So we have these people saying that those people should have faith in a God, because we have faith in its utility. Those people should set up society, make great works of art, we’ll enjoy the fruits of their faith.
Now, obviously this is a vast improvement over the New Atheists who were never really new, and may never have been really atheist. But it still has the same problem of egotism, though I think I could come up with a better word. They sit on the clouds like a God, they can see the way all things operate, and they desire that it operate in this way, and that those with faith do so.
I’d much rather a good faith atheist try to convince me of atheism, so that I as a good faith Christian may attempt to convince him or her of my Christianity.
Keljeck on October 20, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Sigh. AP, ummmm, noone really cares about your atheism. We really think you’re great and all, but answer this question honestly, can you go a whole day without thinking about your supposed lack of religion? Methinks thou dost protest too much, and everything. Dude, I’m a devout Catholic and I don’t know that I spend as much time thinking about religion as you do. If you were one of my girlfriends and you spent this much time and energy discussing the ex that you ‘couldn’t care less about,’ I’d be buying my dress for you wedding ’bout now. Let it go….just let it go.
cynccook on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM
You know what’s so annoying about deeply religious people? The way they constantly try to push their beliefs off on you.
BKeyser on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Why, that they should call Atheism 3.0 the Allied Athiest Alliance.
Their Logic is Great. Science be Praised!
Aquateen Hungerforce on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM
:D
…Really?
ernesto on October 20, 2009 at 11:04 PM
If there is no God then religion and man’s need for it is just an evolutionary imperative.
Why would Atheists want to get in the way of an evolutionary imperative? Why do they hate evolution so?
Better hope Charles doesn’t find out. He might go and ban himself.
29Victor on October 20, 2009 at 11:04 PM
.
Silly! He wasn’t a real Christian. See sin is against Christ so sinners are not Christians. Until they stop sinning of course and then they are Christians again and capable of judging others Christianity. See how that works?
ronsfi on October 20, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Regarding past crimes of the church; religion is apart from those who have corrupted it…
mjbrooks3 on October 20, 2009 at 11:06 PM
In like manner that Mao wasn’t a real atheist!
Keljeck on October 20, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Alternatively, maybe your frequent desire to discuss this topic is hiding an internal conflict. Have you ever read “The Everlasting Man?” or anything else by G.K. Chesterton? You might find him extremely interesting.
cynccook on October 20, 2009 at 11:07 PM
“Humanist chaplain”? LOL Anyway, it looks an awful lot like a white flag.
ddrintn on October 20, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Your definition of “religion”, please? Here’s what the Bible has to say:
All due respect, IMO someone may have said that to you at some point to make religion = antithetical to a personal relationship with God. Many evangelical Protestants believe the very notion of religion is bad in this way. But James says otherwise. In fact, the two (TRUE religion, and relationship with God) are very much related.
inviolet on October 20, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Yeah, cause Catholicism’s not a force for the Left.
Alex K on October 20, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Or, the threads are very popular, with many comments.
exception on October 20, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Bah! James is just an epistle of straw! :)
Keljeck on October 20, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Or, the threads are very popular, with many comments.
exception on October 20, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Yeah, people mention that sometime. Why would AP care about how many comments a topic gets? Is he paid by the comment?
cynccook on October 20, 2009 at 11:12 PM
I see Environmentalism as a religion for some “atheists” on the Left… they have their version of “God”
mjbrooks3 on October 20, 2009 at 11:13 PM
.
Hey look a believer making up stuff people never said. Go figure.
ronsfi on October 20, 2009 at 11:13 PM
LOL Good thing Luther’s followers talked him out of tossing that one out of the NT canon, eh?
inviolet on October 20, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Traffic matters, as well as giving visitors what they want.
exception on October 20, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Must be some kind of bonus system, with the mention of Palin or atheist bringing top dollar.
fogw on October 20, 2009 at 11:14 PM
There is, I think, a distinction that needs to be made when you talk about atheists and atheism. Far too often, those who purport to be atheistic have merely substituted scientism, liberal politics, etc. for the old, oppressive, un-mellow religion of their youth. They are no less obnoxiously fundamentalist, but because they don’t call their new religion a religion they believe themselves to be nonreligious.
