Atheists, by their own self-definition, must believe in no god, no religion. Yet why do they confine themselves only to arguments against judeo-christianity, with an occasional half-hearted attack on islam? These aren't even the world's most popular religions.

Where have been the arguments against any of the "eastern" religions, such as buddhism, or against the many hindi beliefs. By all logic, atheists must argue against these too, in order to argue for no god. Yet I don't think I have ever seen an atheist doing so. For why they do not, I am curious.

Is it that atheists only argue against judeo-christians because this is the only religion they have pre-rehersed memorized responses against, and they lack the capacity to think of new arguments?

Or is it that these atheists are really only anti-judeo-christian, and are representing their position with less than full honesty?

Memorized responses?
Actually, everything you just posted could be applied to any religion, belief or organization. And frankly, I find atheists to be on a higher plane of intelligence than say, for example, Baptists.

When have you see any one but a christian argue their religion here? atheists don't believe in ANY god ... NONE.

Off the top of my head Jews, Muslims and Mormons...

What FAILURE are you talking about ?

Ahhh, passive aggressive, back-handed insults already.

I haven't read any of those posts... but what I would say about one would easily apply to the others!

No, the original post contained the original back handed insult. AND I QUOTE IT FROM THE ORIGINAL "they have pre-rehersed memorized responses against, and they lack the capacity to think of new arguments?"
That is why I cannot stand to talk with Christians, they excel at manipulation.
Repeat after me like a programmed parrot:
because the bible says so
because the bible says so
because the bible says so
because the bible says so

I find it disturbing that organized religions fight for their freedom of words, yet an atheist is not given that freedom by those exact same people.

DONE!.....nothing happened

Hairston

What freedoms have you been denied, specifically?

I do know of an atheist who was fired from a job at a so called "christian atmosphere" place of employment. Simply because he requested they stop including him on group emails that contained Bible scriptures.
Also, your post was a good example, you failed to see the bait in the original post, yet when I came back with my answer, you try to claim I threw the 1st insult. That is called baiting and manipulation.

I've argued against other religions because they all have the same amount of evidence as 'western' religions... Zero in fact.

The bulk of atheists talk about mythology that is in their own backyard and affects them directly more so I've found. So an atheist living in a christian country is going to talk more about the evils and immorality of the christian mythology then for say taoism.

This thread is a potential flame fest, please keep your comments directed at the subject matter and not at individuals or I will be forced to use the extinguisher.

He didn't work at a church did he?

That's strange, I've told numerous people to take me off their e-mail glurg, Christian story lists and nothing was ever said about it afterwards.

That is against the law, by the way...did this person 'you know of' file suit against them?

Actually yes he did. It is ongoing right now. And yes I really do know of this person, no need to put 'you know of' in mocking quotations.
Also, you are just trying to bait or flame me with your subtle insults and accusations. I will not be taken in such immature tactics. Don't address me anymore, I don't talk to people like you nor do I have any more desire to indulge in your baiting. I'm above that. Nice representation of your "god"

ha ha no, but the organization is very conservative

I am sorry if you misinterpet. Though it does look like atheism confines itself to rehersed subject matter, I did qualify that paragraph as a question "Is it ..."

No, this is not a christian insulting you. This is a non-christian challenging you to make some atheist arguments against other religions, which I personally would find more interesting than arguing about the same old judeo-christian topics. I don't know enough about judeo-christian beliefs to have much to say.

Then it almost looks like this thread was set up to be a flamefest! imo

That was not mocking..I've just heard too many stories here about a friend of a friend of a friend. Atheists complain about being descriminated against when in actuality it was a rumor that they heard from someone else. If you're that sensitive you won't last long on this board.

Let me know if that person wins the law suit or not and then we will know if his rights have been lost.

Everybody wants to be the victim. The fact of the matter is that some people on both sides just consider themselves better than the other, and act hatefully.

This was so very eloquently demonstrated on the first page:

The issue has nothing to do with whether you're religious or not, and everything to do with whether you're intolerant or not. Both atheists and religious followers have been discriminated against due to their beliefs. Dropping your superiority complex and being humble is a far more noble goal than hate-fueled attempts at swaying people to your way of thinking, regardless of your side.

I think you're gonna need a bigger one than that.........

Sorry, I had to correct your typo

You focus on the negative and I'll focus on the positive. I've never been discriminated against with or without affiliation to religion.

LOL I didn't mean you, specifically.

There are people on both sides of the belief/nonbelief fence who scream "discrimination" at the drop of a hat.

This thread, IMO, is just an excuse to rile the masses and has no other intrinsic purpose.

