What to do if someone credits religion for the good they do?

VictoriaNotes comments on Dec 28, 2017:

I generally don't say anything in an offline environment. It simply tells me that they've been bamboozled to believe they are incapable of good deeds unless their god is doing it through them. Btw, I didn't vote. Had you left out the "just be thankful" part in option one, I would have.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 29, 2017:

I didn't vote either. It's a very difficult question.

Assertion of scientifically unfounded beliefs by other atheists and/or agnostics

resserts comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I think you'll probably see some elitism in any group, with the possible exception of a group exclusively consisting of people suffering from low self esteem. I think we see it a little in this group, though not terribly bad. You'll see a few "can you believe how stupid believers are" posts and ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 29, 2017:

Except flies don't come to the honey to be friends, they come to devour it.

Assertion of scientifically unfounded beliefs by other atheists and/or agnostics

rafferty comments on Dec 19, 2017:

There are certain truths that one has to accept when getting into the skeptic thing. One is that some theories may change, or not be worth anything, or be blind alleys, and have to be abandoned. Great minds in history have learned this the hard way. Im not sure elitism is the right word for it. Im ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 29, 2017:

Well said. I can't keep discussing "spiritual" topics with believers - it's just too boring. "So you don't believe in god? But are you a spiritual person then?" Yikes, what does that even mean?

What moral code do you follow now that you are non-religious?

Rosebud comments on Oct 19, 2017:

As the Dalai Lama said, "My religion is kindness". You do not need a deity to do the right thing.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@UnityBrad - Hahahaha! The religiot's last stand! "Why are atheists so angry?" - I'm not angry at all - I just don't suffer fools gladly. I'm not a victim, I don't take any drugs, and I'm certainly not oppressed. But I agree I've spent far too much time on you. You now bore me, Yawn. So bye.

Is dating, long-terming, or marrying out of the question for you with a religious person or persons?

KevinD872 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I couldn't do it. I consider myself atheist and my ex considered herself agnostic athough I think she was more of an atheist-light. We definitely shared identical views on organized religions. While I do believe everyone should be free to believe (or not believe) what they want, I just know ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@KevinD872 - Sorry Kevin, but what planet do you live on? There are NO religions which don't force their ideas on others - that's the whole point of being "the chosen ones". How you can sit there and say the KKK is ok as long as they don't force their ideas on you - have you any compassion for all the black people they've killed???

QUICK SNAPSHOT OF THE COMMUNITY

Eazyduzzit comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I checked "de-facto atheist" since the only other choice that was close was strong atheist (described as being 100% sure there are no gods". I don't think anyone can be 100% sure no god of any definition can exist. I am 100% sure the god I was taught about growing up doesn't exist. I for sure do not...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@DJVJ311 - No, we can't "use that as proof that those beings are gods"; that would just be proof that we hadn't worked out a new aspect ofl physics yet.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

AMGT comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Welcome to the group, Brad. Couple of questions.. How do you define the “consciousness level that Jesus taught” and how do you know your interpretation is accurate? How did you check? Enjoy your time here.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@UnityBrad - I'm astounded that you need to study to get to the conclusion "blind faith is ultimately doomed to failure in most cases". A much quicker way would be to cross the road with your eyes shut, or put your hand in a fire. See what you get.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Oh dear. It will be extremely difficult for most of us on here to get past your comment "we believe that agnostics & atheists" - here we go again with religiots telling us what we think. And that's the point - we think.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@RobAnybody - not so extreme. Could come back at any point - after all, it's in the bible.

Is dating, long-terming, or marrying out of the question for you with a religious person or persons?

KevinD872 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I couldn't do it. I consider myself atheist and my ex considered herself agnostic athough I think she was more of an atheist-light. We definitely shared identical views on organized religions. While I do believe everyone should be free to believe (or not believe) what they want, I just know ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@KevinD872 - The KKK is a religious organisation.

QUICK SNAPSHOT OF THE COMMUNITY

Sarahroo29 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

There's a theist on here?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@TheMiddleWay - agnostics and atheists are not religious. You have hundreds of sites where religiots with discuss your lack of faith ad infinitum, so let's not do it here. My tag is pure laziness, as I explained in "why did you choose your user name". Don't believe everything you read.

What moral code do you follow now that you are non-religious?

Rosebud comments on Oct 19, 2017:

As the Dalai Lama said, "My religion is kindness". You do not need a deity to do the right thing.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@RobAnybody - it makes no difference why the DL said it - and how do you explain the extra rules for women monks? Rather than internalise and be "grateful" in a totally selfish way (I'm shocked at how many people still only think of themselves on here) let's try to make a society where all people start their lives from the same equal point, rather than be told they are second choice - which is exactly what you just said.

What moral code do you follow now that you are non-religious?

