tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post9008922039178188327..comments2023-10-20T08:32:14.040-04:00Comments on Heaving Dead Cats: 10 Reasons Atheists Are Morally Superior To Religious FundamentalistsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12653141544095753595noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-5254567759156428452008-11-28T05:57:21.000-05:002008-11-28T05:57:21.000-05:00That's a really good list. Thanks for sharing ...That's a really good list. Thanks for sharing it.Karenhttp://bligbi.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-87703597567603894772008-11-28T06:08:50.000-05:002008-11-28T06:08:50.000-05:00The one reason why atheists are the same as religi...The one reason why atheists are the same as religious fundamentalists is this list. Why do you act like those you dislike so much? ;)Nonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-11184897072624892642008-11-28T06:23:51.000-05:002008-11-28T06:23:51.000-05:00I am an agnostic. I can't say for sure if the...I am an agnostic. I can't say for sure if there is a god or not---although I lean towards the latter. <br>But I have always wondered why atheists try so hard to convert Christians.<br>Live and let live!Marvinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-73429078269069555552008-11-28T06:26:13.000-05:002008-11-28T06:26:13.000-05:00Thats a really interesting article ... But i'm...Thats a really interesting article ... But i'm guessing that you are talking about the religious people who hate everyone who doesn't think the same way, right ? I believe in god, some days more than others. But yet all the points you have about atheists apply to me. I dont hate gays, I don't see anything wrong in them. I just think those christians who do are idiots. Anyway, I truly hope that some day there won't be such a big gab between atheists and christians - we're all people after all ! <br> <br>Gods blessings to you, and i f he doesn't exist, then no harm done :DMilananoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-24238871979525925622008-11-28T06:42:24.000-05:002008-11-28T06:42:24.000-05:00Thank you for your distinct way of expressing my w...Thank you for your distinct way of expressing my way of thinking as well. I have always been told that if I discuss religion with people, that the conversation will usually end in an argument. So I find that it is easier to discuss a topic, and when a party brings into the conversation "religion", I ask them "Why did you spoil my day?". I tell them to speak for themselves and leave religion out of it.Glennnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-84141849063703308322008-11-28T06:46:04.000-05:002008-11-28T06:46:04.000-05:00Loved this list. I agree with... all of it really....Loved this list. I agree with... all of it really. :)Angelahttp://falling-faster.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-15154402011154488092008-11-28T06:53:52.000-05:002008-11-28T06:53:52.000-05:00Nicely thought out. I think the underlying theme h...Nicely thought out. I think the underlying theme here is the same as the one that I live by, and that is that we must think for ourselves. Relying on some "moral authority", whether it be a book or a religious leader, is an abdication from that which makes us human: reason and choice.Erikhttp://erikthewowhunter.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-24715492311994536952008-11-28T06:59:51.001-05:002008-11-28T06:59:51.001-05:00I believe there are quite a few more reasons, but ...I believe there are quite a few more reasons, but you've touched on some great ones!<br><br>Whom is the better person? One who does good because he/she "wants" too, or one who does good because of the threat of hell-fire or promise of eternal reward?<br><br>Not too difficult a question is it? ;-)B. Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-70426653879291256912008-11-28T06:59:51.000-05:002008-11-28T06:59:51.000-05:00I agree with everything except your views on the d...I agree with everything except your views on the death penalty - I'm firmly of the opinion that two wrongs don't make a right and that killing a murderer for taking someone else's life puts us on the same level as them. However, I respect your right to have your own opinion on this matter as I think it's only right that people should think for themselves and form their own morality through careful consideration of personal experience and, like you say, empathetic understanding of other people's experiences. Also, I'm not actually an atheist - I do have a number of deeply held spiritual beliefs that tend more towards neopaganism than anything else, but unlike religious fanatics and fundamentalists I regard my beliefs as just that - my own personal belief system, drawn from personal experience and a philosophical outlook that gives me comfort and hope. I'd never presume to force my beliefs on another person as 'The Truth', I think everyone needs to figure things out for themselves. Blessed Be.Samanthanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-63961750085841345522008-11-28T07:06:11.001-05:002008-11-28T07:06:11.001-05:00Great