To tell others how to feel /think goes far beyond lack of respect; it's nothing but the intense desire of changing the other person's mind to avoid having to change theirs> For most people change is not only scary but also means no to be "with the majority".
Faye , Indeed...lack of knowledge is frightening...and mankind has many dudes to blame for this situation. About the religious leaders....well they would have to beg to survive if people stop believing in fairy tales.
Well, I can be "negative minded" as well, but mine is much more of the "negative/positive" thing. I've never been an overly positive person. It's much better to think the "real" way, as in both negative and positive.
No, I have many Atheists friends who are from India and they will tell you that Hinduism is a philosophy.
You call Christianity a "fairy tale". Now, those would be fighting words to many Christians! But, if that's what you want to think of us Christians, well...........
Cody, there are more Atheists in America than you will ever know; we don't advertise too much our way of thinking because we are "kind of tired" about people's intolerance and lack of knowledge. Now, about those many 19 y/o mothers w/o known husbands........allow met o tell you that most of them DO NOT GO AROUND CRITICIZING OTHER' S PEOPLE BEHAVIOR. See, if you live in a crystal home don't launch stones to the sky.
Cody, Yes, I call that to Christianity.............and the same with all religions. I have told the exact same words to my two cousins -both priests- and I don't care if the believers "react". See, I have the right to say anything I want...is known as Freedom of Speech...and the threatening techniques used by many believers never scared me. Ciao.
Well, first, there are lots and lots of people who criticize other people's behavior. I have been criticized a whole lot on this forum, but continue on. There is a heck of a lot of Christians, Catholics, etc. in America, but if you are only going to believe what you want to. Good Luck with that! People are tolerant, they simply don't like Atheism. Just want part of that don't you understand. You can criticize Christians/Pastors by saying "fairy tales", but you don't want to have the same done to you for your Atheism. Silvia, fair is fair!
Funny, but people take that Freedom of Speech way, way to far and it can get them into trouble. Someday you may come nose-to-nose with a Believer and then I don't know how you will feel. And, I really mean "in your face" thing. There are those that will do that if they get upset enough. And, btw, Christians can have Freedom of Speech as well. Just be prepared to get a mouthful, but don't complain about what they tell you. Not when you say "fairy tales" to a Christian.
Well, I've had my say here. I'll let someone else argue with Silvia. Her thread can be extremely controversial and she has to be prepared for that. And, I will say this.........Good Luck, Silvia. Really!
Why does such a straightforward question end up in personal stories and arguments? If you don't believe anyone is frightened by those that deny a supreme being's existence, then state that and explain why. I stated that I feel that some feel threatened because they would lose power and control over others. It is irrelevant if you or I profess to be a Christian or not. My reasoning is based on the fact that if followers didn't believe in a supreme being, then those leaders couldn't control them because they would have no fear of eternity in hell. It is very simple in my way of thinking and not about proving a supreme being's existence or not. No one can deny the supreme power of the universe. It is about faith, which is the substance of things not seen, but things hoped for. Why should the idea that some don't have the faith to believe in a supreme being, make anyone feel threatened? Only those who claim faith but lack faith feel threatened.
Cody Dear, I have came "nose to nose" with believers that are as you describe them. See, my freedom of speech -as should be everybody's- knows no limits as long as nobody gets hurt............and if one of them attempts /. succeed in putting his/ her hand on me the law will be called. Most believers fear to be proven wrong; this means they will need to make changes.......a scary thing.
"Cody Dear, needless to say in America there are more believers than Atheists. Even you know this fact. See, Christianity started its doings during the 3rd. century and stablished itself during the 4th...........IAW Christianity began its doing a lot before mankind wised up. Many Christians are tolerant? Sorry, but I must laugh. BTW: Do you know what "ciao" means. LOL
You seem to be confusing all churches with cults. I have been a member of several churches, serving in various positions, including as a youth pastor, interim pastor, secretary, treasurer, secretary-treasurer, and deacon, and I have never once been under the impression that I was not allowed to speak for myself.