Rosebud comments on Oct 19, 2017:

As the Dalai Lama said, "My religion is kindness". You do not need a deity to do the right thing.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 28, 2017:

@UnityBrad - what a bunch of self-righteous nonsense. "Thankful not to be a woman, lucky to be strait (sic) and white" - thankful to whom? If you can't see that you insult all women, black people and gays by saying you're thankful not to be one, you have a lot of growing to do. Try changing society so there is not need to do this. It seems you spend a lot of time navel-gazing and being thankful - how about some REAL stuff? But hey, if it makes you feel better,

QUICK SNAPSHOT OF THE COMMUNITY

Diarmaede comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Tillich said something like, "The only true atheist is one who is indifferent to the ultimate question." That's me!

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Fab.

QUICK SNAPSHOT OF THE COMMUNITY

Sarahroo29 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

There's a theist on here?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

@TheMiddleWay - Bollocks. I'm not here to discuss pseudo-philosophies I've already rejected. I'm so not interested in the "points of view" of religious people - surely we're on this site because we've heard them all before???

Is dating, long-terming, or marrying out of the question for you with a religious person or persons?

KevinD872 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I couldn't do it. I consider myself atheist and my ex considered herself agnostic athough I think she was more of an atheist-light. We definitely shared identical views on organized religions. While I do believe everyone should be free to believe (or not believe) what they want, I just know ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

People should be free to believe what they like? KKK?

Is dating, long-terming, or marrying out of the question for you with a religious person or persons?

twshield comments on Dec 27, 2017:

no because not all religious people are fanatics. some believe in god but never go to church or read the bible

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Just believing in Santa, sorry god, would be too much of a chasm for me to cross.

Is dating, long-terming, or marrying out of the question for you with a religious person or persons?

silvereyes comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Some people manage. But- For me, it would be a dysfunctional relationship. My non-belief system is too fundamental to my core value system.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

I was married to a non-religious man who became religious. That was huge on the list of reasons we're not married anymore. But he did make beautiful children. But never paid for them..... Oops, I digresssssssssssssssss!

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

sirbikesalot06 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

A question like this comes from a person looking for one side of said person. There's yin side to us, there's a yang side to us. Yeah she did a lot of good, but she had an evil side to her that let her persue a life of giving.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

@sirbikesalot06 - Sorry - did you answer the question? Where's the proof she fed people other than when the media was around? Why would it make me feel good to believe she didn't help? Not something I'm into as an atheist. It sounds like a very religious standpoint to me - better check your genes.

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

sirbikesalot06 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

A question like this comes from a person looking for one side of said person. There's yin side to us, there's a yang side to us. Yeah she did a lot of good, but she had an evil side to her that let her persue a life of giving.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Can you elaborate on the "good" she did? Can't see any long-term good - nothing has changed for the poor - she was just very good at photo-opportunities.

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

BucketlistBob comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I think she is cool. Showing love and concern for people is cool.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

But she didn't! It was all a con to get catholic converts! Even if she was so brainwashed as to not realise what she was doing, the poor suffered under her - how can you defend someone who says poverty is a gift from god, and that suffering has a purpose? Sick.

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

SamKerry comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Received a lot of donations but didn't spend them to better the lives of the people she cared.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

She spent it on herself and her "order" building beautiful new nunneries. The hovel she called "hospitals" for the poor were still hovels when she left. Disgusting.

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

NerdyOkieDude comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I defer to the Hitch’s eloquence on this point: https://youtu.be/HL8MDnuUsE4

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 27, 2017:

So good to hear some common sense instead of all the nonsense about "enlightenment" & "the power of prayer". Sadly missed. X

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 25, 2017:

One thing I'd like you to think about UnityBrad is your concept of "the power if prayer", If god is all-knowing, and Has A Plan, why do you think you could change his mind by praying? So you're actually saying "hey god, I think you've made a mistake here, could you change it? After all, I'm ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 26, 2017:

@UnityBrad Oh double boy! Can't you think of something else to do with your time? Like finding a cure for cancer or stopping human trafficking? So much time wasted on trying to find "enlightenment" by watching a balloon or staring at your belly button - when you could be doing something useful!

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

LyraLambert comments on Dec 26, 2017:

she was a monster that gave people false hope while taking joy in watching the suffering of people dying from illnesses easily treated with modern medicine. The 'patients' of her hospice were denied access to their families and even basic medical care while they died. Her worship of death and ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 26, 2017:

But she made sure she flew to California to get treatment when she was ill.

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Even hitler has good stuff... he have a program that all germans will give 6 months of their life after secondary school to work for the benefit of the government. Whatever was needed you will do and the pay was minimal but it has a great number of benefits like free movie theaters, food, etc. ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 26, 2017:

But she DIDN'T "work for the poor" - she worked for the advancement of catholisism. She let the poor suffer and told them they were blessed.

Saw something on tv about Mother Theresa she did some good work. What do you guys think about her?

JohnGalus comments on Dec 26, 2017:

mother Theresa was a kind and wonderful human being who lived a life of charity and compassion she is a shining example how all human beings should live regardless if you believe in a god or not!