Those who have done the theological and psychological legwork at living as a moral person in a universe they truly believe not to have any sort of Deity can be quite different, and not so obnoxious.
Sekhmet on October 20, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Well, I’m agreeing with you, for one. The No True Scotsman fallacy is… a fallacy.
But these things are not done because people are atheist or Christian, they’re done because we are human!
Keljeck on October 20, 2009 at 11:15 PM
It’s worse than you think…
Get some popcorn, and enjoy!
:O)
Seven Percent Solution on October 20, 2009 at 11:18 PM
.
On that we can agree. History is rotten with evil using people’s best impulses against them for their own glorification. That’s why masses of dogooders are the most dangerous groups of all.
ronsfi on October 20, 2009 at 11:21 PM
I’m glad AP made this the QOTD because I made a horrible mistake in the headlines when I attributed something to Hitchens that he did not say. It was Richard Dawkins and not Hitchens, Sorry yall. Here is the link to the WSJ story, and this is the part that I was grateful for the atheist pointing out:
Emphasis mine. Sorry for the mix up. This bit by dawkins was also a surprise to me:
That bolded part is an amazing thing to say given the pedigree of Western philosophy post Kant. So two surprises in one article. Not bad.
Weight of Glory on October 20, 2009 at 11:22 PM
I know conservatives suck at boycotts, but if we just ignored all of Allah’s atheist posts, not clicked on them, they would end. Capitalism, don’t you know? Just sayin’…
mwdiver on October 20, 2009 at 11:22 PM
The reason people push “religion” on to others is a warning on eternal consequences if they die without a relationship with God. Those who complain now might have wanted more warnings when there was a chance.
garydt on October 20, 2009 at 11:23 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Was_Thursday
ninjapirate on October 20, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I’ve foud too many of the supposedly “deeply religious” to be anything but.
My faith is simple,everyday. Doesn’t need explaining,defending or some jerk asking me if I have found Jesus. Did he go missing? He was right here this morning. Did someone notify authorities? Dad?
katy the mean old lady on October 20, 2009 at 11:26 PM
You know what’s so annoying about deeply religious people? The way they constantly try to push their beliefs off on you.
BKeyser on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Hey, I don’t see any religious people hijacking every topic to proselytize. AP is the ATHEIST who keeps what? trying to convert us? to get some kind of validation? Heh.
cynccook on October 20, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Who ever wrote this is really confused about the “big prize”.
Rovin on October 20, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Sorry, Bill, but Jesse Jackson: not a “secular sabateur.” It’s interesting that he’s the first example Donahue goes to, though.
RightOFLeft on October 20, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Well, it was written by a Catholic.
Genius too.
Keljeck on October 20, 2009 at 11:40 PM
So is this “big tent” atheism?
rihar on October 20, 2009 at 11:40 PM
American shot over drink of water
In Kabul, the capital, an American service member and an Afghan police officer got into an argument because the American was drinking water in front of the Afghan police, who are not eating or drinking during the day because of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, said the district chief, Abdul Baqi Zemari.
The police officer shot the American and seriously wounded him, while other American troops responded and seriously wounded the police officer, Zemari said.
Lt. Robert Carr, a U.S. military spokesman, confirmed an incident between Afghan police officers and a U.S. police mentoring team. He could not provide information on the conditions of the two men.
What do you need?
- McChyrstal (to Afghans)
Apparently what Afghans need is to make American troops submit to Islam or die.
Who appointed this moron psycho as general in charge in Afghanistan? Oh that’s right, the moron psycho in the White House.
MB4 on October 20, 2009 at 11:43 PM
*yaawwwwn*
Saltysam on October 20, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Funny thing, only little Mao shaped keys will now unlock those doors. Strange.
Weight of Glory on October 20, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Bleh.
These atheist threads just aren’t as fun when Allahpundit doesn’t wade into the comments like in the good ol’ days.
hillbillyjim on October 20, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Ha! ooops. I meant to post that in the headlines about the Dems changing the locks.