stuff, especially around the holidays. Stran...Great stuff, especially around the holidays. Strange how we don't need a god to tell us that it's not good to kill. We are the God damn best!!!chasenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-23431344553547245862008-11-28T07:06:11.000-05:002008-11-28T07:06:11.000-05:00Aaaaaaaamen!!!! You said it all and said it right ...Aaaaaaaamen!!!! <br><br>You said it all and said it right and I could not agree more. Thank you for stating this concept so well. I especially agree with what you have said about our health issues. Get these politicians and 'holy folks' out of women's personal spaces!Brenda Jameshttp://stores.lulu.com/fwfproductionsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-92219778279690119572008-11-28T08:15:14.000-05:002008-11-28T08:15:14.000-05:00It's interesting that your atheism has created...It's interesting that your atheism has created an aversion to religion, which in itself creates a religion. <br><br>Ironically, many of the things that you have ascribed to "religions" happen to be assumptions and stereotyping by grouping all religions together as though they are all suspicious of the same sort of activity. <br><br>Furthermore, you make assertions about "religion" that are not in fact. In essence, your list is nothing less than a doctrine of beliefs, and therefore you have created a basis of fundamentalism that can fully be considered as "common belief" of atheist, and a foundational view that brings many atheist of the same belief together. <br><br>Voila! You have religion. <br><br>Interesting. Why? Because even the self ascribed "free thinkers" typically come up with the rules of what makes their religion better than other religions. Ironic indeed. <br><br>PS: Religion to the educated person is not exclusive to spiritual ideologies. Religion in the full sense includes all ideas that organize and establish common beliefs.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-73104146858550341922008-11-28T08:18:11.000-05:002008-11-28T08:18:11.000-05:00wow, that's some serious stereotyping. i'm...wow, that's some serious stereotyping. <br>i'm a Christian and I agree that there are a lot of "christians" out there who make me not want to be one. But i can't answer for what they do, i can only answer for what I choose to do.that jon jacksonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-21482944824352976002008-11-28T08:28:40.000-05:002008-11-28T08:28:40.000-05:00I'm so very sorry that something has made you ...I'm so very sorry that something has made you seem to hate Christianity so much. I really dislike being part of a "religion", for a lot of the reasons that you mention in your article. So many religions miss the point of God and the reason he sent his Son to earth. Being a Christian is a personal relationship, not a list of do's and dont's on how to be. A Christian is not perfect, those who pass judgment on others are proving that point. <br><br>I can understand how you could be angry at Christians but please don't blame God or Christ our Lord. Those who have caused you to write this are just proving that everyone sins in the same way. The biggest difference is Christians, at least those who take it as a part of life and not just the traditions of a religion, have a relationship with Christ that can forgive us for those thoughts and acts.<br><br>Please reconsider reading the New Testament. This was written after Christ died for us. God loves everyone, not just the "good". Like a parent, he tries to teach us what is good and what is not. That is the purpose of the Bible. Once I accepted the teachings in the Bible, I was actually freed from the feelings of guilt and hate that I felt towards others. I now know that everything that happens if for my betterment. My life is not perfect, but I can see in hindsight that the things that I would have asked "Why me, God?", have actually made me a better person. I feel better about myself and feel assured that when I do mess up, it will be forgiven.<br><br>I hope you don't see this as a lecture, but I hope you can accept that Christianity isn't about hate, discrimination or being selective. There is a difference in life between being a Christian with a personal relationship with God and a life without that relationship. I feel no need to prove to you that I'm right. I know and feel it in a way that is unexplainable, except to call it faith.<br><br>Please give the Bible and Christ a chance, away from others, away from the "religious". Just read with an open mind and heart.Lisanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-49542672545260154512008-11-28T08:31:41.000-05:002008-11-28T08:31:41.000-05:00I did read the entire post, and didn't skim it...I did read the entire post, and didn't skim it. Yet, I have to respectfully disagree with the points drawn here, as they are founded on popular feelings and cultural sway in our society. They "sound good" but are simply have no ground to stand on.<br><br>It all goes back to origins.