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 26, 2017:

Absolutely not! The hovels she called hospitals were not different when she abandoned them than when she arrived. She received billions of dollars in donations and used it to build vast new nunneries for her women. Nothing was spent on the poor. She told them "suffering" would bring them closer to god and that they were blessed, while she flew off to California to get treatment for her ailments. She received blood money from dictators and refused to give it back to the poor people when they were deposed. A disgusting human being.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 25, 2017:

One thing I'd like you to think about UnityBrad is your concept of "the power if prayer", If god is all-knowing, and Has A Plan, why do you think you could change his mind by praying? So you're actually saying "hey god, I think you've made a mistake here, could you change it? After all, I'm ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 26, 2017:

@UnityBrad - oh boy. You're just talking about thinking. I do it everyday. With no help from any "higher level of understanding". Just common sense. Sorry I won't ever be praying.

Something that really pisses me off is when people say "I'm blessed".

9gello comments on Dec 25, 2017:

I suppose if you accept that blessings can be bestowed by a deity, it makes more sense to consider yourself blessed than simply lucky.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 26, 2017:

And that's the horrific part of religion - people believe they have been singled out as "special" while others suffer for no reason. But of course the religiots believe that suffering, as the wicked mother theresa said, is "the way to heaven. Except she didn't. Suffer.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Oh dear. It will be extremely difficult for most of us on here to get past your comment "we believe that agnostics & atheists" - here we go again with religiots telling us what we think. And that's the point - we think.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 25, 2017:

@UnityBrad - the whole point is that "religious" morality is totally flawed - and insincere as you are rewarded or punished for your actions by a "higher power", not because it's just the right thing to do. Morality is inbred in most of us - we instinctively know what is right or wrong. I am lucky in that my parents allowed me to think and never told me "be good or you'll go to hell", (which I consider child abuse). I am really sorry for you if you think you need a "new" way to express morality - this probably means you have been damaged by brainwashing in the past. But you can get back to your inherent morality if you just ask yourself what is right or wrong - is it wrong to be a homosexual because in Leviticus it says so? Or as my 10 year old daughter told me before I was totally convinced - "Mum we don't need to worry about people who love each other, only those who hate". Anyway, here is morality in a nutshell "DON'T BE AN ASSHOLE".

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

Nickdavison comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Do you have any clear and reasonable evidence of your beliefs?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 25, 2017:

@UnityBrad - How can you prove something that is made up? The writings of a bishop? Did he notice that people were a little more educated and weren't as easily fooled as before? So suddently the gospels become "symbolic"? Just another attempt at convincing us that we misunderstood the buybull and that actually it now means - whatever youc an come up with! And as a bishop, well, as Mandy Rice Davies said "He would, wouldn't he!"

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

Alliegirl comments on Oct 1, 2017:

Today is my first day, but the reason I joined was to get away from religious view points and be able to be in a community of people who lean more toward the way I look at things. I get the religious perspective all the time. However, if they are respectful of our beliefs as I am with anyone ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 24, 2017:

@LIB75002 - I would go further : I certainly don't respect their beliefs, or even tolerate them - all I do is acknowledge them. End of.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

JLFowler comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Hahaha Christians coming to agnostics to learn about Jesus...incredible

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 24, 2017:

@webbew1 - and with all your worldly knowledge that you have gathered over your life, you actually believe a religious person is here to "learn from us & not prosylitize"? There's having an open mind, and there's having an empty mind.

Something that really pisses me off is when people say "I'm blessed".

Curious20 comments on Dec 23, 2017:

I'm not sure they always mean it the way you are taking it. I see it more as they are trying not to take the credit for their good fortune and so, instead, act as though it was only because their god saw fit to bestow this on them.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 24, 2017:

That's still an arrogant & ignorant way to think, and I don't suffer fools gladly.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

webbew1 comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Welcome to the board, Brad! Please don't be afraid to express your opinions here, but come in knowing full well that they will be respectfully challenged. Note to all board members that I say "respectfully challenged". Any board member who resorts to insults, put downs or ad hominem attacks ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 23, 2017:

Whoah! I didn't join this site to have someone place themselves in the god position. Take your place amongst us plebs sir.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

JLFowler comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Hahaha Christians coming to agnostics to learn about Jesus...incredible

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 23, 2017:

@webbew1 - one also learns nothing from a pseudo-philosophy one has already rejected.

I got into a discussion a few days ago with a religious person who had said, "everything happens for...

Blakadow comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Karma lets Nature takes its course

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 23, 2017:

"Karma" is just another word for a supernatural being/effect - it just means noone is really responsible for their actions, but someone/something else decides what happens to you. Not something I could ever believe in.

I got into a discussion a few days ago with a religious person who had said, "everything happens for...

YesImDonald comments on Dec 23, 2017:

it's total bull. I believe in God. I was raised that way, I have no way to change that. But I more believe he's like a deadbeat dad. He's here, he made us, but he doesn't care enough to come by, let alone make a phone call. It's either he is all-powerful, but he's evil as hell, and likes making the ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 23, 2017:

Of course you have a way to change your belief in god. It's called thinking.

Does it seem like Christians throw Jesus’ death around in everybody’s face?

