I am Atheist, and was raised in a secular home. I went to church and was confirmed on my own in my teens when I saw that's what my friends were all doing. It didn't stick however, and I went on as an Agnostic. In my late 30's I became a full fledged Atheist and became a member of the local non-belief community.
I, and many of the Atheists I know personally (not internet forum types) are very willing to let other believe whatever they want, and in the end just want to be given the same treatment and respect to live their lives the way they see fit. In fact, many want the exact same thing as most religious... to not be told how to live their lives and to keep the Goverment away from their private choices. As a member of the National Conference of Seperation of Church and State, we have clergy members and believers of all faiths along side of non-believers all working for the same thing. Individual privacy and non-preferential treatment.
You wouldn't think it by the snarky loud voices in most intertroll forums... but you'd rarely find a more open minded and loving person that someone who doesn't believe in a god. They believe that there is one shot in this life to get it right, and that there is no "second chance" waiting for you later. You live life and love what's here, and give your all to not waste a single day because it could be over tomorrow. You're not "going to a better place" when you die, but you create that place in your personal actions and respect towards those around you so that when you do die, it wasn't all a waste.
9909's use of the word vapid is perfect for people who say it in that way. Like they're trying to use the significance of the word to say something deeper about their beliefs than that they just aren't from an organized religion. Piggybacking off of the older definition of spiritualism as relating to a search for something meaningful and worth veneration.
Um, yes? Sort of? I think so. I don't know.
I thought your post was quite interesting to read and was very articulate whilst being straightforward, by the way.
To prevent erroneous restatement of my words and to clarify my previous post, I'm not very fond of this "spiritual but not religious" pop phrase because it is essentially meaningless, contrived, and disingenuous. There is the rare case of the genuinely spiritual and irreligious individual but I have yet to meet anyone who professes themselves to be SBNR to be that. Those SBNR that I have known are self-absorbed, self-satisfied, and fundamentally lacking in intellectual rigour or exertion or even in cognitive capacity (but I'll concede that some are brilliant deep thinkers, if but in other domains, and are held in high regard). The 'cop out' is wholly vacuous for most, for whom something more precise or less pretentious, such as "deist" (oh, forfend me from the wrath of the deist Founding Fathers!), "[weak] atheist", or whatever else may be used more appropriately.
At the end of the day, though, I don't really care what most people believe or believe and think, if anything; GFY (that is, good for you, or them). The times are a-changin' but I don't believe in keeping such an open mind, so open as to allow SBNR as an acceptable answer and so that you allow for your brain to fall out.
Quote from Feathas »
In the end it's semantics, but it serves to make the division between organized and unorganized religion seem more significant. So when you have someone who clearly has given at most two whole significant thoughts in their life to religion, theology and philosophy smugly say "spiritual but not religious", it's very grating. Not that most people who say it sound like that, but they sometimes do.
Um, yes. I'm feeling you on this, at least in part.
I was Christian in my youth, got a much better picture of it than most people, and not longer believe in God, only the vastness of the universe and the countless galaxies within.
If God is real, he is an alien of some kind existing totally within the laws of physics (possibly in the fourth-eleventh dimensions or whatever crack Michio Kaku is smoking). I don't believe in omniscience, but I believe in a lot of other crazy things about black holes and Mandelbrot fractals.
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Decks:
Legacy: RWBG Goblins RRR Burn WBU Affinity UBR Sac-Land Tendrils! BBBPox
Next possible deck: D&T, but that just wouldn't be right.
Modern: R Goblins (work in progress)
Standard: I only care about standard when Goblins is a deck.
Limited: I only care about limited when Goblins are in the set.
I don't believe in any gods, but I'm open to the possibility of a creator. It is possible that some being created humanity specifically, life on earth in general, or even our entire universe. But if one of the first two, that being is bound by the laws of this universe, and if the third than the laws of its own.
That being said, I still ultimately believe that existence as we know it is simply the result of billions upon billions of coincidences.
I have referred to myself as a non-theist for several years now. I do not believe there is a god or creator and even if I had indisputable proof that there was a god or creator I would still not worship them or be religious in any way. I do not think that it is a necessary thing in my life and honestly do not see the point of it in modern society.
I am not religious as I more believe that luck rules the universe more than any of the options I have heard of when it comes to religions, plus I am not a fan of hearing people say "it is against my religion" as if they are unable to think for themselves.
