Is it a poor mindset? An atheist mindset? What causes paranoia?

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: Klassified

I agree with you. Whether they admit it or not is the question. Faith is beneficial. What do you have faith in?

In my observation, those who identify themselves as atheists in an active way do so because they still wish to practice theology without the connotations such tastes imply. Thinking, reasoning and speaking about the nature of God is often on their mind, so to speak, despite the claims they do not believe in it.

There are many atheists who were Xtians for a long time. Some of us were outspoken as Xtians, and are just as outspoken as atheists. That we still discuss theology, and the "nature of god" is not unique among those in the world who have converted from one paradigm to another.

I often participate in these discussions myself, as you have obviously noticed. I don't and won't make apologies for it. Nor do I wish to practice Xtianity without its connotations. Religion is a major facet of the world we live in, and as someone who came out of Xtianity, I'm acutely aware of the impact it has on individuals and society. You bet I'm still interested. Just from a different perspective.

originally posted by: Klassified
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Atheism, on the other hand, does its best to do away with faith altogether, out of fear of being deceived once again.

There's some truth to this, but as an atheist, who was once a believer, I've come to realize that everyone has faith in someone or something, whether or not they acknowledge it as such.

there is a difference between faith and calculated trust.

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

In my observation, those who identify themselves as atheists in an active way do so because they still wish to practice theology without the connotations such tastes imply. Thinking, reasoning and speaking about the nature of God is often on their mind, so to speak, despite the claims they do not believe in it.

for most of us, our culture is abundant in it. "oh my god" "thank god" "jesus, man..." "ah, christ!" or even just "dammit". on some level, we refer to some form of deity or witness someone doing it on a regular basis. its become thoughtless. the act of going to church is more a chore for adults than an actual gathering of disciples. social validation and some bonus psychological placebo. time to do everything i did wrong last week all over again. not only are we faced with the economic exploitation of spirituality, we are faced with the social hypocrisies of it as well. so i have difficulty understanding when someone DOESNT take a good hard look at what people are calling god. if obama were being praised on the street whenever someone recovered from cancer, you would be raising your eyebrows too.

a reply to: darkbake

What causes paranoia? I don't know, religion? To think a man in the clouds is spying on you all the time is as pretty paranoid as it gets don't you think?

originally posted by: TzarChasm

originally posted by: Klassified
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Atheism, on the other hand, does its best to do away with faith altogether, out of fear of being deceived once again.

There's some truth to this, but as an atheist, who was once a believer, I've come to realize that everyone has faith in someone or something, whether or not they acknowledge it as such.

there is a difference between faith and calculated trust.

No, actually there isn't. Faith IS calculated trust. It's just that not everyone's calculations are the same.

originally posted by: Klassified

originally posted by: TzarChasm

originally posted by: Klassified
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

Atheism, on the other hand, does its best to do away with faith altogether, out of fear of being deceived once again.

There's some truth to this, but as an atheist, who was once a believer, I've come to realize that everyone has faith in someone or something, whether or not they acknowledge it as such.

there is a difference between faith and calculated trust.

No, actually there isn't. Faith IS calculated trust. It's just that not everyone's calculations are the same.

faith is not calculated trust. calculated trust is walking into a situation knowing that these are the possibilities and these are the chances of each outcome. faith is walking into a situation believing in an outcome for no reason whatsoever. or for reasons that are not based in actual reason.

hiking in the woods you discover a man dying from a rattlesnake bite. you have a cell phone and a bible in your pockets. which do you use first?

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: Klassified

I agree with you. Whether they admit it or not is the question. Faith is beneficial. What do you have faith in?

In my observation, those who identify themselves as atheists in an active way do so because they still wish to practice theology without the connotations such tastes imply. Thinking, reasoning and speaking about the nature of God is often on their mind, so to speak, despite the claims they do not believe in it.

Well. Your experience, or what you thought you knew of atheists is wrong. We do not believe in any deity. There is not a shred of proof for the existence of god. We discuss him because religion is so prevalent. Buy i can assure you, and can confidantly say this applies to almost all real atheists. ..We do NOT believe is any god. And the reason we don't is total utter lack of any proof.

a reply to: darkbake

Here is a sample of the Atheist community's belief system of social behavior:

CNN: Behold, atheists' new Ten Commandments

1. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.

2. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.

3. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.

4. Every person has the right to control of their body.

5. God is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.

6. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.

7. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.

8. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.

9. There is no one right way to live.

10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.

a reply to: 3danimator2014

One can speak about religion without speaking about "him". Atheists practice theology, and are not "without God" in the slightest.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: 3danimator2014

One can speak about religion without speaking about "him". Atheists practice theology, and are not "without God" in the slightest.

What does that even mean?

a reply to: Annee

Over your head and under your knees, I suppose.

Try this: put the terms atheist or God in the title of a thread and see who shows up.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: 3danimator2014

One can speak about religion without speaking about "him". Atheists practice theology, and are not "without God" in the slightest.

and psychiatrists study schizophrenics, but that doesnt make them schizophrenic or even mentally unbalanced.

a reply to: TzarChasm

I'm not sure that comparison works, or even why an analogy is needed.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: TzarChasm

I'm not sure that comparison works, or even why an analogy is needed.

im sure you will live.

a reply to: TzarChasm

Always.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: Annee

Over your head and under your knees, I suppose.

Try this: put the terms atheist or God in the title of a thread and see who shows up.

No.

Just your word games and lack of clarity.

If someone has to guess what you mean, that's on you.

a reply to: Annee

You don't know what theology means?

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: Annee

You don't know what theology means?

Just explain what you're trying to say and stop the games.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
a reply to: Annee

Over your head and under your knees, I suppose.

Try this: put the terms atheist or God in the title of a thread and see who shows up.

ah yes, the good ol' "being skeptical of skeptics" quandary.

a reply to: Annee

Atheists practice theology is what I said. Christians and believers of all sorts also practice theology. One big happy family.