HeathenFarmer comments on Dec 22, 2017:

Its called spreading guilt, and it is a formula that has worked for years. I get the question: Do you know jesus died for your sins? I love that one I reply no he didn't he died for yours I own mine, why don't you start taking a little responsibility for your own actions on yourself for a change?...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 23, 2017:

And I hate the idea of "sinners" being forgiven coz they believe in this god - Jesus welcoming 2 years old Johnny to heaven : "Hey little Johnny, look over there - there's the guy that raped and killed you when you were 2 - but he found jesus so he's forgiven! Go over and say hi!". What a disgusting philosophy.

Does it seem like Christians throw Jesus’ death around in everybody’s face?

VinceRichardson comments on Dec 22, 2017:

Actually if you read the gnostic teachings ,Jesus ressurection is his realising that he was divine like everyone else on this planet,we are all parts of god. Gnosis means kwowledge in Greek. Jesus never taught of a physical ressurection,he was teaching about being aware of this ,that is the ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 23, 2017:

FOUND A BELIEVER!!! What are you doing here? This is nonsense - if jesus was the son of god surely he already "realised" he was divine. And everyone else on the planet didn't/doesn't have his nepotic connections. Just the old nonsense about "don't worry you can conquer death if you just believe!". You can't.

How do you make life meaningful without the help of religion?

Lonely comments on Sep 16, 2017:

Life without religion or fooling oneself is mush more meaningful . You don't waste time on nonsense. Looking at the world open mindedly doesn't hurt at all.On the other hand being an agnostic or atheist does not mean you should be cross with the rest of the world and buying Christmas presents ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

@GoodMan - only problem is I don't respect religion and I certainly don't need that type of meaningless diversity.

WHAT'S YOUR POSITION ON ABORTION ?

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 22, 2017:

Ooooh! CAPS LOCK! Of course on demand. No woman takes this decision lightly, but she makes it on her own. Her body, her decision.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

@DUCHESSA - it is a difficult decision, if only from a medical perspective - no one wants to undergo surgery.

WHAT'S YOUR POSITION ON ABORTION ?

splittingzero comments on Nov 21, 2017:

I have to admit there were points in time where I thought abortion was the right choice in a relationship. But, I also understand that for a woman, that it can be a life altering decision. That's not the way they are wired. So the question is emotionally are you prepared to live it down? Flip ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

Oh boy. "That's not the way they are wired?" How would you know? And as for "painting herself up like a whore" and blaming her for your uncontrollable lust, well here's the case for male castration in a nutshell. We women are TOTALLY SICK of you men blaming us for your lack of control - even if she walks down the street naked SHE'S STILL NOT ASKING FOR IT! Disappointed.

WHAT'S YOUR POSITION ON ABORTION ?

engineer_in_nj comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I am a male so I am not allowed to have one haha.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

Actually the technology for males to have babies is already well established. Just attach the foetal sac to the intestine to get nourishment. Just not many takers.

WHAT'S YOUR POSITION ON ABORTION ?

AtheistInNC comments on Dec 20, 2017:

On my back?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

@AtheistInNC - not funny, as anyone who has had an abortion can tell you.

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

Acharyasman55 comments on Nov 29, 2017:

I don't celebrate ant holidays.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

When are the ant holidays? I'm up for celebrating them too - ants are awesome!

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

Rabbidimus comments on Dec 19, 2017:

I support them as I believe you should be able to believe in whatever religion or non religion you choose for yourself. Just don't push it on others. Besides, must holidays do have a secular side and aspect to them. It's a wonderful time to reflect on the relationships you've built between family, ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

There is no religion that doesn't "push it on others". That's the whole point of religion, no matter what anyone says, because they think they know better than us.

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

tcook7611 comments on Oct 16, 2017:

Most holidays are actually derived from pagan traditions and believes. The church warped those tradition to make conversion easier. The fact is most holidays were stolen. I choose to celebrate these holidays so I can spend time with my family. Although Easter is one holiday I have little to no ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

The easter bunny and eggs, etc, represent the beginnings of new life after the cold and dark winter. I love all this, it's really grass roots paganism, and obviously nothing to do with jesus at all : one of the religiots' very poor copies of a festival - although I suppose they did try and get a bit of "new life" in there too!

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

monaerica comments on Oct 25, 2017:

I celebrate Christmas which is a "religious" holiday (it really just represents the winter solstice that the pagans used to celebrate, and it was taken by the Christians later on). I plan on celebrating Easter with my family in the future (hide eggs and stuff). Also I celebrate Halloween, the ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

Seems Halloween was an ancient british festival where people dressed up as spirits to actually scare the real spirits away! I love all this ancient pagan stuff, and laugh out loud when the religiots get scared of it and have to tell people not to do it!

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

JLsobel comments on Sep 16, 2017:

I love decorating a tree and singing Christmas carols, damnit.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 22, 2017:

Me too! I'll join in anything that involves singing, dancing or eating to excess!

I am going through a very rough patch in my life right now.

JimG comments on Nov 7, 2017:

I felt the same when my marriage ended after ten years. Well, except for the having been a believer part. In my case, it was my two young kids who saved me from complete despair. Just knowing that I had to keep it together for them helped more than anything else. I'm not going to say that it was ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

My kids saved me too. It'll get better.

