Atheism in decline? (debate likely)

[tlgoblue]

Understood.

I hope you have a safe trip. Are you driving to California and will you have kids in tow?

UGH! Not to hijack the tread, but we are driving, kids and U-haul in tow! We just have a small apartment for now, til our Indiana property is sold, then it will be a mad dash to find a tax shelter, I mean a house. Just taking the bare essentials, and trying to get the kids set in their new school. Drug testing or not, I will miss SACS. That is one incredible district, full of amazing people. I have heard nothing good about California Schools, but hopefully, SACS has prepared my kids well for their latest challenge. Thanks for the !

 

[totalia]

Offended not in the least, notwithstanding the fact that yours was intended to offer offense, and mine was not, was not even directed to an unbeliever, if you read it honestly - review the urtext.

Never felt the need to engage in faith-based contretemps, which was the point - Truth is borne out by action in the end, not words

Reading your replies, I am reasonably certain that you are beyond any form of metanoia or persuasion on this issue. Maybe others as well.

The lady doth protest too much, methinks

It was only offensive if you decide it is. I saw nothing offensive in the post at all.

 

[treesinger]

Which is why it is called The THEORY of Evolution. When I was in science class we were taught the difference between Fact and Theory. Actually I can remember in 4th grade taking a test on it. Yes the Theory of Evolution will continue to be taught in schools until either another theory can be proved to be more scientifically accurate or until we have a Law/Fact. Let it go people! Othere well known theory's:

Big Bang Theory
Theory of Relativity

If you want your children to learn that God created the world in 7 days then send them to private christian schools - it is well within your right to do so.

~Amanda

I'd love to. Just give me my tax money that goes to the public schools now via school vouchers and I'll get out of your hair.

 

[treesinger]

Boy, it sure seems like religion (especially Christianity) gets a bad rap. As I look through the last page or two of the thread I see allusions to Christianity being the nurturing ground for hypocrisy, bigotry, hate, and other negative characteristics.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, this concerns me. I agree that being Christian (not including or excluding other religions here) includes boundaries about what actions and values are "godly". That is what rubs the world the wrong way. It did when Jesus walked the earth, and it hasn't changed a bit. Yes -the way of Jesus is about peace, love, and understanding. But it is also about sacrifice and servanthood. For those who have had negative experiences with Christians (to the point of making fun of them and feeling hurt by them), may that not be the end of your story. May God work through some believer somewhere along the line in a whole new and different way.

Thank You! Things were getting just a bit negative here towards Christians. ALL Christians are not zealots just as ALL Muslims are not terrorists. By the sound of things you'd think Christians were the new Illuminati and that the unbelievers were targets of our world domination.

 

[treesinger]

Love your sticker - we have a similar one.

I would just say that in response to Christians that are troubled by atheists, heed the words of St. Francis - "Preach the Gospel Daily; use words if necessary." Any example in thw way you live your life will speak far more powerfully than any eloquent apologetics that escape your mouth.

If your aim is to convert the uncoverted as per the Great Commission, no unbeliever will be left unmoved by the example of a truly Christian life. If those of us self-professed Christians lived as Christ taught, and I am the worst example of the contrary, all of humanity would be converted in little time. I would submit that the principle objection many unbelievers have to Christianity is that it is too little practiced

And a hearty "Here here!" That's my take on preaching. I live. I set my example. I hope it is enough.

 

[Rokkitsci]

http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050301-123015-2069r.htm


I personally think intelligent design should be taught along side evolution and that no specific religion should be taught but all religions should not be avoided like the plague. What is so wrong with believing in something higher than man?



(wondering what I am getting myself into as I hit submit )

LOL - i wonder how long THIS thread will last.

I see no contridiction between evolution and creationism. I do not believe in the LITERAL interpretation of Genesis as we understand the meaning of those words today. I see complete correlation between the chronology of creation and the chronology of evolution - on vastly different time spans.

I do believe there is a Creator who stepped in at some point in the evolutionary development of **** sapiens and gave that species a soul.

From then on - we were responsible for our own actions. How those actions will be judged in the hereafter is beyond my ken. Color me agnostic.

I happen to believe that we cannot survive as a civil society without a common belief in a "Higher Power" - call it what you will. But I reject the current humanist notion that WE represent that "higher power." All evidence in the history of the world argues against that notion.

What the Left Wing Radicals recognize is that in order to impose their socialist view on the masses, they must first reduce those masses to the equivalent of trained animals. This, I believe, is why they gravitate to what I call the decadent tendencies of mankind. If they can get people to think no "higher" than their sexual organs, then they have gone a long way towards removing the human conscience from as the controlling factor of mankind's actions.

Thus, they must aggressively oppose ANY societal institution that seeks to put a lid on mankind's animalistic urges - and religion is merely the first most obvious of those institutions. Next in their sights is the rule of law. They want the constitution to be "relative" so they can change their interpretation to fit anything they happen to DESIRE at the moment. A written set of "rules" is way to restrictive to their hedonism. Another target is the traditional family in America. Apart from the religious aspect, the Left Wing Radicals recognize that a "family" is interested in what will happen to their offspring, and will try to guide their children toward "good" behavior patterns to ensure their future success and happiness. Left Wing Radicals want to make sure that this critical bond is weakened if not broken. They want to disintegrate the "family" in favor of the "village."