<br><br>The Atheist view is that somehow back in the beginning there was "nothing" then somehow "nothing became a force and acted on it's own nothingness" in order to become something. An almost infinitely small ball that contained all that exists which then exploded. Then over eons and the evolutionary process we get to where we are today.<br><br>This is simply as impossible as 2+2=22.<br><br>The "Religious Fundamentalist" view takes into account that an all-powerful, all-knowing, being that transcends all that exists (even space and time) set the whole thing up from the get-go via the act of creation.<br><br>If he did so, then he may have drawn some lines for how we are to behave. The consequences for failing to live up to his standards are determined by himself and he can enforce them in an way he sees fit withing the bounds of his own power. (which is boundless)<br><br>So while we may not understand fully why God told Israel to march into ancient Canaan and wipe out the entire populace including men/women/children/animals the bottom line is that you as the created thing cannot impose your flawed moral positions on The Almighty.<br><br>The example of Hitler (and many others) is flawed as well because such people "claim" to have a mission from God, but in truth do not. They never received such direction in the first place and the false claim to diving direction would be a capital offense according to the law of the Old Testemant.<br><br>In the end, the major question is WHICH position is the true and right position? Accepting the wrong position aligns you with falsehood which has very dire and eternal consequences.Brian Kurtznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-40322190215688384102008-11-28T08:33:24.000-05:002008-11-28T08:33:24.000-05:00I don't know. I see your points for sure, but ...I don't know. I see your points for sure, but I also think they're based on specific Christian attitudes. There are a lot of folks out there who say they're Christians when they're attitudes and actions say otherwise (Hitler for example as you pointed out). I do believe in God and I believe in science - I'm a biologist. I certainly think for myself, but my life is guided by what I believe is good, and that is based on the Bible for me. We are all born selfish beings, and I truly believe that if we didn't have the 'guidelines' from the Bible that our country was based on, our country would be different. I don't want to help others so I can ...get into heaven. I already got that ticket. I want to help others because I feel called to do so and because putting and serving others before yourself is the true meaning of love and sacrifice. It's the whole reason Jesus lived. The ultimate example. I don't mind at all striving to be like Him. My views may be a little ...loose from the strict Christian extremists. I definitely believe in the death penalty. I believe that people who do good all their lives don't go to hell, whether they believe in Jesus or not. I think the Jews being doomed to hell is ridiculous, especially after what they went through in the Holocaust. I believe in a good and merciful God, and though I believe man and woman were meant to be together (in both a religious and scientific aspect), I don't think gays doomed either. Anyway, those are my thoughts. Regardless, I do appreciate your article.Annienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-78639026058419016422008-11-28T08:58:03.000-05:002008-11-28T08:58:03.000-05:00I find it amazing how you can twist any belief of ...I find it amazing how you can twist any belief of a Christian and construe it for fair game. <br>1. God has never called me to hate gays. God loves them as well but it does not condone their lifestyle. Any good parent would not allow their children to do things against their desire for the household.<br>2. God never tells me to strap a bomb to my waist. My destiny is doing His will, and He loves life.<br>3. God never needs to tell me to pray. A relationship requirement is communication. Since you do not know God, you would know this or seek it.<br>4. God did everything possible for this relationship to happen. Only a self absorbed person would look at the rules as an enforcement instead of enjoying what can be done.<br>Atheists will continue to look at what they CAN'T DO in God's laws than enjoy what is beneficial inside His grace. Humility is never an option to those who do not believe.Michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-36135501386586772952008-11-28T09:00:54.000-05:002008-11-28T09:00:54.000-05:00Man, there is some serious stereotyping going on h...Man, there is some serious stereotyping going on here. Because some very poorly represented faiths have been in your life, you think they're all the same. I would just say that that is ignorance on your part, and not anybody else's. jon was right when he said there are Christians out there who make not want to be associated with the name of Christianity, but we are accountable for our actions. Not those of other's. <br><br>I do not kill because why should I decide who gets to live and who gets to die? It's not my business, and because I live in the same society as you, I show others the same respect I wish to receive. To say that the only reason we