I am going through a very rough patch in my life right now.

bwright comments on Nov 18, 2017:

I never understand what people mean by atheist. Do they not believe in a higher power or anything. I like equating God to nature and physics. I don't believe in an egotistical God but when you look at physics, they say that it seems impossible that a higher power, or as i like to call it infinite ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I'm an atheist, and no I don't believe in a higher power - I believe there's still lots we don't understand, but we no doubt will one day. In the meantime, I'm grateful for all I can appreciate and enjoy in this life, and that's enough.

I am going through a very rough patch in my life right now.

greenlee24 comments on Dec 11, 2017:

Weed, no joke.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I'm a fan of chocolate, 70% cocoa solids.

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

Ruadh comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Are you not a 'Believer' by holding to your own pseudo relgious beliefs? In my mind by holding yourself up as the 'Anti- Religionyou are identifying yourself as a Religion. And finally are you not as guilty as religions when you hold yoursef up to the same exclusivity that you rail against in ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

Hi - is this one of those "believers" you were talking about? Found one! Found one! LMAO

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

Gabriel_B comments on Dec 20, 2017:

I'm with you I get enough harassment at home and work from these people. Being here has been therapeutic for me as I don't always feel hunted by a bunch of pack animals that refuse to believe they're animals, giving them licence to act like one without feeling remorse.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

That's so awful. One of the things this site has shown me is what an awful time you atheists have in the US. Not quite as bad as in the countries where you can get killed for being one, but still pretty bad! Come over here to England! We have a much easier time of it.

What would make you believe in a God?

aTina comments on Dec 17, 2017:

When there is peace and love and unselfish cooperation reigning supreme throughout the world. There is no hate, nor controlling people. Only then would I say, "Thank you, god, praise be!"

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@aTina - sorry if you think I'm controlling - not believing is just the natural place for me to be, and I really can't understand why people need a god. Maybe its cultural.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 20, 2017:

The major religions started there because that was where the most people were because the weather supported agriculture, without which there is no settled life. And when you have neighbors, you need rules. Rules self-enforced by "beliefs" are a lot easier to impose. Voila!

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@DennisYoakum - Please get some rest.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

DennisYoakum comments on Dec 20, 2017:

they were all practically copied word for word from the summarian texts written 5000 years earlier, differences are in two translations and original text is gone, not to mention the catholic church and our governments are keeping our real history from us, we are dna altered by annunaki fro workers ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I quit searching when I was in my teens. And now I'm an adult I get on with my life - being kind and leaving something positive. Your comments about a "god" which you believe in, are just the same to me as all the other religious rants. Bye.

Should religion be taught in schools?

kristenm783 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

I think that the problem most people (myself included) have with religion being taught in public school is that Christians want the religious concept of creationism taught in science class alongside the Theory of Evolution. Since most Christians rely on their bible for their education as well as ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@ZebZaman - I'm disappointed you still have a yearning to be "part of christian life". I find that very sad - not believing is fantastic!

Should religion be taught in schools?

kristenm783 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

I think that the problem most people (myself included) have with religion being taught in public school is that Christians want the religious concept of creationism taught in science class alongside the Theory of Evolution. Since most Christians rely on their bible for their education as well as ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

That's horrifying ! No that wouldn't happen in the UK - it would be laughed out of class.

Should religion be taught in schools?

mbhorner comments on Sep 23, 2017:

I use to teach high school social studies, and in world geography, it did talked about the three main religions. It is done as history and in a comparative way. No one religion was made to appear right or wrong, or better or worse. I think it's up to the individual to decide. The purpose of school ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@ZebZaman if you're going on numbers of followers (in millions), the big 3 are: Christianity 2,430, Islam 1,800, Hinduism 1,150. Buddhism is 520, just above Folk religions 400.

Should religion be taught in schools?

Jerseymatty comments on Sep 25, 2017:

Depending on the context I'm not opposed. I actually find more atheists are well educated on religion than believers are. We don't tend to cherry pick what we want out of the books

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@tonia - there are ways to teach it, so that children's minds are opened to the possibilities of judging for themselves whether it's nonsense. Your idea just makes kids easier to indoctrinate when they go to church/mosque/synagogue.

Should religion be taught in schools?

JLsobel comments on Sep 16, 2017:

No. Separation of church and state is VERY important to me.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

And yet in the US you have much more religious extremism (mainly christian) than we do here in the UK, where religion is taught in all schools. How do you explain that?

Should religion be taught in schools?

Penultimate comments on Sep 23, 2017:

Absolutely! But it should be taught along with every other religion as a theory, NOT as fact.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I'm a supply teacher, and when I have to teach R.E. I always preface my remarks with "some people believe that....." and then whatever I'm supposed to be teaching them. And I always finish with "so what do you think?". And depending on how ludicrous the story/religion is I might even say "Can you actually believe that some people think that's true????????" and burst into laughter. Serves them right.

Should religion be taught in schools?

