Agnosticism, by definition, means acknowledging that the unknowable is unknowable. How does that make it fence sitting? Why does anyone have to make a choice?
It is. Why do some feel so compelled to do so then?
Atheists Corner – A place to post your opinion
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Agnosticism, by definition, means acknowledging that the unknowable is unknowable. How does that make it fence sitting? Why does anyone have to make a choice?
It is. Why do some feel so compelled to do so then?
I think it has to do with insecurity. People need other people to believe as they do or it invalidates their beliefs and on the quantum level puts their own existence into question. I think it is a cultural thing, a socially conditioned response to all the fear mongering that goes on in politics, religion and the media. People are grasping at straws hoping to find a safe refuge from their feelings of being out of control. If they knew the truth about their existence they would not need politics, religion or any other external apparatus to cling to.
Yeah, maybe so. While I don't tend to get truly "offended" very easily, some folks can say certain things on the topic and I find it really rude and offensive. While there have been many others whom in my mind are true believers that have said so much more and I really don't find it objectionable. I think maybe there is an underlying maliciousness to the way some people seem to express their thoughts on the subject.
I'm not thinking of anyone in particular, it's just a general observation I've made over the years.
I'm not insecure about my spirituality, and I'm not overly sure what I believe to be an absolute. Just a way I live my life.
I don't need it validated by anyone, it's mine alone.
I feel that many of the Christians that have been through here, feel the same way about Christianity in general.
What I have observed though, is an onslaught of attacks on Christianity, and attacks on anyone that dares question aspects of Islam.
Usually by the same suspects.
The reactions, aren't based on insecurity or need to feel akin to, it's simply reciprocal assault.
What really baffles me is why people who don't "know" the answers themselves care what other people believe! :smile:
"Behind all anger is fear." (I forget who said that). Those who attack are usually acting out of fear. My observation is that some feel threatened by any view that does not agree with theirs. Many times, I have been accused of attacking others by expressing my views on a subject. How many times have I had to say, it is only my view or opinion. I don't feel threatened by anybody else's views or opinions. Why do others feel threatened by mine? (I'm just using myself as an example but I see it all the time on here among many). I'm sure there are some that are belligerent just to be obnoxious but I think it is rare and I would even then question their motives as coming from fear.
That's why I don't care what others believe.
I'm simply annoyed by others that believe I should believe what they do, and think forcing me to, or face consequences, is abhorrent. At best.
If the self proclaimed atheists were more like Dexter Sinister, than the Usual Suspects. We wouldn't have threads like this. Or the countless threads that touch on Christianity, turned to shyte.
Hell, DaS consistently posts well wishes to other faiths holidays or celebrations. Most of us simply post our well wishes in kind. But inevitably, some asshat has to draw in Christianity, for a good old fashioned boot f!cking.
It is a sort of religion, is it not? But then, I liken being a liberal, conservative or socialist as belonging to a religion too.
Although in some cases, it certainly is not an absolute.
I strongly disagree.
I see members accused of attacks, constantly. Me being one of them. Offering observations, or providing detailed information is not an attack.
Colpy is forever labeled a Muslim hater. I strongly disagree with that claim. Although he may err when posting the odd piece of information. He takes steps to ensure that what he posts is accurate and on topic. His observations are based on the information that he collates.
Because you've used out of context off topic commentary to do so.
Look, I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm not guilty of the same thing. I most certainly am.
After two people claimed I hated Muslims in less than 24 hours, I did a quick search. Although I can find sarcastic statements made to one of the Usual Suspects. And at times, I have been overly aggressive or used hyperbole. But I in no way hate Muslims.
I have maintained, since the very beginning, that I have a healthy distrust of organized religion. In fact, the very reason I joined this site was, as I was cruising the net, I came across a post, where a member made wild claims about Muslims. I joined to challenge him. That doesn't stop me from observing the reality that is Islam.
For whatever reason, Christianity has become the wiping boy du jour. The days are long and seemingly endless. I firmly believe it is a misguided, misplaced and unthinking retribution, for perceived attacks on Islam, by those that think themselves the intellectual elite.