I am religious but in a weird kinda way... Its complicated and I dont want people to think I am trolling if I explain my views cause I'm not so good at explaining... So let's just leave it at yes I am religious.
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Nicol Bolas is so awesome! And so is Kokusho! Bolas x Kokusho 4eva!!! <3
Read their story here!
I wouldn't expect many people from this forum to be religious unless they're from a religious country such as in the Middle East, Middle America or the Philippines.
On the basis that I imagine most people here are reasonably young, thus less likely to be religious and most are likely nerdy, thus more likely to be more educated thus less likely to be religious.
I wouldn't expect many people from this forum to be religious unless they're from a religious country such as in the Middle East, Middle America or the Philippines.
I am a pretty solid atheist. I have been for quite some time; that said, I was raised in the church and much of my childhood and teen years were spent in the church. Even in my early twenties I still believed in God, but I've abandoned that belief system over the last few years.
In my family, including my extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins... ect.) I am the only atheist. I come from a very religious southern family, so it has been an interesting transition in my life. My spouse is also very religious, and we go to church most Sundays to feed her faith. I go for support, and because she doesn't like the fact that I don't believe in God.
Most of my immediate family is atheist, so I was not introduced to religion until I was old enough to understand it. Without any ingrained indoctrination, I said that it seemed illogical, and that is my stance on religion to this day.
I have no issue with religious people who are not inclined to proselytizing or violence, although I am opposed myself to the concept of religion, with all of its indoctrinating and self-hating implications.
Both my parents are atheists and likely because of them, I am as well.
On a side note, my young daughter is now at that age where she's beginning to question why all her friends believe in God and we don't. Having taught at the elementary level before, I've noticed a child's faith (while not detailed) is often very strong and if they haven't been raised without God, it's extremely tough for them to grasp that some people don't believe in it. I'm just hoping to guide my daughter through this time so that she's not a social pariah among her peers.
Good luck my friend. Hopefully you don't live in the bible belt. Growing up an atheist has got me several death threats, several "talkings to" from principles and teachers. As well as getting beat up and mocked. All this did was affirm my belief that no god exist, and if it did exist it would be a sadistic being.
Not to bring up any debate but to share some perspective:
Currently so many christians are crying fowl because several free thinkers have come onto the scene and have started to challenge religious bigotry and the use of majority beliefs to hold down the minority. I see so much of this **** on my facebook since my family and people I know are so deeply enthralled. Several of the "Boston attack was punishment from god because Boston allows gay marriage" and that kind of ilk. So many people are unable to see the other side of the coin and fail to understand that forcing other to live according to your beliefs or founding laws according to your beliefs is a form of persecution. i hear so much about anti-theist and how atheist are all dicks because we don't want the 10 commandments up in schools or we don't want specific religious beliefs in our law books, or because we say that god does not have to exist for this world to exist.(often times showing scientific proof)
In the end the switch to a more secular nation(like the one founded by our founding fathers) will be quite tumultuous.
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In life all we can do is try to make things better. Sitting lost in old ways and fearing change only makes us outdated and ignorant.
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.
Albert Einstein
Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned; yet we have not advanced one inch towards uniformity.
I am strongly Christian. I wouldn't say I'm religious though; I'd characterize it as more of a relationship with god. That being said, I am a libertarian and I believe that we have the right to have whatever beliefs we want as long as those beliefs don't infringe upon the rights of others. What scares me are people that spew their hatred of religion openly, as if religious intolerance is somehow OK. That's just as bad, if not worse, as open proselytizing.
Bigotry in any form has no place in our free society.
I am a christian (to say strongly christian would denote still questioning, thus to declare "am a christian" is true statment of being, for me). Do I question alot of other religions and theories cause I find them odd or wrong(evolution)? Yes, but it not to be a huge ass. I think the idea that evolution is entirely wrong could be wrong. Why not have the theory that My God did not stop creating? As I recall, the Book said he "rested" on the 7th day. While I don't believe in them, other religions are fine as long as they don't hurt, restrict, or discriminate aganst others or go beyond the 10 commandments. Any other extra rules or laws are up to the nations.