RonnieD comments on Oct 19, 2017:

yes 100%. I once read a great quote: “Teach children one religion and you indoctrinate them. Teach them many religions and you inoculate them.” — Unknown

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@btroje inoculate them against brainwashing - if they see so many religions they have to realise they can't all be true, and that the one you believe in is almost certainly geographic.

How comfortable are you with the word "Atheist" ?

SarahSiddons comments on Oct 27, 2017:

I identify as a Buddhist which to me is a practice and way of living not a religion. Technically we are atheists because there is no belief in a supreme being. I’m an atheist who considers my meditative and yoga practice ways to develop and spirituality “tune into” life in general. My practice...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@SarahSiddons - many forms yes, but they all consider women lesser beings than men. Not one for me, I'm afraid, in any of its forms.

For atheists - what makes you believe no deity exists?

HWY287 comments on Oct 16, 2017:

Lack of belief is not a belief.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@billins I think the reason "why us" as opposed to other apes, is that we have a rich communicative language which can be used to manipulate others.

I'm new and don't quite know how to work this thing.

CallMeDave comments on Dec 21, 2017:

It's a little known fact that at level 15 you get your own studio, podcast and personal assistant.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I want money!

What would make you believe in a God?

nancy-talcott comments on Dec 12, 2017:

When he knocks on my door & when I open it, he gives me the things I prayed for when I was religious. He would also give me the things I chanted for when I was a Buddhist. He would apologize for taking so long to get to me & he would actually show me heaven without me having to believe, have faith ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

When (?) he knocks on my door he'll get it slammed in his face, and no doubt all the Jews who died in the holocaust will too - as one of them said "If there is a god, he will have a lot of explaining to do. I wouldn't waste my mind speaking to him.

What would make you believe in a God?

Dylan comments on Oct 7, 2017:

There's an important difference between belief and worship at play here. If I saw a god appear in the sky, and so did everyone else, and there were no other logical explanation, then I would accept that this god existed. If this god were anything like the God of the Bible or the Qur'an, then that ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

There is no possible "logical" explanation for seeing "a god appear in the sky" - just because you see something doesn't mean it exists - the mind plays many tricks, as many people can confirm they have already "seen" and spoken to god. That would not be evidence for me.

What would make you believe in a God?

AtheistInNC comments on Nov 6, 2017:

If Satan allows me to sign a contract to get my money, women, and Trump in a Mexican Jail.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

@Major8 - I think this was a joke.......

What would make you believe in a God?

Marko comments on Nov 13, 2017:

I say all he/she has to do is just speak up! This is what I always ask my religious friends . If God created everything is all powerfull ect. ect. Why cant he just say hello?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

The problem is, he DOES speak to an awful lot of people. The fact that they are all insane doesn't stop them believing, but it certainly stops me.

What would make you believe in a God?

aTina comments on Dec 17, 2017:

When there is peace and love and unselfish cooperation reigning supreme throughout the world. There is no hate, nor controlling people. Only then would I say, "Thank you, god, praise be!"

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I think there's a serious flaw to your response. Why do you want to believe in a god anyway. It wouldn't make me believe in god at all. I would, however, be overwhelmed with the goodness of people. Why would you take people's achievement away from them by attributing it to an invisible sky daddy?

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

DennisYoakum comments on Dec 20, 2017:

they were all practically copied word for word from the summarian texts written 5000 years earlier, differences are in two translations and original text is gone, not to mention the catholic church and our governments are keeping our real history from us, we are dna altered by annunaki fro workers ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

OK, we really don't need comments like this on a site dedicated to not believing in the supernatural.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

Gatovicolo comments on Dec 20, 2017:

The cradle of civilization was in the Nile valley, the Fertile Crescent and Indus Valley. It’s no surprise, really, that they developed her because the the native religions were very closely tied to nature. When the urban class began to question their simple cosmology, they developed more ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

The same was going on in several other places in the world - Africa, China - way more ahead of the arab areas.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

VirginCotton comments on Dec 20, 2017:

Could it have developed there because the first writing began there (Egypt) about 5,000 years ago? For several hundred years ideas, (religious thoughts) had been passed down word of mouth, it was confusing, there were hundreds of 'gods' one for almost ever action. Did the ability to write ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

Egypt is not where it started - they were writing in China way before. Still doesn't explain it.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

LeighShelton comments on Dec 20, 2017:

I think people can be very colourful with the truth. the bones of the bible may well be true too. in those days the biggest powers were out that way too. every country has beliefs or religions. also, the likes of the united kingdom went around the planet forcing it down peoples throats literally.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I don't agree that the "biggest powers" were there at that time - China? Egypt? The much maligned and almost unknown magnificent kings of Africa? How is it possible to ignore all this? So why the middle east?

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

SocraticAddict comments on Dec 20, 2017:

The Jews were enslaved there. Many other philosophies, religions and practices made their way through an area where other cultures' borders met. Once the Jewish people were freed this collage of pagan religions split into the main three. Romans eventually adopted Catholicism as was a Roman custom ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

But why in the middle east? Of course other religions/cultures were practising throughout the world at the same time.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

TommyMeador comments on Dec 20, 2017:

The three major major religions are all spin-offs of the Abrahamic religion of the early Hebrews.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

None of this explains why in the middle east?

