Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact
just so you might get a hint of the "power" Atheists are "actively" trying to defeat

I don't know of any atheist trying to defeat anything. Atheism is just a personal issue for me and I have no need to "convert" people or behave zealously or "actively defeat" something. That's behavior usually reserved for theists

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
I don't know of any atheist trying to defeat anything. Atheism is just a personal issue for me and I have no need to "convert" people or behave zealously or "actively defeat" something.

I can respect very much this part of your statement and the way you put it, much appreciated TD for being a fellow human.

That's behavior usually reserved for theists

this on the other hand I do not know what to make of... and it kind of defeats the nice warm gesture you opened with... to my perception I do not see anyone trying to convert non-believers to theism, all I see is theism defending itself against attackers.

being there is only one kind of theism here at this particular joint, and that is Monotheism.

if you see anybody or other faiths please do let me know...

Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact

this on the other hand I do not know what to make of... and it kind of defeats the nice warm gesture you opened with... to my perception I do not see anyone trying to convert non-believers to theism, all I see is theism defending itself against attackers.

That may be the predominant activity on this board, however, the Abrahamic religions in particular have their fair share of missionaries, conversion groups, prison ministries, cable TV channels, etc. doing their best to gain converts, influence governments and eliminate their perceived threats. I apologize if you thought my comment was a personal snub against you; I should have clarified.

being there is only one kind of theism here at this particular joint, and that is Monotheism.

if you see anybody or other faiths please do let me know...

There are Hindus here also. I was recently in a thread authored by one...

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
Sure, there are places in which one can be free from prosthelytizing. Other places not so much. I live in the Bible Belt. I get front door visits from various religious groups 3 or 4 times per year. Additionally there's still lots of religious activity beyond face-to-face encounters in all areas of the country (and the world).

and what is this you are partaking in... active practice of atheism ?

I haven't seen any atheists on ATS attacking Hindus. Though I have discussed the credibility of their religious beliefs.

my advise to you is to leave everyone and all groups alone... respect all individuals and beliefs, including your own... by "actively" pursuing one only shows they do not understand themselves or their own system of thought, it is all a projection.

give and receive

Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact
and what is this you are partaking in... active practice of atheism ?

As an atheist I don't practice anything. I started this thread in part simply to help dispel some common misconceptions and prejudices against non-believers.

my advise to you is to leave everyone and all groups alone... respect all individuals and beliefs, including your own... by "actively" pursuing one only shows they do not understand themselves or their own system of thought, it is all a projection.

give and receive

Always respect individuals. Don't always respect beliefs. There's always a reason to respect people. There's never a good reason to respect what appears to be bad ideas.

If we met outside of the internet I'd give you all the due respect you deserve as a fellow human being; I'd be polite, friendly and brotherly. However, I don't have to respect your political, social or religious beliefs. We don't even have to let such things interfere with our friendship as long as we respect each other. Case in point: my guitarist and best friend agree on almost nothing politically, religiously or in regard to conspiracy theories. However, we can discuss things calmly and with respect for each other and such things have never caused a rift. He doesn't respect many of my beliefs nor I his, but we're good people and we respect each other and have retained a great friendship for nearly a decade. Respect people, not ideas.

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
As an atheist I don't practice anything. I started this thread in part simply to help dispel some common misconceptions and prejudices against non-believers.

then simply let it all go... and atheism will receive it's due respect.

if someone comes up to you on the street and tells you god is a flying spaghetti, do not engage them, if they try to convince you of their truth then hold steadfast to yours but do not engage them, this is how wars are started at the very base of it all... simply say, uhuh, that's cool... right I believe you.

then carry on...

this is the way I was raised and taught, I have no idea if passive resistance is a religious way of thought or not, all I know is I am a Metal Head, and alot of things I heard growing up or sayings ect, happen to be true and the best way to go about things.

I live in a very diverse area...

Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact
if someone comes up to you on the street and tells you god is a flying spaghetti, do not engage them, if they try to convince you of their truth then hold steadfast to yours but do not engage them, this is how wars are started at the very base of it all... simply say, uhuh, that's cool... right I believe you.

For the most part this is my mode of operation. However, I don't ever say I believe them. I simply don't engage them. I don't tell them I don't believe. I don't shun their beliefs.

this is the way I was raised and taught, I have no idea if passive resistance is a religious way of thought or not, all I know is I am a Metal Head, and alot of things I heard growing up or sayings ect, happen to be true and the best way to go about things.