Of course, the Left Wing radicals know that there must be a "ruling elite" to make sure the masses are entertained so they will not revolt. They all think that THEY will be part of that ruling elite. ROFLMAO.

Fat chance - IF they ever succeed they will be kowtowing to the REAL elite and begging for a crumb of something to eat just like the rest of us. I pray that day will never come. It is time to reject them NOW.

 

[Ted and Holly]

What the Left Wing Radicals recognize is that in order to impose their socialist view on the masses, they must first reduce those masses to the equivalent of trained animals.

By trained animals, you mean like "Stand up, kneel down, repent, confess..." that sort of thing?

 

[ThAnswr]

If evoltion had been proven as a fact, I would accept it. I could do what some christians already do and say evolution was the tool that God used. The evolution theory has too many holes to be taught with as much "faith" as the law of gravity.

And those holes are?

http://home.comcast.net/~fsteiger/theory.htm

 

[ThAnswr]

LOL - i wonder how long THIS thread will last.

I see no contridiction between evolution and creationism. I do not believe in the LITERAL interpretation of Genesis as we understand the meaning of those words today. I see complete correlation between the chronology of creation and the chronology of evolution - on vastly different time spans.

I do believe there is a Creator who stepped in at some point in the evolutionary development of **** sapiens and gave that species a soul.

From then on - we were responsible for our own actions. How those actions will be judged in the hereafter is beyond my ken. Color me agnostic.

I happen to believe that we cannot survive as a civil society without a common belief in a "Higher Power" - call it what you will. But I reject the current humanist notion that WE represent that "higher power." All evidence in the history of the world argues against that notion.

What the Left Wing Radicals recognize is that in order to impose their socialist view on the masses, they must first reduce those masses to the equivalent of trained animals. This, I believe, is why they gravitate to what I call the decadent tendencies of mankind. If they can get people to think no "higher" than their sexual organs, then they have gone a long way towards removing the human conscience from as the controlling factor of mankind's actions.

Thus, they must aggressively oppose ANY societal institution that seeks to put a lid on mankind's animalistic urges - and religion is merely the first most obvious of those institutions. Next in their sights is the rule of law. They want the constitution to be "relative" so they can change their interpretation to fit anything they happen to DESIRE at the moment. A written set of "rules" is way to restrictive to their hedonism. Another target is the traditional family in America. Apart from the religious aspect, the Left Wing Radicals recognize that a "family" is interested in what will happen to their offspring, and will try to guide their children toward "good" behavior patterns to ensure their future success and happiness. Left Wing Radicals want to make sure that this critical bond is weakened if not broken. They want to disintegrate the "family" in favor of the "village."

Of course, the Left Wing radicals know that there must be a "ruling elite" to make sure the masses are entertained so they will not revolt. They all think that THEY will be part of that ruling elite. ROFLMAO.

Fat chance - IF they ever succeed they will be kowtowing to the REAL elite and begging for a crumb of something to eat just like the rest of us. I pray that day will never come. It is time to reject them NOW.

Have another round.

 

[ThAnswr]

So what is this? You're trying to silence people?

Religious faith masquarading as "science" is still religious faith and should not be taught in schools.

Evolution is a fact. It is not a guess or a simple hypothesis. It is based on a careful observation of facts.

"Intelligent design" is a religious belief and another euphenism for "creation science" which replaced "creationism". No matter what you call it, it is a religious belief.

Chad was right. To believe in "intelligent design/creation science/creationism" you have to believe in a creator and that is a religious belief.

I wonder what the next euphenism is going to be so some can cover up that fact.

 

[tlgoblue]

LOL - i wonder how long THIS thread will last....
Fat chance - IF they ever succeed they will be kowtowing to the REAL elite and begging for a crumb of something to eat just like the rest of us. I pray that day will never come. It is time to reject them NOW.

Now that is just creepy.

 

[ThAnswr]

By trained animals, you mean like "Stand up, kneel down, repent, confess..." that sort of thing?

LOL. Wickedly funny.

 

[Rokkitsci]

By trained animals, you mean like "Stand up, kneel down, repent, confess..." that sort of thing?

Actually, I was thinking more in terms of "if it feels good do it."

But thanks for your input, however I rarely - if ever - do the "stand up . . . . confess" sort of thing. I just try to lead a good life and make the world better for my grandchildren.

As much as I detest the sterotypical "tv evangalist," if I had to choose between Jimmy Swigert? Ted Kennedy, or Jesse Jackson, or Terry McAuliff as a pattern for my life, I would choose Jimmy in a heartbeat. Jimmy is only after your money. If you choose not to give it to him he is harmless. The others are rotting away the moral fiber of my country.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

LOL - i wonder how long THIS thread will last.

