Fiddler, I fear that you have misunderstood what I was saying. There are many people who do not believe in God, and are willing to discuss what they do believe about the way the world works. They are also willing to share their reasons for nor believing in God. But there are others who not only do not believe in God, but they DO believe that anyone who DOES believe in God is a fool, and they state this belief repeatedly. They also tend to belittle belief in God by comparing it to belief in fairies or some other silly thing. They also seem to believe that the effect of religion on the world has been mostly negative, and while they can supply examples of negative effects, they seem to be blind t the many positive effects that religion has had.
Now, I really don't care whether they believe these things or not, but some of these particular atheists make it a point to state their beliefs at every opportunity. It is as though they were on a crusade to stamp out religion. Now, this is a forum for discussion of ideas and beliefs. I share my thoughts and beliefs, and I try to be respectful of the thoughts and beliefs of others. When my beliefs are mocked and ridiculed in a forum like this, it is a sign that the other person is not willing to listen and to discuss things rationally. This is irritating to many of us, but it also reflects poorly on the character of the person who is doing the mocking. I am merely asking that you show as much respect for my ideas, whether you agree with them or not, as you would like me to show for your ideas. On Feb 7, 12:38 am, fiddler <[email protected]> wrote: > And you are demonstrating that one word may have two intended uses. A > belief in god is not the same as a belief in the sun rising. Yes, > everyone believes something. Some of us believe in testable reality > and some of us in untestable -and often proven wrong- religions. > Though the word is the same, the use is not. Your rant had no true > point, it was only that... a rant. > > On Feb 6, 9:29 pm, 1CellOfMany <[email protected]> wrote: > > > So, OZ, if I understand what you are saying, you *believe* that, "The > > common failure of "believers" is their inability to understand a > > simple concept: ---- Lack of belief, is not, itself, belief --- " > > > (If you don't believe that statement, then why would you make it!) > > > I find that the common failure of those who snipe at "believers" in > > the cause of atheism is their tendency to stereo-type and talk trash > > about believers. So, by your own words, you have demonstrated the > > point of my rant. > > > On Feb 6, 12:11 pm, MajorOz <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > The common failure of "believers" is their inability to understand a > > > simple concept: > > > > ---- Lack of belief, is not, itself, belief --- > > > > cheers > > > > oz, learner, not believer -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ""Minds Eye"" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/minds-eye?hl=en.