Weight of Glory on October 20, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Funding reconstruction programs in places dominated by the insurgency fuels the war economy and thus the Taliban itself. In August, one Afghan contractor in Kandahar told me that in order to work outside the city, he had to pay hundreds of dollars a month to local insurgents. In addition, the population can easily reap the benefits of reconstruction programs and still support the insurgency. Not far from Kabul, some members of a Western-funded shura (tribal council) were recently unable to participate in a session because of wounds suffered in battle against coalition forces the previous night.
MB4 on October 20, 2009 at 11:51 PM
O/T, but could be pretty good!
News from the land of the pimp and prostitute:
http://twitter.com/JamesOKeefeIII
Philly!
Marybeth on October 20, 2009 at 11:58 PM
I’m agnostic but I do think that having a common religion gives a civilization an evolutionary advantage.
Scott Free on October 21, 2009 at 12:00 AM
O/T:
Spanish for Dummies
VinyFoxy on October 21, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Wow, another atheism themed post from Allahpundit. A casual observer might conclude that he is finding it increasingly difficult to find relevant topics to write about.
And I say that as a staunch atheist myself. God, these posts – and the threads which invariably ensue – are painfully boring. Religion has nothing to do with politics. I don’t care whether the next man’s morality originates from his belief in a god or from his rational appraisal of human existence, just so long as he respects the rights of the individual.
Atheism and Christianity are two different viewpoints. One side may attempt to convince the other of their views as vigorously as they wish, so long as it doesn’t interfere with any of my rights. A man may make the claim that I cannot know morality because I don’t know God. That is his right. I don’t really care. I know this man is wrong. So long as he doesn’t use his opinion as a basis for action against me, he does no harm. I may think he’s an asshole but that’s my business. I should imagine that reasonable Christians hold the same views regarding atheists.
So what’s the problem? Who cares? Religion has nothing to do with politics or the running of a country. Neither has atheism. If this is classed as a Hot Air “side topic” then for crying out loud Allahpundit find a new one – unless of course you’re trying to sabotage the anti-Obama movement here by fragmenting it. And judging by the frequency with which I read the words “in fairness to Obama” in your political posts, that wouldn’t be such a far fetched accusation to make.
Sharke on October 21, 2009 at 12:04 AM
And if all atheists agreed with the first quote, the world would be a better place, and atheists would likely be viable political candidates.
Live and let live. Such a novel concept.
Esthier on October 21, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Why religion? A common philosophy will do, just so long as it’s a philosophy which is beneficial to the advancement of the individual.
Sharke on October 21, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Wow, another atheism themed post from Allahpundit. A casual observer might conclude that he is finding it increasingly difficult to find relevant topics to write about.
And I say that as a staunch atheist myself. God, these posts – and the threads which invariably ensue – are painfully boring. Religion has nothing to do with politics. I don’t care whether the next man’s morality originates from his belief in a god or from his rational appraisal of human existence, just so long as he respects the rights of the individual.
Atheism and Christianity are two different viewpoints. One side may attempt to convince the other of their views as vigorously as they wish, so long as it doesn’t interfere with any of my rights. A man may make the claim that I cannot know morality because I don’t know God. That is his right. I don’t really care. I know this man is wrong. So long as he doesn’t use his opinion as a basis for action against me, he does no harm. I may think he’s an a*shole but that’s my business. I should imagine that reasonable Christians hold the same views regarding atheists.
So what’s the problem? Who cares? Religion has nothing to do with politics or the running of a country. Neither has atheism. If this is classed as a Hot Air “side topic” then for crying out loud Allahpundit find a new one – unless of course you’re trying to sabotage the anti-Obama movement here by fragmenting it. And judging by the frequency with which I read the words “in fairness to Obama” in your political posts, that wouldn’t be such a far fetched accusation to make.
Sharke on October 21, 2009 at 12:11 AM
To an atheist having a religous based opinion instead of a psychobabble or popculture based one is “pushing your beliefs on them”
PrezHussein on October 21, 2009 at 12:11 AM
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Islam
Aleph on October 21, 2009 at 12:11 AM
What in Ayn Rand’s name is a “Humanist chaplain”? Does the military have those?
Isn’t that what the “Death of Conservatism” dude said about the purpose of conservatives? To make liberals better debaters? Not sure that’s much of a compliment there, Allah.