I see no contridiction between evolution and creationism. I do not believe in the LITERAL interpretation of Genesis as we understand the meaning of those words today. I see complete correlation between the chronology of creation and the chronology of evolution - on vastly different time spans.

I do believe there is a Creator who stepped in at some point in the evolutionary development of **** sapiens and gave that species a soul.

From then on - we were responsible for our own actions. How those actions will be judged in the hereafter is beyond my ken. Color me agnostic.

I happen to believe that we cannot survive as a civil society without a common belief in a "Higher Power" - call it what you will. But I reject the current humanist notion that WE represent that "higher power." All evidence in the history of the world argues against that notion.

What the Left Wing Radicals recognize is that in order to impose their socialist view on the masses, they must first reduce those masses to the equivalent of trained animals. This, I believe, is why they gravitate to what I call the decadent tendencies of mankind. If they can get people to think no "higher" than their sexual organs, then they have gone a long way towards removing the human conscience from as the controlling factor of mankind's actions.

Thus, they must aggressively oppose ANY societal institution that seeks to put a lid on mankind's animalistic urges - and religion is merely the first most obvious of those institutions. Next in their sights is the rule of law. They want the constitution to be "relative" so they can change their interpretation to fit anything they happen to DESIRE at the moment. A written set of "rules" is way to restrictive to their hedonism. Another target is the traditional family in America. Apart from the religious aspect, the Left Wing Radicals recognize that a "family" is interested in what will happen to their offspring, and will try to guide their children toward "good" behavior patterns to ensure their future success and happiness. Left Wing Radicals want to make sure that this critical bond is weakened if not broken. They want to disintegrate the "family" in favor of the "village."

Of course, the Left Wing radicals know that there must be a "ruling elite" to make sure the masses are entertained so they will not revolt. They all think that THEY will be part of that ruling elite. ROFLMAO.

Fat chance - IF they ever succeed they will be kowtowing to the REAL elite and begging for a crumb of something to eat just like the rest of us. I pray that day will never come. It is time to reject them NOW.

Wow, this is really creative! What about the segment of society that goes too far to the other extreme? The ones that repress the "ID" or base desires? Aren't they just causing themselves more problems by denying the fact that they are sexual beings? LOL!

 

[Ted and Holly]

Actually, I was thinking more in terms of "if it feels good do it."

But thanks for your input, however I rarely - if ever - do the "stand up . . . . confess" sort of thing. I just try to lead a good life and make the world better for my grandchildren.

I would hope that most people want to make the world better for their offspring. We have heard from a few people who are agnostic or atheist who also try to lead a good life.

But I was referring to your conspiracy theory about the Left Wing Radicals and the Masses. How can you claim that these Radicals are trying to make the "masses" act like trained animals is a bad thing when religious ritual is followed without question by millions of people? Right or wrong, religious or not, it just seems a little ironic.

In reference to this thread, I can only assume that the Atheists are your Left Wing Radicals and you feel that they are trying to ruin society.

If I am wrong, please... What was the point of your post?

Ted

 

[DisDuck]

First... I put up a thread on 'creation vs. design vs. evolution' for specific discussion on this topic if anyone wants to. Come and join.

Then 'rokkitsci'.. whoa there what are you talking about? and where in biology or pyschology did you get these ideas? So are you saying that H.Erectus & H.Robustus & Australiopithicene did not have a soul? So without a 'higher power' we would all be roving the streets looking for our next victims. Then how come Polytheism predates Monotheism. Certainly these 'gods' brought order to chaos. Just look at the change in society from hunter-gatherer to agricultural. It freed up human endevor to allow for artistic and linguistic expansion as society was able to spend more time on other persuits besides hunt then eat then hunt then eat. Also, one of the earliest ethical codes 'Hammurabi' was developed in a Polytheistic society. I must say that none of your commentary makes sense. Certainly does not match what I learned in biology, philosophy or anthropology.

 

[totalia]

Religious faith masquarading as "science" is still religious faith and should not be taught in schools.

Evolution is a fact. It is not a guess or a simple hypothesis. It is based on a careful observation of facts.

"Intelligent design" is a religious belief and another euphenism for "creation science" which replaced "creationism". No matter what you call it, it is a religious belief.

Chad was right. To believe in "intelligent design/creation science/creationism" you have to believe in a creator and that is a religious belief.

I wonder what the next euphenism is going to be so some can cover up that fact.

Well put. Exactly.

 

[chobie]

Religious faith masquarading as "science" is still religious faith and should not be taught in schools.

Evolution is a fact. It is not a guess or a simple hypothesis. It is based on a careful observation of facts.

"Intelligent design" is a religious belief and another euphenism for "creation science" which replaced "creationism". No matter what you call it, it is a religious belief.

Chad was right. To believe in "intelligent design/creation science/creationism" you have to believe in a creator and that is a religious belief.

I wonder what the next euphenism is going to be so some can cover up that fact.

That would make a great thread:

"Come up with the next euphemism for intelligent creationism design science"