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

sassygirl3869 comments on Dec 20, 2017:

The Mosque of Omar is located on the platform above the Temple Mount-Inside the mosque is the boulder where Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac? The same boulder is where Allah ascended to heaven? The Via Dolorosa is the path where Jesus was carried on the cross? All in Jerusalem. Been there-seen ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

This doesn't explain why people were so easily convinced to follow - such things were no doubt happening all over the world.

What are your theories about why the 3 major religions all started in the same place in the middle ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 20, 2017:

The major religions started there because that was where the most people were because the weather supported agriculture, without which there is no settled life. And when you have neighbors, you need rules. Rules self-enforced by "beliefs" are a lot easier to impose. Voila!

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 21, 2017:

Why is that "where the most people were"? What about Africa, the most fertile part of the planet, and the masses in China who were producing paper and other technology while the arabs in the middle east were still herding goats? Not convinced by this theory.

Do you have a 'Pet theory' about what you think is the most likely explanation for Christianity ...

Atheopagan comments on Nov 20, 2017:

Christianity, with its emphasis on obedience, was the perfect state religion for authoritarian regimes. THAT's why it predominates in Western societies: because kings and emperors used it to keep their boots on the necks of their people.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 14, 2017:

Well said. The shepherd and the sheep. Follow without question, then get sheared, shot or shagged.

Have you ever tried to believe in god, but you found yourself not able to?

MrLizard comments on Dec 5, 2017:

When I was young - yes. I wanted to believe because - well - why bother going to synagogue if I wasn't a believer. My mom made us go (until we were about 16-17). Of course, I never really believed and learned to live with it by knowing I was learning some of my culture's history.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 14, 2017:

I spent a couple of months on a kibbutz in the 70s. Learnt a lot about religious divide. Boy did we feel excluded!

Who else feels.......

ErichZannIII comments on Nov 25, 2017:

Personally, I agree. Religion can be a good thing. It's when people take it too far that it becomes bad.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 13, 2017:

Too far? You mean like actually follow and carry out all the atrocities and horrors that true believers are supposed to emulate? Kill your children if they're rude to you? Cherry-picked religion is still dangerous - one day somebody might decide they like another verse which isn't so great, and use it to justify, for example, genocide - 1 Samuel 15:3: "This is what the Lord Almighty says ... 'Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' " If god did it, it must be ok right?

Who else feels.......

Betty comments on Nov 25, 2017:

I agree with what you are saying. Faith can be of comfort and help to many. Live and let live and do no harm is what I try to live by. As long as no one tries to force me to accept their belief as truth I have no problem respecting theirs. :)

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 13, 2017:

@betpaq - I'm afraid one of the reasons atheist numbers are rising, is that there are NO faiths which are not imposed on others and do no harm. Faith by its very definition is the suspension of critical thinking, which is where all the problems begin.

Men, Women, and Equality

LeighShelton comments on Nov 25, 2017:

there's good, bad and everything in between everywhere across nations and sexes I believe. personally speaking, i think woman are generally mentally stronger with a higher pain thresh hold and men tend to be physically stronger.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 13, 2017:

@BlatantSubtlety - And "gay" means carefree and happy. Can you get a reality grip here and realise that just because a word meant something else in the past, that it garners meaning along the millenia and people who use pussy now most definitely relate it to vaginas (and it's not middle English, more likely Latin). And we're still left with the linguistic anomaly of why "pussy" is used to describe a vagina. Could it be anything to do with misogyny???

About Jesus

Kreig comments on Nov 29, 2017:

And no, I don't care if he existed or not. If he did, great. He must have been a decent teacher. Like a few others throughout history. And men decided to make him a god. If not, well....... Either way, I no longer have any concern.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 12, 2017:

A decent teacher? Hopefully not, as he preached a lot of hate too. I reckon he was a decent con-man, or give him credit, maybe the David Blaine of his time.

Who else feels.......

btroje comments on Nov 25, 2017:

This is the first site of this type I have engaged in. I have just been here maybe a week but have read a lot of posts out of interest. The need to prove others wrong and that they are stupid for basic human behaviors is a very prominent theme.Even Science can be wrong. When I was in medical school ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 12, 2017:

Oh groan. Missing the point that science tests and retests itself, and admits when it's wrong. Belief systems don't.

Who else feels.......

Betty comments on Nov 25, 2017:

I agree with what you are saying. Faith can be of comfort and help to many. Live and let live and do no harm is what I try to live by. As long as no one tries to force me to accept their belief as truth I have no problem respecting theirs. :)

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 12, 2017:

No respect for people's beliefs when they're rubbish - eg. female circumcision, or white supremacy. We don't have to respect others beliefs - we have to acknowledge them. And they decide what we want to do about it.

Who else feels.......

Fluffykytten comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I agree, my belief's are my own and I would hope they are respected by those around me, as I also respect their right to whatever belief they choose. I have the right to disagree with it, but not disrespect their right to believe.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 12, 2017:

You have the right to disrespect another person's beliefs it they are disgusting, like female circumcision, or the Klu Klux Klan. "Oh, but it's their culture!". No, we have to acknowledge other people's beliefs, but no way do we have to respect them.