Urquhart on October 21, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Religion has EVERYTHING to do with politics. Are you saying it’s just a coincidence that almost every single islamist nation is ruled by a dictator?
Their religion begets ruthless dictators.
Mojave Mark on October 21, 2009 at 12:15 AM
So they obviously haven’t cottoned on to the fact that religion has nothing to do with politics.
Sharke on October 21, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I’m not sure but when my uncle died he had a Humanist funeral. It was the nicest funeral service I’ve ever been to. It was in a church as usual, with a regular chaplain who said a few words and then handed the service over to the guy from the Humanist Society.
Sharke on October 21, 2009 at 12:25 AM
D’ya hear the one about the dyslexic atheist?
He was sure there was no dog.
(ba-dump)
mojo on October 21, 2009 at 12:30 AM
What part of the “Religion of Peace” do you wish to respect?
“Proselytizing with the sword”
Taqyya
Economic decrease
Knowledge decrease
Humility, well you know about that.
Yeah, tell me all about the “advantages” of this idol. The only “religion” on the planet the still demands human sacrifice. “Believe or die.”
Oh, right. The other idol of state totalitarianism, “Safety”. The gangsters are now the State.
Somehow this BS only warns me against other fools.
And I plan ahead.
Thus is forever. The a’holes conquer the foolish while the intelligent quietly plan. For the next generation.
Which will be made up of the same percentage of sages and fools as the last.
The village is still what the fascists wish you to believe. The world is what is. The UN is idiotic, composed of the worst the world has to offer. But typical of political agreements. Virtue and conscience and morals always command respect from the honest. And attack from criminals. The UN is criminal. Useless except as an attempt. Expel it from the US, and see it die, without morning.
So on to the next series of now World Wars. It will happen and “Peace in our time.” will be the usual warning.
BTW Chamberlian was Brit but the Brits won that last one.
Flying 50 Star American
Caststeel on October 21, 2009 at 12:31 AM
Will you people make up your mind?!
mizflame98 on October 21, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Apparently, Communism is bad, but Marxism is ok.
Dumb! Just plain dumb!
OldEnglish on October 21, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Atheists reach out a hand in understanding, what will the response be?
Speakup on October 21, 2009 at 12:54 AM
I believe environmentalism is the new Marxism, the real new religion. God is about control. God is about wealth redistribution. God is about saving the polar bears, and killing the unborn humans.
God lives in a house with many rooms and heats it with carbon credits paid for by the unbelievers that continue to blaspheme Gaia by exhaling their noxious fumes.
Yeah, and my sh!t don’t stink.
Kini on October 21, 2009 at 1:02 AM
Flowers and Roses…….
Seven Percent Solution on October 21, 2009 at 1:08 AM
AP,
Your constant and blatant actions to stress your atheism seem to take nonbelief to a whole new level. You are like a ‘born-again atheist’ with a fire in your belly to preach that there is no good news.
I never realized how much atheists needed to stress their nonbelief. Maybe you are atypical but if all atheists were like you I would think that maybe you aren’t as confident in your belief as you suggest. The impression I get is that if you don’t tell everyone about your nonbelief that you might slip back into the faith of your childhood.
This endless need to show that atheism as relevant is bordering on pathological. These posts are the electronic equivalent of calling thousands of random people, shouting “I don’t believe in God!” and hanging up the phone.
We get it, you are an atheist. Take a break slick.
Mormon Doc on October 21, 2009 at 1:11 AM
I have a feeling that people are really tired now. Which is disappointing. What this thread really needs those two Orthodox fellas. To perk up the things you know.
Gaurav on October 21, 2009 at 1:15 AM
OK, OK, I’ll go first…. (in the vain of the Family Guy)
(Stewie) OK, a Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim walk into a Mosque… OK, who walks out…. HA!
Kini on October 21, 2009 at 1:32 AM
Do you realize what you may have done if Allahpundit reads your comment?
HalJordan on October 21, 2009 at 1:52 AM
By the way I don’t get why people get too worked up about these posts. Sure the frequency (and the fact that AP does this just to tease)is a minor annoyance, but it is not like there is any compulsion to read these posts. Just avoid the posts.