Although you are mild (And have softened over time here), compared to most, you too have launched unwarranted attacks on Christianity on these boards. By the way, when I first joined this site, I beat the hell out of Christians, I had my reasons. I even made a Priest tell me "Go f1ck yourself". In time, I learned through people like Gh, I Think Not, Jay, and others, that my anger (Not born of fear) was simply a waste of energy. And I was missing the opportunity to get to know people, simply because of their religion.
Incidentally, I've never harboured resentment for Muslims, as I have for Christians. The claims to the contrary, are based solely on poor perceptions and personal biases.
I know DaS, personally. I've talked extensively with Colpy over the years I've known him here. Neither of them, and I would bet my membership here on it, hate Muslims. Both would undoubtedly place themselves at personal risk, to assist anyone in peril, regardless of what ever religion they may appear to adhere to, full stop.
right, and when I say that I agree about the unknowable, I am not talking about whether there is a god
or not, I am saying that no one knows where 'we' 'life on earth' came from, and just because we don't
know, doesn't mean it must have been a god.
I don't believe we came from any god.
I guess there are different ways to 'not know',- I don't care, don't think about it, don't want to know,
can't decide, doesn't matter, and on and on -----
My way of life is to make a decision, as I can't 'just' hang around, and not think long and hard
about the situation, (and I did for years) then decide what I think, hence my opinion about fence sitters, and thats it, my opinion.
Because they want attention. Like picking at scabs. They're bullies. Instigators.
But I still say it's self-important clowns picking fights with Christianity. More specifically, the Bible. If there were no written stories to be (easily) picked apart 2,000 years later, then they'd be arguing against a simple belief in (a) God, Supreme Being, Good Orderly Direction or whatnot. Not many kicks to be had there really.
Most of these arrogant eggheads leave all the other religions alone. Spiritual societies also. Historic or current. They rarely mock them.
The big issue with these yahoos is with a sometimes wonky (post scripted) verbal/written record of events said to have happened.
Best to live and let live.
Very true. Also doesn't mean that it must not. For something to be unknowable is, by definition, to be inconclusive.
Understood, I won't argue that. You believe or don't believe what is right for you. That's great.
Those are all really negative ways of looking at it. It is not possible that some may not have simply acquired enough information to reach a definitive conclusion?
And, again, that's great for you that your way of life is you have to make a decision. If you didn't you wouldn't be true to yourself. I'd never advocate anyone not to be true to themselves. But the assumption that I read is that if someone has not made a decision, then they are not thinking about any of it, they are ignoring the situation. They "don't care", "don't think about it", etc. That takes it beyond an opinion and into a judgement of the hearts and minds of other people.
Is it not better to actually take the time to ponder the more significant questions and mysteries in life? Especially if one needs the time to do so. If you don't, great, good for you. But if one does, that make them deserving of contempt?
You got it right, Talloola, as long as one lives what in his mind is an honourable life, there is no need to be afraid, of "burning in Hell" because some ignorant bastards want to impose control over you! And the pushier they get the more ignorant they are. Just do the Golden Rule- which to me is more common sense than religious! :smile:
You can only toss out one ad hominem about the guy and only challenge one point he made?
That's pretty thin. Actually it's pretty anorexic.
I stopped the video right after that. No need to listen to the rest of his "comedy routine", it has no bearing on reality.
But, seeing as you want to take non-believing comedians seriously, your Dane Cook only used one atheist to show an example of all atheists. Not all atheists sneeze all over the dood next to them, not all atheists tell everyone they talk to that they are atheist, not all atheists make fun of other people's beliefs, etc.
Comedy is comedy. If you take it seriously, I'd say you have serious issues in judgement.
just kidding.
Comedy is comedy. If you take it seriously, I'd say you have serious issues in judgement.
just kidding.Neither does Dave Cook's. Again. I have no idea why you seem to think Cook's routine is any more real than Carlin's.
Carlin was talking about some guy in the sky...... maybe I was wrong and it was more in reference to Lucy in the Sky and his LSD days. Either way, it was more fairy tale than comedy factual.
and BTW...it's Dane Cook.