It seems like you received good instruction. Though I'm kind of curious about something. I've noticed that here on ATS over the past few weeks you've been very, how shall I say, confrontational(?) with atheists and the idea of atheism in general. I'm curious as to why and perhaps what triggered it. It seems to be a bit at odds with what you're telling me above.

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
It seems like you received good instruction. Though I'm kind of curious about something. I've noticed that here on ATS over the past few weeks you've been very, how shall I say, confrontational(?) with atheists and the idea of atheism in general. I'm curious as to why and perhaps what triggered it. It seems to be a bit at odds with what you're telling me above.

it is all only defense, if one could they are welcome to trace my history to see who threw the first stone, and who is still pelting...

we are getting along just fine right now as I know now more clearly where you stand.

I did make one statement awhile back claiming I was only being defensive and others were attacking everything I stand for, which is individuality and love and freedom.

I go right into normal mode of conversing when the initial movement is "just" and logical and respectful...

it is the atheists, possibly even some of your friends? who are trying actively to strip others of their structure and beliefs.

I play guitar btw bro... \m/

Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact
it is all only defense, if one could they are welcome to trace my history to see who threw the first stone, and who is still pelting...

we are getting along just fine right now as I know now more clearly where you stand.

I did make one statement awhile back claiming I was only being defensive and others were attacking everything I stand for, which is individuality and love and freedom.

I go right into normal mode of conversing when the initial movement is "just" and logical and respectful...

it is the atheists, possibly even some of your friends? who are trying actively to strip others of their structure and beliefs.

I play guitar btw bro... \m/

I admit, some atheists are very zealous and enthusiastic about their non-belief. And I understand, I get a fair amount of grief from people as is evidenced by some of the posts in this thread. All I can do is apologize on behalf of the more pugilistic atheists here. I think you'll find that deep down they're basically good people, same as you, regardless of the petty niggling over beliefs. The heart of the matter isn't belief vs. non-belief, it's good people vs. crappy people. Beliefs, or the lack thereof, don't matter as much as being a good person. To me, at least.

What kind of guitar rig and axe do you have? Are you in a band? What kind of metal are you into? How long have you been playing? Do you have any music I could hear? You can P.M. me if you want to keep it out of the public eye. Rock on, brother.

Originally posted by awake_and_aware
Well, personally, i'm about offering my opinon and arguments towards religion. Just because religion is a belief based on faith doesn't mean it is free from criticism. If i think something is wrong or rediculous - i will speak out and say why.

yes we all have the freedom to express ourselves on ATS since it is a website hosted in the United States, you have to give thanks to our societies for that much, for if we lived in some other countries I doubt we would be allowed out of our own back yard (Great Firewall) or even be caught speaking out against a Creator (as in alot of Muslim nations)

one thing I find ridiculous about it all and almost beyond laughable, is the fact that some of these professed atheists are in fact searching for some type of mythical creature like Fairies or Pink Unicorns, ect...

I say these atheists have great potential though, for indeed if and when they do discover the actual truth they may just become great defenders of said truth.

all in hopes, for there is only one truth, which has an amazing way of revealing itself...

Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact

one thing I find ridiculous about it all and almost beyond laughable, is the fact that some of these professed atheists are in fact searching for some type of mythical creature like Fairies or Pink Unicorns, ect...

They are?

What is this "truth" you spoke of that you can discover? How does one discover it? How did you discover it?

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer

Originally posted by Cosmic.Artifact

one thing I find ridiculous about it all and almost beyond laughable, is the fact that some of these professed atheists are in fact searching for some type of mythical creature like Fairies or Pink Unicorns, ect...

They are?

What is this "truth" you spoke of that you can discover? How does one discover it? How did you discover it?

I began to take notice and see the Truth in the world around me... not that I haven't known it for some time, but I am always learning new ways of viewing/observing this simple moral truth.

It is kind of like "time" we all observe it but there are still some who just do not agree with what time it is, take for instance the subject of (slow time and fast time) in Indiana.

this truth I speak of is Love which is the Light of all... I am in no way trying to convert you as alot of people would claim is going on around here, I am only describing my Truth to you since you have asked.

If people just realized earlier on and had a little more love in their hearts, instead of constantly searching for it , there would be a better way... the only way and the only truth I see is we are here but a limited time, why not enjoy it everyday and to the last breath.

in my opinion, those without morality are capable of doing great harm to others, especially if they are put into the position of great power.

my truth is I just stand for Justice, what is right and what is wrong, as we have learned by history and observation.

that's just the way it is...