A few things really baffle me. What is up with all the christian sects (catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc...)? The only difference I see are the wierd rules that are beyond The Bibles 10 commandments. What's the point to keep rules for only "in church events" when the patrons go home and break them there? I have been to many (mostly baptist) churches and it seems the bigger the church; the less important the individual is. Smaller churches on the other hand have very wierd hiearchies is self importance to almost tyranny by group pressure to their rules (beyond 10 command). It seems the purpose of churches has been lost in translation and the money generated (big churches) in Tithes seems to be the only goal. I really enjoy morning Christian radio like Steve Brown, Lani Miliskainko, and a few others cause they aren't selling an idividual church agenda or thing. Being a christian is just easy and not bowing or nealing before things other than Jesus, having extra odd rules, worshiping under an extra hierarchy, and following someones agenda for the big money tithes. Been wanting to say that for years, but know it will be lost on many.
This poll gives me a sliver of hope for a humanity.
Just realize a lack of faith does not make one inherently better. Good people and bad people exist everywhere. I'm agnostic, but while I believe I've come to the correct conclusion, I don't believe it makes me better than anyone else. That would just be arrogant, and arrogance is the biggest factor that contributes to the complaints about religion.
I, and many of the Atheists I know personally (not internet forum types) are very willing to let other believe whatever they want, and in the end just want to be given the same treatment and respect to live their lives the way they see fit. In fact, many want the exact same thing as most religious... to not be told how to live their lives and to keep the Goverment away from their private choices. As a member of the National Conference of Seperation of Church and State, we have clergy members and believers of all faiths along side of non-believers all working for the same thing. Individual privacy and non-preferential treatment.
You wouldn't think it by the snarky loud voices in most intertroll forums... but you'd rarely find a more open minded and loving person that someone who doesn't believe in a god. They believe that there is one shot in this life to get it right, and that there is no "second chance" waiting for you later. You live life and love what's here, and give your all to not waste a single day because it could be over tomorrow. You're not "going to a better place" when you die, but you create that place in your personal actions and respect towards those around you so that when you do die, it wasn't all a waste.
I thought your post was quite interesting to read and was very articulate whilst being straightforward, by the way.
To prevent erroneous restatement of my words and to clarify my previous post, I'm not very fond of this "spiritual but not religious" pop phrase because it is essentially meaningless, contrived, and disingenuous. There is the rare case of the genuinely spiritual and irreligious individual but I have yet to meet anyone who professes themselves to be SBNR to be that. Those SBNR that I have known are self-absorbed, self-satisfied, and fundamentally lacking in intellectual rigour or exertion or even in cognitive capacity (but I'll concede that some are brilliant deep thinkers, if but in other domains, and are held in high regard). The 'cop out' is wholly vacuous for most, for whom something more precise or less pretentious, such as "deist" (oh, forfend me from the wrath of the deist Founding Fathers!), "[weak] atheist", or whatever else may be used more appropriately.
At the end of the day, though, I don't really care what most people believe or believe and think, if anything; GFY (that is, good for you, or them). The times are a-changin' but I don't believe in keeping such an open mind, so open as to allow SBNR as an acceptable answer and so that you allow for your brain to fall out.
Um, yes. I'm feeling you on this, at least in part.
I try to respect people's religious beliefs as long as they don't try and shove them down other people's throats
If God is real, he is an alien of some kind existing totally within the laws of physics (possibly in the fourth-eleventh dimensions or whatever crack Michio Kaku is smoking). I don't believe in omniscience, but I believe in a lot of other crazy things about black holes and Mandelbrot fractals.
Legacy:
RWBG Goblins
RRR Burn
WBU Affinity
UBR Sac-Land Tendrils!
BBBPox
Next possible deck: D&T, but that just wouldn't be right.
Modern: R Goblins (work in progress)
Standard: I only care about standard when Goblins is a deck.
Limited: I only care about limited when Goblins are in the set.
Pauper:
RGoblins
URCloudpost
other decks
Goblins.
That being said, I still ultimately believe that existence as we know it is simply the result of billions upon billions of coincidences.
Legacy-U Faerie Ninja Still, WDeath and Taxes
Casual-WB Bleed, WGUBRCascade
----------------------------
Club Flamingo Wins: 10
----------------------------
EDH Decks
BG Vicious Varolz | RW Jor Kadeen, the Mean Machine | RG Atarka: Muh_Dragons.dec (WIP) | WU Brago, Blink Eternal (WIP)
----------------------------
Nicol Bolas is so awesome! And so is Kokusho!
Bolas x Kokusho 4eva!!! <3
Read their story here!
BMy Little KokushoB
RBRakdos UNLEASHED!!!RB
My Standard Decks:
UGRakdos, Bolas, and Ludevic Go To A PartyUG
XXXX
Modern
URTwinRU R.I.P.