Gaurav on October 21, 2009 at 1:59 AM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“let’s Roll”
On Watch on October 21, 2009 at 2:32 AM
Allah you do think deeply. Are you sure there isn’t room in there for God somewhere. I like the way you think.
That article by the Catholic guy was very interesting…this paragraph is very nearly what I said once to a philosophy professor I had once when he asked how I could justify having my 4 children… I later had two more… but:
Yes I went back to college after having 4 kids… it was a good experience actually.
petunia on October 21, 2009 at 2:47 AM
Mormon Doc on October 21, 2009 at 1:11 AM
Hey I imagine that you are the same religion as I am and I have just the opposite reaction. Isn’t that weird? I don’t find Allah’s atheism insulting.
Maybe that is because I don’t really believe there is such a thing as a true Atheist… sorry Allah… maybe I’m fooling myself but it is really beyond me to understand the concept of no God. It just doesn’t compute.
I understand doubts, I understand disillusion with religion an religious people but God is such a part of being human that it is beyond my comprehension. Every impulse to do good is proof of God. And Allah is mostly good so somewhere he must at least believe in goodness.
I have a brother who sometimes claims to be an Atheist… yet culturally Mormon… I don’t believe for a moment that my brother has never felt what I have felt.
He just wants to do other stuff more than be close to God so he tells himself it was an illusion or something. But I know what I know.
It isn’t illusion it is real and abiding.
And actually that article on the new Atheism is sort of how I feel about other religions. If people live what their religions teach we are all better off. So why would I want them to stop living their religion?
And why would I care if someone who is so capable of pushing the voice of God from their thoughts that they call themselves an Atheist… why would I care if they think I’m the one with the problem? I think the same about them… only I’m right:)
I mean this isn’t a case where there are two right answers. Either I am right or I am wrong. And I know in Whom I trust.
petunia on October 21, 2009 at 3:05 AM
The Catholics just reopened a door to the Episcopalians who have been slowly thrown out of their own denomination by the educated secular athiests. So they again have the choice of remaining believers in the Apostles Creed by becoming Episcopalian-Catholics. A Church that teaches that nothing real happened except some pretty stories were written in 33 to 93 AD is not Christian but is only a good counterfeit.
jimw on October 21, 2009 at 5:55 AM
The Ottomans.
Lehosh on October 21, 2009 at 6:16 AM
I was a 3.0 Atheist back when the 1.1 service patch first came out and long before it was cool :-)I guess if you hang around long enough everything comes in to fashion!
MJBrutus on October 21, 2009 at 6:22 AM
Who cares about Atheists? Is this really a topic of concern for anybody but AP?
Talk about being an attention whore.
warden on October 21, 2009 at 7:23 AM
Why are atheists so eager to, er, convert people?
flipflop on October 21, 2009 at 7:25 AM
Idle thought. How many atheist here are apathetic (Meaning they just don’t care either way), and how many are anti-theists (Meaning they not only do not believe, they also consider religious belief to have negative influence). I am sure Dawkins et al are anti-theists.
Gaurav on October 21, 2009 at 7:29 AM
Atheism. Filet of soul.
TXUS on October 21, 2009 at 7:30 AM
Atheists today are exactly like today’s gay people. In past centuries both would be severely attacked for their view/lifestyle.In just the past few decades they’ve become tolerated. But no, that’s not enough for them. Instead of quietly going about their lives, knowing they’re in a better situation than those that have gone before them, they have to stick it in societies face. Haven’t they figured it out by now. We’re sick of them, we’re sick of hearing about them,swe’re sick of their constant whining and pushing.If they don’t shut up very, very soon, America is going to push back, HARD.
Jeff from WI on October 21, 2009 at 7:38 AM
I personally know 4 atheists. Interestingly enough, every one of them is that guy/gal who walks in the room and says “Everyone, look at me!! Me, me, ME!”. Just an observation.
Shiny_Tiara on October 21, 2009 at 8:02 AM
The word ‘antitheist’ would be more appropriate.
TimBuk3 on October 21, 2009 at 8:08 AM
bingo!
Jeff from WI on October 21, 2009 at 8:11 AM
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