And being "polite" is not a religious concept. In a sense, it is self preservation so as not to be chastised by your fellows. Groups of religious, in my opinion, cause more division than they cure.
I have not assaulted any religion, merely dismissed them all equally. Religions truly don't matter to me.
Certainly. I am not religious, yet here I advocate politeness. In my opinion, it's just the better choice. The fact that it also acts as self-preservation is a bonus. Maybe so, but I don't see that their reaction to mockery will make it less so.
For a bunch of people who say they do not believe in God, they sure do talk about Him enough. And, someone said they don't like being told they are going to hell. How can that mean anything to an atheist? For you, there is no heaven or hell. It's like stating you like brussels sprouts when you don't. Who cares? Well, I guess you do. Seriously, I haven't or at least can't remember telling anyone I knew God would send them to hell. I have no clue what He is going to do with you, though I know it will be your choice and if you did go to hell, you will want to be there.
It's not an issue of whether hell exists - it's an issue of whether the insult exists. Since it is a judgement made by a human, there really isn't any difference between: "You're going to hell." and "Go to hell."
Don't get angry. Just think about this objectively. If you are atheist, it can't be an insult unless you believe the place is real. If you believe it is real, then you are not an atheist, since God created hell. You aren't agnostic then, either. You become then, one who has rejected God. I'm sure that isn't what you all mean. At least, I've never encountered any atheist who would agree that they are rejecting any god. Because, you don't believe in any, or aren't supposed to believe. Honestly, I'm not saying you or anyone else is not an atheist. I'm saying it's completely illogical to get angry about something that means nothing. It seriously does not make any logical sense. Surely, an atheist can see that, even one that is not well versed in philosophy? Edit: Thinking more on this insult thing, I've been told to "go to hell" many times. When I was a teen, it really bothered me. As I aged, it didn't. I don't know if it was because it was said so many times, or if it was because I knew that it was impossible for someone to make me go there, or if it was because it's a childish insult...........and, it's funny. I mean I laughed. That's probably why I don't understand it. If I think of anything else, I'll post it so you may understand more fully. ee.
That is absolute nonsense. It's like saying "Fxxx You" and then claiming no offense should be taken, because it should be obvious that no sex act was actually going to happen.
Now, if you hear it as screw you, I get that. You can't separate the two in your brain. They are quite different.
No, there is no difference at all. I don't have to believe in hell to recognize what someone means when they tell me to go to hell. And, telling me that JESUS is telling me to go there is not somehow less of a direct insult. I don't know how that could be made more easy to understand.
I never told you that Jesus is telling you to go to hell. He won't. You decide where you want to go. I don't know why you haven't been reading my posts if you are bothering to respond to them? Your logic is lacking.....logic. lol Well, in your mind, as I said and you didn't read, I agree, it's in your mind. Why do you want to argue? Are you not having a nice day?
Yes, it could be one of the other parts of your 3-part god that you suggest is damning me to hell. You asked a question about how others might view being told they're going to hell. Remember that you pointed out that some take offense. So, I thought I'd answer. I'm not suggesting that you have less than honorable intent.
Oh, you mean when someone says that to you, they may mean anyone of the three parts might be damning you to hell? Okay.
That would be assuming I knew their religion and believed they were following it, wouldn't it? I'm just not surprised that when someone gets told by a human that they are going to hell that they take it as being generally negative.
Hey, I have 3 uncles who have been Christian fundamentalist preachers! (Too old now.) One is a crusty inflexible in-law who pretty much detested my side of the family. He saw science as being in direct opposition, unfortunately, and my dad was a university professor! I went to college instead of Vietnam, and I opposed the war. I had way too many fatal flaws as far as he was concerned. The other two wanted my soul, of course, but they were pretty warm about it, all things considered. We got along very well.
It seems to me that many devoutly religious are black and white thinkers. I believe it is due to some misunderstanding of the religion. I think it's also because they are trying their best to get to heaven and think they must watch every little thing they do. It's sort of true, but it really should come from the heart. If it did, it would be the opposite of what those folks are doing, because it would be done with love. Many folks are simply flawed and can't help themselves. Being an adult, you know that. And, you know that they don't know. It almost makes me feel badly for them.
Not at all difficult when it is you who is making up the terms for understanding or not. You fail, or claim to fail, to understand anything that makes you look silly. You make things up and express belief in them to make you feel warm and fuzzy. See? Simple.
As previously mentioned, we can only govern our own behaviour. I think the world is a better place if I am polite to others, even if they are not polite back. While they might not be polite back, the chance of them being polite is greatly reduced if I'm polite to start with. I have had some very polite discussions with people who many others spiral into insults with.
The vast majority of people on both sides have not been engaged in that kind of behaviour. I am not. For starters, I don't believe "as long as they simply leave the rest of us alone" is a condition that have been met. Secondly, I treat others well not only in anticipation of reward for myself. I am not American.
and once upon a time they had blasphemy laws in this country https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy_law_in_the_United_States
