Thread: There is no God...

Originally Posted by Ultima Ratio

You're kidding right? Maybe not in the name of atheism, but as a necessary condition, all kinds of suffering has come at the hands of those who replace a deity as a first or limit principle and insert a person, group, government, ideology or some other authoritarian institution in it's place.

Hey Ultima Ratio (for once I got your name right). I was not talking about "Cult of Personality Dictators". I am sure there are some who could fall in line with being non-religious, of this I do not know the stats. Being an individual who grew up in the ****ty parts of town and living hand to mouth as a child might have something to do my understanding of our society. Poor people usually adhere themselves to religion, because they are bankrupt of hope, finances, knowledge, and vision. I am somewhat offended that the words I have used in this thread have been used against me, and taken out context. Ignorance holds the hand of the downtroddened. Ultima Ratio - you are a professor or teacher.. right? I will not say "you should know better", but I expect a lot more from you as an educated man. I will leave you with this:

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Their Marketing works.

We're talking Saints Baseball.

Aren't we??????????

Originally Posted by Bark's Lounge

I am somewhat offended that the words I have used in this thread have been used against me, and taken out context. Ignorance holds the hand of the downtroddened. .... I will not say "you should know better", but I expect a lot more from you as an educated man.

I'm unclear with the following:

1. What should I know better? That education liberates the mind and body? And that by pointing out that you are wrong about a convergence of atheists with good behavior I've somehow betrayed that knowledge?

Or are you saying that I should know better than to be a theist (if I am)?

2. What's been taken out of context? I don't see that it has happened therefore I don't know why your are offended. Offended by what?

Look, I don't care what you believe in and I really don't wish to debate it, but you've made some statements here which I think you should take ownership of or clarify.

I swear I didn't look up the poem, but will guess that it's Nietzche from "The Gay Science"

Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.

Anything else? The poem? Edit: I looked it up. Nice.

Originally Posted by Ultima Ratio

Anything else? The poem? Edit: I looked it up. Nice.

Langston Hughes.

I am tired of the arguments, Nobody really needs them. Maybe I will explode....

Originally Posted by Bark's Lounge

Langston Hughes.

Wait, the quote?

That's Rousseau.

Originally Posted by Scheherezade

Does it matter that I'm an atheist myself? I don't feel persecuted for my lack of faith, nor do I feel the need to proselytize. I'd much rather be atheist than gay in a room full of Christians.

I can't speak for those involved in organized atheism, only my own personal experience.

You stated that you didn't understand the need for organized atheism. I took that to mean "if you don't believe in God why would you organize to not believe in said God?" Which I totally agree with...that makes no sense to me, but if that is what others need then so be it I don't care. I was merely showing that there are reasons other than religion to for Atheists to organize. And to answer your question directly no it doesn't matter to me what your personal beliefs are.