About Jesus

JohnSayles comments on Dec 3, 2017:

He existed, at least that's what I believe. And if you're Christian, then yes it's crucial that he did the things the books say he did, it's the crux of the entire belief system. Otherwise, not really no, what he tried to teach I feel should be more important that what he did, but that's just my ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 12, 2017:

@skado - the point is you don't have to visit a sewer (the bible, christianity) to find a diamond. The diamonds are all around you, and inherent in our personalities (except if we've been morally damaged). The reason you find an occasional diamond in the bible in between all the shit, is because some of the men who added bits to the bible were good people. But the diamonds are not due to religion. Just due to us. So don't bother getting your hands dirty again. Look around you.

About Jesus

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I'm an atheist. How could a palestinian/jewish man who maybe lived more than 2,000 years ago possibly be important to me?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 12, 2017:

This reminds me of a quote from Archimedes : "Don't insult people if you don't expect to get screwed".

Do you believe you will see your love ones again after you die? Why?

UptownMPLSGuy comments on Dec 2, 2017:

No, I don't think that we will see our loved ones when we die. I think that 1 when we die we simply die BUT if for whatever reason there was to be a creator that would bring us to a special place of eternity. I believe that from what scripture tells us this place of ZERO sin would change us of who ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Whoah, you still haven't shaken of the shackles of christian "belief" have you! "From what the scripture tells us"? I prefer Harry Potter as a fairy tale.

What moral code do you follow now that you are non-religious?

Relic58 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

I still abide by the so called golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 11, 2017:

But didn't you know that anyway, before somebody wrote it in the buybull?

Does anyone believe that theists are generally honest and sincere in their claims?

mjpwl comments on Oct 24, 2017:

The so called teachings of Christ are basically just rules to live decently and interact with society in a thoughtful and considerate way. The thing I find really hard to accept are theists who are outwardly intelligent and well educated still able to swallow the implausible concepts put forward ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Please stop saying "the teachings of christ are just rules to live decently"! They're not! A rapist can pay the father of his victim and everything's ok, genocide is Jesus's preferred solution for his problems, slave ownership is ok as long as you treat them right - I could go on - please don't cherry pick the good bits! The sooner we all really SEE what a middle-eastern uneducated bunch of shepherds thought about this flat earth of ours, the better off we will be.

Does anyone believe that theists are generally honest and sincere in their claims?

jawolffie comments on Oct 24, 2017:

The flock is generally sincere. The shepherds/preachers who fleece the flock, not so much. Some of them might believe honestly in what they say they're doing, but... Creflo Dollar? Pedophile priests?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 11, 2017:

And remember shepherds don't look after their sheep because they love them - they either eat them, fleece them or f""k them.

About Jesus

JohnSayles comments on Dec 3, 2017:

He existed, at least that's what I believe. And if you're Christian, then yes it's crucial that he did the things the books say he did, it's the crux of the entire belief system. Otherwise, not really no, what he tried to teach I feel should be more important that what he did, but that's just my ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 11, 2017:

My whole point is this - if people liberated themselves from even thinking about if there is a god, there might be a chance that people's inherent morality (which is what drives all the "good" bits in the various holy books) would lead to a better world. The danger is that "I follow the teachings of (insert whichever holy man you like) can lead good men to do bad things, because "god works in mysterious ways". That's the danger of "faith" - it suspends radical thought. It's really wonderful not believing!

Does anyone believe that theists are generally honest and sincere in their claims?

JHeyoka comments on Nov 16, 2017:

As i child i was weirded out when i noticed that everyone in church seemed to be unhappy but always wore a smile and always said they were happy. I never believed them and i couldn't figure out why until i left the church. You're right, they are ALL insincere, it's just that that is the first thing ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 10, 2017:

For god so loved the world, that he created hell.

Does anyone believe that theists are generally honest and sincere in their claims?

Coffeo comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I think only a handful of people who claim to be Christians actually are.

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 10, 2017:

Well, let's hope so, because if you really follow all the rubbish in the buybull you'd be killing your children for being rude to you, owning slaves, and accepting payment from your daughter's rapist to make it ok.

About Jesus

GoldenDoll comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I'm an atheist. How could a palestinian/jewish man who maybe lived more than 2,000 years ago possibly be important to me?

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 10, 2017:

Sometimes you dig a hole, and people just jump right in it.

About Jesus

JohnSayles comments on Dec 3, 2017:

He existed, at least that's what I believe. And if you're Christian, then yes it's crucial that he did the things the books say he did, it's the crux of the entire belief system. Otherwise, not really no, what he tried to teach I feel should be more important that what he did, but that's just my ...

GoldenDoll replies on Dec 10, 2017:

Of course you were thinking of all the "good" things he did - it's called cherrypicking. That's why I don't believe, because the only evidence of him is in the buybull, and there is just as much horrific stuff in there as good stuff, so it's obviously man-made. And I ain't frothing - I just don't have a problem with expressing my opinion.