LOL, don't point out the tarnish in my halo...

I don't see this thread going very far either.

As an atheist I do not believe in any god or divine being regardless of the religion associated with them.

I happen to live in a country chocked full of Christians and was raised as a Christian. Christianity is what I see every day, and they are my primary example of religion, and the reason I came to my atheist beliefs. In my eyes your god is just as nonexistent as their gods. If I was raised in the Middle East then I would be referring to Muslims instead of Christians in my arguments and comments.



BTW Mormons are christians.

This is about the silliest thread I've seen here in a long time...



Sorry, and that's just NOT true. Buddhists don't believe in an abrahamic God, but that doesnt' make them atheists. Man westerners have a weird idea of what Buddhism is and isn't. Ever lived or visited for an extended amount of time a predominately Buddhist, Hindu or even Shinto country? I have.

There's a reason Buddhism is recognized as a religion and not as secular.

There are plenty of Buddists, that don't believe in god.

You completely missed the point of atheism. I seriously can't believe you don't get it.

Here's the big point:
Most Atheists DON'T CARE whether you worship a god or not!
We could care less if Buddhists, or Shinto, like to worship their gods.

Here's the catch:
We don't want people killing each other over religion, hating others over religion, and forcing religion on others.

Lets see...
Islam:
-Yes. There are radical Muslims who have killed people.
-Yes. Some Muslims HATE Christianity, women, etc. (This could be partly our fault)
-Yes. Countries like Iran are controlled by religious Muslims.

So, for Athiests, Islam is a no-no. However, its upsides are:
--Mostly Far away from most atheists.
--Doesn't seem to be a huge threat where we are now. A threat perhaps, but not a huge one.

Hindu:
-Yes. I suppose there have been some wars between Muslims and Hindu people. Not many, however, and not so many have died.(in comparison to other religious wars)
-Somewhat. I suppose some Hindu hate Muslims.
-Not really. India is pretty Fascist free.

Buddhist:
-Almost never. I don't know of anyone being killed by a Buddhist recently because of religion.
-Not really. Hate is almost a direct violation of Buddhism
-A little. I'm not aware of how much Buddhism is forced on Chinese, but someone could enlighten me.

Shinto:
-No. Not recently, at least.
-No.
-No.


Jewish:
-Not really. Usually, people are attacking Jews.
-Yes. Many Jews hate Muslims, and sometimes Christians.
-No.

now... Christianity:
-Yes. I believe more people have died in the name of Jesus Christ then any other. Remember the Inquisition, Hitler, Crusades?
-Heck yes. Today, many Christians hate Muslims, Jews, almost any other religion, Homosexuals, Scientists, People who think for themselves(often called 'liberals') and more!(Racism is most prominent in the Southern US; which also is the region of the highest Church attendance)
-Yep. Remember EvV, Kansas, recently Florida, and now Huckabee? In the past, remember the Inquisition? Homophobic people? Pro-Lifers?

Christianity is BIG issue for Atheists because it is right here in our backyard, and threatens to suffocate America.


In general, atheists are generally not against religion. We are against Opression, Fascism, and the use of religion to kill, hate, and create Fascism.

It is my understanding that they only go aganist the religions like Islam and Xianity is because those are the only two religions that constantly bother Atheists in their attempts to convert them. Buddhists don't go after people to be converted. Neither do Jews (unfortunately). I don't like to destroy the faith of Christians, but when they try to convert me I have no choice but to derail their faith, bludgen it to death, throw it in the thrash, burn it, and scatter it's ashes. It's a faith that's based on inconsistency and the manipulation of scripture.

I wouldn't say that Jewish people are hateful to Christians, but rather they hate/dislike those who have constantly persecuted them throughout history (ie Christians and Muslims).

How awful, they don't support killing babies.

I honestly have no problems with any eastern religions. To my knowledge they have very live and let live beliefs that don't force an entire society to either follow strict rules they may not believe in, or die. If Christianity and other western and middle eastern religions were the same way, I would no problems with them either.

But if you must know, I'm a polyathiest. I don't believe in your God or any of theirs.

Yet atheists kill, hate, create fascism, oppress, and try to force their way of thinking on religious people too, out of a misguided sense of superiority.

"But Tulisin, only a few crazy atheists do that!"
Of course, and the same goes for religious fanatics.


In fact, based purely on anecdotal evidence, the atheists that I know are far more willing than the religious folks that I know to spew hatred towards the other side.

Riiighhhhttt.. isn't that what I said?

But not believing in God or gods do not an atheist make, it's far more complex that that. An Atheist shouldn't technically believe in reincarnation and enlightenment either. If they did, they'e be buddhists right?

