Atheist and the nativity

peachyprice

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Many people are still martyred for their faith throughout the world though thankfully not here.

I think you'll find those people are more often than not martyred by people of a different relgion rather than atheists.

Which begs the question, If you're all believing in the one god, why in hell can't you all live and let live? Instead you're all in-fighting because you believe that your religion is the 'right' religion while us athesits shake out heads in disbelief.

N20Y1D

peachyprice wrote: »

Which begs the question, If you're all believing in the one god, why in hell can't you all live and let live? Instead you're all in-fighting because you believe that your religion is the 'right' religion while us athesits shake out heads in disbelief.

Thats the thing though they arent, they simply believe in whichever God the dominant faith in their home or the society they grew up in believes in.

People put more thought in to choosing new wallpaper than they do choosing a religion.

spaghetti_monster

I guess my user name gives away where I stand on the matter....

But back to the original topic - I've been quite interested to read how other atheists have handled things with their children (as I have a 10 month old). A friend with 2 older children told me that although both children would ask all the usual questions about life, one would be quite content with a short simple answer whereas the other would keep on digging for more information (ie. "where do babies come from?" = "mummy's tummy" was not cutting it in this case!).

I think it is a very powerful human characteristic to need explanations and reasons for everything - to try and make sense of the world. I also find it very interesting why religion has such a great hold on us and sometimes think that this side is neglected in discussions (if anyone knows any good writers/books let me know!). Especially the social/political/historical side. (I know that earlier posters have mentioned that there might be genetic reasons).
I find that many of the books/articles I've read seem to just focus on 'why religion is dangerous/daft/untrue/out-dated/etc'.

At the moment I'm working at an event - a combination of 3 large choirs are putting on a Christmas concert. It's very religious - no Santa or reindeers - just hymns, carols, prayers, tasteful seasonal flower arrangements. The 2000 seater concert hall is sold out for all 5 nights. The audience all look well-dressed, middle class, educated, totally ordinary, etc......

The last few pages of the thread - looks like Torry is fighting his/her corner alone, but I think reality is somewhat different.

JC9297

spaghetti_monster wrote: »

I guess my user name gives away where I stand on the matter....

But back to the original topic - I've been quite interested to read how other atheists have handled things with their children (as I have a 10 month old). A friend with 2 older children told me that although both children would ask all the usual questions about life, one would be quite content with a short simple answer whereas the other would keep on digging for more information (ie. "where do babies come from?" = "mummies tummy" was not cutting it in this case!).

I think it is a very powerful human characteristic to need explanations and reasons for everything - to try and make sense of the world. I also find it very interesting why religion has such a great hold on us and sometimes think that this side is neglected in discussions (if anyone knows any good writers/books let me know!). Especially the social/political/historical side. (I know that earlier posters have mentioned that there might be genetic reasons).
I find that many of the books/articles I've read seem to just focus on 'why religion is dangerous/daft/untrue/out-dated/etc'.

At the moment I'm working at an event - a combination of 3 large choirs are putting on a Christmas concert. It's very religious - no Santa or reindeers - just hymns, carols, prayers, tasteful seasonal flower arrangements. The 2000 seater concert hall is sold out for all 5 nights. The audience all look well-dressed, middle class, educated, totally ordinary, etc......

The last few pages of the thread - looks like Torry is fighting his/her corner alone, but I think reality is somewhat different.

Whilst many in the audience may be churchgoers, I imagine most are there to appreciate the music and singing itself rather than any message within them.

peachyprice

N20Y1D wrote: »

Thats the thing though they arent, they simply believe in whichever God the dominant faith in their home or the society they grew up in believes in.

Why so many religious wars then? Why so many people slaughtered in the name of religion.

If that isn't the religious fighting amongst themselves, I don't know what is.

spaghetti_monster

JC9297 wrote: »

Whilst many in the audience may be churchgoers, I imagine most are there to appreciate the music and singing itself rather than any message within them.

I don't know, you could be right. The whole thing has a strong element of church service. I think that churches do bus trips to come and see it (hear, sing-a-long, etc)

daska

Torry_Quine wrote: »

If someone thought enough of me to pray then it means that they care what happens to me.

No, to pray that someone finds your god your prayer is ultimately a selfish act because you are praying for what you want to happen.

Torry_Quine

N20Y1D wrote: »

Thats the thing though they arent, they simply believe in whichever God the dominant faith in their home or the society they grew up in believes in.

People put more thought in to choosing new wallpaper than they do choosing a religion.

I can only speak for myself when I say that choosing to follow God and living my life as He desires is the most important thing which takes priority over everything else.

spaghetti_monster wrote: »

The last few pages of the thread - looks like Torry is fighting his/her corner alone, but I think reality is somewhat different.

Yes I do feel somewhat alone, however I know that many others share my views.

daska wrote: »

No, to pray that someone finds your god your prayer is ultimately a selfish act because you are praying for what you want to happen.

It's not a case of praying for what I want to happen, it makes no difference to me whether someone believes or not.

However if you sincerely believe that you know something (in this case how to live by faith) that would help someone else live a more fulfilled life then surely it's human nature to share it.

indebtinsussex

sorry Torry, I've been away for the last couple of days, well I havent I've had my sons birthday party on sat and then Drusillas on sunday which involved making a complete t*t of myself on a hamster wheel in the childrens playground which ended in a very bruised knee, bruised ego and some acrobatics which I didnt think I could ever do!!!

Other than that I feel that this has turned into a slightly pointless arguement/debate. I will never change an athiests point of view, nor would I want to as its what you believe and your happy with that. And again, I'm happy as a Christian with my point of view like many others of us and whatever argument/debate is put up, I cant see myself changing my view at this point in time. I may have doubts in the future about my faith, but at the moment I am comfortable where I am and with God.

So to everyone, I wish you either a very happy christmas and successful new year, or if thats not the pc thing to say, a very peaceful day and successful new year!

Torry_Quine

indebtinsussex wrote: »

sorry Torry, I've been away for the last couple of days, well I havent I've had my sons birthday party on sat and then Drusillas on sunday which involved making a complete t*t of myself on a hamster wheel in the childrens playground which ended in a very bruised knee, bruised ego and some acrobatics which I didnt think I could ever do!!!

Other than that I feel that this has turned into a slightly pointless arguement/debate. I will never change an athiests point of view, nor would I want to as its what you believe and your happy with that. And again, I'm happy as a Christian with my point of view like many others of us and whatever argument/debate is put up, I cant see myself changing my view at this point in time. I may have doubts in the future about my faith, but at the moment I am comfortable where I am and with God.

So to everyone, I wish you either a very happy christmas and successful new year, or if thats not the pc thing to say, a very peaceful day and successful new year!

Hope your knee soon gets better.

I'm with you when you say that I am comfortable where I am with God despite any doubts I may have.