Can atheism coexist with religion?

To the post where I acknowledge most atheists are not violent nor asshat children.

Since you've repeatedly and deliberately misquoted me on this thread, I doubt you'd be so honest as to actually look up my post, quote it and admit you are wrong. Likewise, I doubt your buddy will do it either since he completely agrees with you. Sad.

 

All religions I am aware of are scams, but the majority of religious people are not scammers.

The interesting question is what would or could replace religion, atheism is not a religion, very far from it. What we need is a secular set of values that we can all agree on. Even though I am an atheist I am not sure the world could cope without religion the way the world works today. This is what I think we should be thinking of, "if god didn't exist man would have to create him" works both ways.

 

In general the concept of religion can be considered a scam due to the tithe concept and money changing of churches but the term is a bit harsh. In most cases the "Scam" is completely out in the open so there is no deceit present.

 

No he wasn't. You're exaggerating. Bernie was exploring Vought's possible biases and bigotry. Bernie didn't express any disagreement with Vought's "theological views". Bernie asked perfectly legitimate questions in that video. Vought's replies first attempted to avoid a direct answer, then after that failed 3 or 4 times he gave a common bigoted "christian" answer.

 

Right. It makes them insane.

 

He didn't say that to you or your contemporaries. He didn't say that to anyone but his own disciples. And it was said to spread the ideas he taught. That has been done. People of every country on earth know all about it. So it did its job and your ego need not cling to it any longer. In fact, doing so makes your religion more and more "of this world".

 

You understand the irony there, right? You got angry at a category of mythical angry atheists that you just dreamed up.

It's an old evasion tactic, claiming that anyone who effectively debunks your beliefs is "angry", so that you don't have to address their actual arguments. You're not the first to use it.

 

Awesome. Ergo, all who believe in religion are stupid asshats who are being scammed. Again, (not you) I submit to the forum that Atheists have very little regard for theists. Is it really a stretch that they hate theists?

 

Not angry, truth-seeking. Are you denying there are both angry atheists and angry theists on this forum? I ask because, so far, none of the atheists have admitted the equality. I'm curious about you...although from your post, I can guess.

I asked this before when an angry atheist made a false accusation against me (it went unanswered): what is my "religion? Any ideas?

 

Thanks for confirming you believe religions are scams despite your slight waffle.

You can't replace religion, you can only drive it underground. Ask Stalin and Mao.

 

You think so little of those who are being scammed?

 

Obviously there are both.

The reason you always "guess" wrong is that your anger at atheists makes you irrational.

I don't care, so I won't address that deflection. I'd rather get back to what you so obviously still don't want to talk about. You've declared _most_ atheists on this forum are angry and possibly violent. You've been unwilling to back up your statement when challenged on it, but you still stand by it. What does that say about you?

 

I disagree "all" (or even most) are being scammed. YMMV

Nice try on twisting words, however. It's very revealing of your beliefs and character.

 

What?

 

Denial isn't a river in Egypt. Good luck, pal.

 

I say it can. But only if both religion and atheism don't try to force their views on the other.

 

Is it really necessary for you to manipulate my words in an attempt to make me seem angry? I have stated my opinion based on fact and you then avoid discussing it in preference of creating something to biatch about...this is far from productive and is the reason (not the first time you have done this) I stopped bothering with you. Likely you will now take this commentary as insult and avoid discussing it as well, let alone thinking about it.

 

Agreed. As stated previously, both beliefs (wait for the drama of atheists claiming theirs is "disbelief"!) have their idiots, asshats and oppressors. The fact remains most of both are not that way. On forums like this, we often see the worst of both.

 

Only you can make yourself angry, sir.

Where have I manipulated your words? Have I misunderstood? Did you miscommunicate? Are you like Trump and those who always blame others for their own problems?

 

That also goes for partisan politics.

 

I replied with this:
In general the concept of religion can be considered a scam due to the tithe concept and money changing of churches but the term is a bit harsh. In most cases the "Scam" is completely out in the open so there is no deceit present.
You then type this:
Awesome. Ergo, all who believe in religion are stupid asshats who are being scammed. Again, (not you) I submit to the forum that Atheists have very little regard for theists. Is it really a stretch that they hate theists?

 

Agreed. In fact, all forms of human social interaction.

Although the avoid "atheists" on this thread seem to disagree, the fact remains the problems in the world aren't caused by religion.... nor politics, nor guns nor capitalism nor anything else. The problems are caused by human nature. As a species, we have some growing to do but the direction we are headed is often positive.

 

Probably true. In society we tend to want to be around people of like minds. Live in neighborhoods or areas where like individuals live. We hang around people who like the same sports, do the same job, etc. That is human nature. for some reason it is difficult to accept differences. If people would stop trying to force their views, way of life, stop trying to make everyone in their image, perhaps wars would cease.

 

Again human nature. Like all animals, we compete for survival. We compete for resources, for mates, to live as we please. The main purpose of government is to resolve disputes without barbarity as in the old adage "the right to swing one's fist ends at the other person's nose". In short, it's natural for people to be in conflict in a world with less resources than can supply the needs of people. Native American tribes, like any human group, would have conflicts within their tribe, but when one tribe's hunting ground conflicted with another there was often violence. Their various religions didn't matter, even if used as an excuse to fight, since the real problem was a conflict over resources.

Human nature is, at its most basic, animal nature. The best things going for us to resolve disputes is our ability to communicate and reason.

 

I can't determine whether that statement is based on lack of knowledge or because of malevolence but it certainly is not true of me or most atheist I know of. In fact I and most I know will stand up and defend your right to worship and practice your faith to your little heart's desire. Just not on the government's dime or government's time. It is your own private affair, practice it as such. Do not profess to believe that your religious faith speaks for or represents our country. Don't ask government to lend it respect.

But do build your beautiful churches and attend them and celebrate your faith in all it's glory. Oh but do respect my beliefs too. Having religious faith does not mean having higher moral standing.