It's rather odd that you'd call a Buddhist an Atheist in my opinion... they most definitely aren't.

Give us some examples. I personally have no idea what you are really talking about. The only example I can think of in all of history would perhaps be the USSR.
Christianity/Islam/Hate is a MODERN problem in a modern America, and in a modern world. Therefore, it is rather more important to Atheists(at least American Atheists) then what a communist country did 20+ years ago on the other side of the world. After all, troubles at home will always be more worrisome then troubles abroad.


No, of course not! They'd rather ruin lives, ruin families, let babies starve, let babies be abused, let babies be cast out onto the street, and let women have no control over THEIR body.
All because a baby is 'God's Will'.

Atheist: a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/atheist

This specifically states that an atheist does not believe in a supreme being. It does not have any bearing on views in reincarnation or the afterlife.

Actually, I know a LOT (a ton actually) of Atheists that are ProLife... trust me, it's not "christian" thing.

Pro-life and pro-choice is well outside the boundries of religion... it's a personal matter. I'm a Christian, and very very pro-choice.

Women have control over their bodies, but when their is another body inside of them, that is there, because they created that life, it is no longer their decision. That child has rights. One of those rights, is living.

That's kind of funny. I'm an atheist, and very very pro-life.

My point precisely.

Nah huh... sure the dictionary classifies that atheists have no belief if God or gods, however, you and I both know that Atheists certainly don't believe in Karma, reincarnation, or anything divine. Buddhists, are all about divine and faith and suffering.

I have noticed there is less Pagan vs Atheists although probably that is because the Pagans like to have a skirmish with the Christians and the atheists just jump on board in that case. The pagans don't give too much of an opening - from what I have seen they don't theorize about what their Gods are like, don't have any Bible or wish to include their prayers in school etc. None of the religions have 'proof' so the debates become more about different issues - rather than the standard "Well God doesn't exist there is no proof".

But for the most part I don't think it is anything too exciting. Most of the believers on this site who will have a good debate with a skeptic are Christians. Similarly most of the atheists grew up where Christianity is the majority religion and when they became atheist it was probably Christianity which made them think about it. Also if you look at who uses the web - the majority of say more interesting religions like those of African tribes don't have as frequent access so we will not get their point of view.

If people of other religions want to post about their beliefs 'I will have a go at them' as well if it will please you

too bad nations don't worry about those rights when it comes to war.

I'm sorry I have to say I do agree with you but that was probably the most mis-informed post I've seen.


Hindu:
-Yes. I suppose there have been some wars between Muslims and Hindu people. Not many, however, and not so many have died.(in comparison to other religious wars)
-Somewhat. I suppose some Hindu hate Muslims

Do you know anything about how India and Pakistan separated?

A little. I'm not aware of how much Buddhism is forced on Chinese, but someone could enlighten me.
You do know China is an official Atheist country, Buddhism is not forced on the Chinese however religious expression is severly controlled!

So, for Athiests, Islam is a no-no. However, its upsides are:
--Mostly Far away from most atheists.
--Doesn't seem to be a huge threat where we are now. A threat perhaps, but not a huge one

That seriously depends on where you live!

Jewish:
-Not really. Usually, people are attacking Jews
You do see the news don't you and see the situation in Israel?

like I said I do agree with you about religion and I don't mean to offend but you should really research your statements before using them as an arguement!

Free will makes everything ok.

Everyone should be free to believe what they want, as long as that belief doesn't harm or infringe upon someone else.

Pretty simple stuff if you ask me.

This seems like kind of fairly easy answer.

One is that many of the atheists that post do so from countries where the majority of people are self identified as christian. That sets up a dynamic by which a few, pushy, vocal christians make it clear they don't like atheists, and atheists don't have a say because they are a minority. (Or something to that effect) If that were a group of pushy, vocal muslims, or jews, or any other religious group telling me that if I didn't believe the same way I'd be treated badly or indifferently for not worshipping the same way or at all, then you'd hear complaints about them.

Here is the thing, demographically there aren't enough of those followers of the latter mentioned religions to have much of a say in law or anything else in a lot of western societies. If they do then you can believe that there is conflict. You also have to take into consideration the level of "faith sharing" by each religion. I have never once answered my door to have a Buddhist handing me a pamphlet on his or her belief asking me to think about switching like god was some sort of phone company. Neither has that happened with a person of Islamic belief. I can say that MANY times that has happened with quite a few different denominations coming from the christian religion.

So if atheists seem to favor christians as a debate sparring partner more, it is only for the reasons stated above. Not really rocket science if you think about it....