EDH
WUGRoon of the Hidden RealmWUG
I wouldn't expect many people from this forum to be religious unless they're from a religious country such as in the Middle East, Middle America or the Philippines.
On the basis that I imagine most people here are reasonably young, thus less likely to be religious and most are likely nerdy, thus more likely to be more educated thus less likely to be religious.
Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear.
----------------------------
Club Flamingo Wins: 10
----------------------------
EDH Decks
BG Vicious Varolz | RW Jor Kadeen, the Mean Machine | RG Atarka: Muh_Dragons.dec (WIP) | WU Brago, Blink Eternal (WIP)
----------------------------
In my family, including my extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins... ect.) I am the only atheist. I come from a very religious southern family, so it has been an interesting transition in my life. My spouse is also very religious, and we go to church most Sundays to feed her faith. I go for support, and because she doesn't like the fact that I don't believe in God.
I have no issue with religious people who are not inclined to proselytizing or violence, although I am opposed myself to the concept of religion, with all of its indoctrinating and self-hating implications.
Decks:
:symgu::simic: Momir Vig, Simic Visionary :simic::symgu:
:symb::symub: Grimgrin, Corpse-Born :symub::symb:
Good luck my friend. Hopefully you don't live in the bible belt. Growing up an atheist has got me several death threats, several "talkings to" from principles and teachers. As well as getting beat up and mocked. All this did was affirm my belief that no god exist, and if it did exist it would be a sadistic being.
Not to bring up any debate but to share some perspective:
Currently so many christians are crying fowl because several free thinkers have come onto the scene and have started to challenge religious bigotry and the use of majority beliefs to hold down the minority. I see so much of this **** on my facebook since my family and people I know are so deeply enthralled. Several of the "Boston attack was punishment from god because Boston allows gay marriage" and that kind of ilk. So many people are unable to see the other side of the coin and fail to understand that forcing other to live according to your beliefs or founding laws according to your beliefs is a form of persecution. i hear so much about anti-theist and how atheist are all dicks because we don't want the 10 commandments up in schools or we don't want specific religious beliefs in our law books, or because we say that god does not have to exist for this world to exist.(often times showing scientific proof)
In the end the switch to a more secular nation(like the one founded by our founding fathers) will be quite tumultuous.
Albert Einstein
Thomas Jefferson
Bigotry in any form has no place in our free society.
~~~~~~~~~
Too many to list efficiently. Find me online with the same SN if you want to play, or message me here to set up a time to play.
Modern
~~~~~~~~~
Whatever pile of 75 I throw together the night before without testing. Usually: :symb::symu::symg:
Short answer: Odin.
No.
RBUThraximundarUBRRUNiv-Mizzet, the FiremindUR
BWGhost Council of OrzhovaWBWUBRGChild of AlaraGRBUW
WBRKaalia of the VastRBWGBSapling of ColfenorGB
A few things really baffle me. What is up with all the christian sects (catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc...)? The only difference I see are the wierd rules that are beyond The Bibles 10 commandments. What's the point to keep rules for only "in church events" when the patrons go home and break them there? I have been to many (mostly baptist) churches and it seems the bigger the church; the less important the individual is. Smaller churches on the other hand have very wierd hiearchies is self importance to almost tyranny by group pressure to their rules (beyond 10 command). It seems the purpose of churches has been lost in translation and the money generated (big churches) in Tithes seems to be the only goal. I really enjoy morning Christian radio like Steve Brown, Lani Miliskainko, and a few others cause they aren't selling an idividual church agenda or thing. Being a christian is just easy and not bowing or nealing before things other than Jesus, having extra odd rules, worshiping under an extra hierarchy, and following someones agenda for the big money tithes. Been wanting to say that for years, but know it will be lost on many.
Multiplayer Decks- Memnarch - Animar, Soul of Elements - Zur, the Enchanter - Atraxa, Praetors' Voice - Food Chain Tazri - Teysa Karlov
Modern BUMill and Bant Spirits.
Thank you Xenphire for the signature!
Just realize a lack of faith does not make one inherently better. Good people and bad people exist everywhere. I'm agnostic, but while I believe I've come to the correct conclusion, I don't believe it makes me better than anyone else. That would just be arrogant, and arrogance is the biggest factor that contributes to the complaints about religion.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
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