don't kill is because God is watching is crazy. Common sense is not swept away by the Bible. Common sense was given to us by God, and we're expected to use what He gave us. Funny, some atheists will use their mouths before using their brains, yet harp about how it's all common sense.autumnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-71728639590405043602008-11-28T09:31:40.001-05:002008-11-28T09:31:40.001-05:00. . . Herr Hitler was RC. He and Pius XII shared a.... . . Herr Hitler was RC. He and Pius XII shared a common cause -- the destruction of European Jewry. Rather than burden us with your ignorance, try reading Atheist Manifesto by Michel Onfray. And, of course, modern biological theory refutes xianity. Oh yes, religion is not the foundation of morality -- that too is based on monotheist propaganda. You might look at The Greeks and the Irrational by E R Dodds (pp 30-31). You've got spatio-temporal tunnel vision, people -- it'd be laughable if you weren't so damned sure you were right. Kindly stop speaking aloud the old lies.<br><br>** Live and Let Die **<br><br>Seven deadly Lies of the Big-4 near eastern monotheisms:<br>1. there is a *spiritual* dimension apart from and above nature<br>2. nature displays design and evinces moral purpose<br>3. time is shallow (6,000 yrs.) with an apocalyptic end<br>4. humanity represents the (non-evolutionary) goal and apex of life on Earth<br>5. morality must have a religious (spiritual) foundation<br>6. each person must choose between good and evil<br>7. *truth* is absolute (as revealed in some ancient magical text)<br><br>Xianity, like its murderous relatives islam, judaism, zoroastrianism never offers anyone a choice to live-and-let-live. Conversion is not optional. The Big Lies are non-negotiable demands.<br><br>You must conform — abase yourself. Let your wishes, desires, and plans be dictated by some priest, pastor, imam, spiritual adviser, rabbi. Of course, hypocrites play a double game, but accept its *rules*.<br><br>And, if you're too honest or brave to be a hypocrite? It depends — on how much power over life and death true believers have.<br><br>I don't see any psychological difference between the Taliban in Afghanistan and bible-worshipers (fundies) spread like metastases across the US. Without a vigorously enforced secular state, we anti-supernaturalists would burn at the stake or receive a bullet in the head.<br><br>For all true believers, this is their doctrine: "those not with us are against us" (Luke 11:23), or as Ian Fleming says, Live and Let Die.<br><br>bipolar2 © 2008bipolar2noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-39749282316697906972008-11-28T09:31:40.000-05:002008-11-28T09:31:40.000-05:00The problem I believe with your argument is your r...The problem I believe with your argument is your relying on stereotypes to define a people. To label all "fundamentalists" as immoral people, and list out what they believe is to become prejudice yourself. I consider myself a fundamentalist yet only agree with one of your points. I'm sorry to inform you that you've probably had negative experiences with people who didn't fully understand the Bible.<br><br>1) Where does God say he hates gay people? I don't.<br>2) I can not argue with the fact that the Bible does say that women need to subject to their husbands. I agree with this view and am often times criticized for holding it. However, without a clear leader there is anarchy. The part of scripture that many times people leave out when referring to this is that the Bible also commands men to "love their wives as themselves." I'm not yet married, but when I am I will treat my wife just as well if not better than myself and for that their shouldn't be any problem or conflict between us.<br>3) Where does God forbid the use of medication? I use it.<br>4) God never asks us to hate anyone, I'd appreciate it if you found it for me. I don't hate anyone.<br>5) Be fruitful and multiply isn't a specific command to you, but a general command to mankind. One we've kept fairly well. He asks you to only have sex with one person so that sex can be something special for you and that one person, and never does He say that sex for fun is wrong. Only sex outside of marriage is "wrong." With that said back in Biblical times, teenagers got married years earlier than now. So you wouldn't have to fight off your sexual desires, that is a byproduct of our new society not God. They way we live now has us going through 13 years of schooling and then college to get married. This wasn't so in the old times. Don't blame that on God.<br>6) Once again God never asks us to hate anyone, and Jesus comes to mankind to tell us that gentiles and jews are created equal. Maybe you could find a verse for me?<br>7) God does not command anyone into wars in present times. Not even Bush. <br>8) I assume this isn't directed towards Christianity and will skip it.<br>9) Well you don't really know that they won't come true. But if you look throughout the Bible a number of prophecies do come true. On top of that the bible commands the jews in both leviticus and in deutoronomy to take care of the environment, and he definitely doesn't say "destroy the earth" as your arguement implies. I do my best to stay "green" Why label me otherwise?<br>10) Our God tells us of eternal life so that we understand not just how important our worldy lives our but also how important our souls are. As far as the death penalty we need to understand that all of us screw up and thus we shouldn't be so quick to judge. If a person murders, living him in jail for life is just punishment enough i believe. I believe in the sacredness of life too, why judge me otherwise?Jamesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-65455663304872444242008-11-28T10:03:23.000-05:002008-11-28T10:03:23.000-05:00Haha, my 8 turned into a smileyHaha, my 8 turned into a smileyJamesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-32786140542533522432008-11-28T10:08:21.000-05:002008-11-28T10:08:21.000-05:00Umm... Yeah.1 reason normal religious people are m...Umm... Yeah.<br>1 reason normal religious people are morally superior to atheistic fundamentalists: We don't make lists like this that appear to accuse all religious (and/or atheists) people, rather than the fundamentalist few that DO believe it :P<br><br>I, personally, tend to ignore most of the Bible that you're talking about, and pay more attention to the Christian part. You know, the teachings of Christ, the basis of Christianity, the bits about loving people? The parts that i would follow, whether i'm after rewards or not? Also, i happen to have all morals you mentioned above, with, it seems, a little more compassion for my fellow man. After all, you don't see me going out and posting scathing blog comments that are only true for a minority, you only see me replying in self-defense.<br><br>But please, could you at some point qualify why so many atheists seem to deem it necessary to go out and post these kinda blogs, what do you get from it? Please answer that one for me! (Y)Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-14401800353654717462008-11-28T10:16:43.000-05:002008-11-28T10:16:43.000-05:00Ok. To all the Christians who are blasting this w...Ok. To all the Christians who are blasting this woman for her post. Before I say this, I must let you know. I was a pastor for 5 years at the height of my religious fervor. I know the bible, I have read it many times in developing my sermon. There were just parts I had to say to myself "Oh lets not speak about that, it might turn people from the flock."<br><br>1. In Leviticus 18:12 and 20:13, God DOES say to hate the gays. He says to straight up to murder them.<br><br>2. 2 Timothy 3:17-18 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."<br><br>What this passage is saying: The Bible was written by man as an inspiration from God. So it can be used for providing faith to your followers, but if you find something you don't like in it, you can remove it so your parishioners will stay with God and not falter in their faith.<br><br>Further meaning. If the Bible is allowed to be changed as mentioned in Timothy, it is not the perfect Word of God anymore. For if something was perfect, it would not need change or even mention that there might be a need to change it later down the road.<br><br>There is a lot more that can be said, but I do not have time at the moment to go further in. However I will keep an eye on this topic.<br><br>By the way. All scripture from KJVDavidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-32863114104921885122008-11-28T10:44:08.000-05:002008-11-28T10:44:08.000-05:00...the Leviticus passage says nothing of "hat......the Leviticus passage says nothing of "hating" Yes it does say they shall be put to death, but the original poster is for the death penalty anyways. I understand why people have qualms with many passages in deutoronomy and in leviticus. Both books often come down hard on certain immoralities. However, this was an early time for the judeo-christian faith, and thus God didn't want it tainted or for it to vanish. Either way though, OT has no significance today. Being a pastor you should realize that Jesus changed a lot of stuff, and we are no longer to kill men who behave in homosexual ways. Thats way way in the past, so it's of no consequence now.<br><br>And for the 2 Timothy verse, I think you're misreading it horribly. For one you should read it within the context of the entire chapter. "Reproof and correction" isn't talking about the bible, and that it can be changed or altered, it's talking about people. That people should change and be corrected. I seriously hope you didn't give up Pastoring because of that verse.Jamesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-7404484948944765262008-11-28T11:25:48.000-05:002008-11-28T11:25:48.000-05:00oh, man... the god botherers are coming out of the...oh, man... the god botherers are coming out of the woodwork for this one, eh?<br><br>and all with the same flawed reasoning, flawed arguments and stale apologetics that we've come to know and loathe...<br><br>Keep up the good work Neece. Don't pay any attention to the idiots posting here. They wouldn't give you the same courtesy that they'd give to another believer...RCnoreply@blogger.com