atheism

[alison]

You know it's all about santa claus. :P

I actually thought the Santa Claus remark was a good one.

Alison,

I just picked Santa out because it seemed to encapsulate the notion that anyone who believed in God was incapable or resistant to using reason (childlike and gullible). Ultimately, there are many arguments well thought out for both the existence and non-existence of God. Santa sort of implies you can prove a negative i.e. that atheists can prove that God doesn't exist. Neither atheists nor theists can prove the existence of God (and definitely can't prove God's non-existence).

So, it was my mocking way of saying that I think reasonable and rational people can agree to disagree. And some parts of the thread seemed to illustrate one of my earlier assertions - namely that some folks seem very willing to immediately dismiss folks who believe in God as irrational rubes.

Folks can end up at different ends of the spectrum through multiple paths -well reasoned, heartfelt, dogmatic, ill-thought or shallow -- regardless of the final conclusion.

[DCJenn]

To answer the Humanist question, because I do consider myself a Humanist and no less than the Supreme Court decreed that it is a religion.

But, there's no God. No God-like person, creature, animal or other wise. Most Humanist accept that Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, etc. did inhabit the earth and did inspire people and probably even did a whole lot of the good stuff that's been attributed to them.

But, we don't believe in Heaven, Hell or the like and basically the premise is "be a good person because it's the right thing to do." Life is good, people are inherently good, and be good to others because your legacy is all you get.

There are actual physical places where people gather for events, the one in DC has Sunday services. The 'services' are conducted by interesting people and most of the discussions revolve around ethics and morals. They have lay people who perform the typical services associated with religious institutions- weddings, funerals and Baby welcomings. (We welcome babies to the world. There's no blessing per say, it's more of a "We're really glad you're here, baby.") We were married by a Humanist and we had what we felt was a very meaningful ceremony. God didn't come up.

It's a welcoming group of people who prefer the community aspect of religion. Now, like the Unitarians, we don't actually care what someone believes, if they want to participate, fine. Great. More power to you.

There are summer camps for kids that I hope to send Nikolai to- especially while we're in the South where 'What' you are seems to be really important to a vast number of people. I want him to meet other kids whose family belief system is the same.

So, in a nutshell, Ethical Humanism is religion without God.

Jenn

ETA: This is their own definition: Ethical Culture is a humanistic religious and educational movement inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society.

and this is from the AHA: Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

[Stella]

Santa isn't real? Shit.

[alison]

I can't prove that God or gods don't exist, but to atheists, God is fictitious in the same respect that Santa is.

[DCJenn]

I don't believe that God is as Santa. I think that insults a vast number of our religious brethern.

I personally don't believe in God. But I'm cool with the fact that lots of people do. I think it is disrespectful to refer to someone's Being in the same breath as a now commericalized entity.

Now, Santa and the Easter Bunny and all of the other 'things' used to move druid celebrations into Christian celebrations- they can all be lumped together.

I think those that believe deserve the same respect as those that don't. We ALL could do with some reminders, there.

Appreciate the respect that's been afforded me here and I expect to do the same for our other members who ARE religious. I mean, who is the iMSN member that I have met the most and with whom I share a lot of experiences? Sally. Would we have met any other way? Doubt it. But she's stuck with me now.

Jenn

[alison]

I agree with you Jenn.
Sorry if I came across as disrespectful. I was just trying to make the point that I don't believe in Santa nor God. And *I* feel pretty much the same towards both.

[Vishenka69]

I agree with you Jenn.
Sorry if I came across as disrespectful. I was just trying to make the point that I don't believe in Santa nor God. And *I* feel pretty much the same towards both.

That's what I was trying to say too. I didn't mean to disrespect anyone or poke fun at anyone's beliefs. Doesn't belief in Santa go back to paganism and since his character stretches across many cultures, who's to say such a character never existed. Greek and Roman mythology is also read like fairy tales today but both existed as real and practicing religious back in the day. For all we know, a few centuries from now Christianity may evolve into something else that won't include Jesus at all.

[PrincessFiona]

Lily,

Can you elaborate on how your belief's are....well....practiced? I am asking out of a genuine curiosity. I'm assuming you mean that you practice wicca? I hope I'm not:



kris

[Meenah]

OMG Kris, where did you get that picture? We should make that the official avatar for this forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[diggitydot]

Re: atheism

Just for fun...

As most of you know, I am an atheist. So, out of curiosity, when you hear that someone is an atheist what comes to your mind?

Honestly, not a lot comes to mind.

I have lots of friends of MANY different belief systems and this isn't much of a blip on my radar. The only time my reaction to someone's beliefs would be negative is if that person was either exceedingly militant about it or dismissive/offensive to those without similar opinions.

I honestly think that someone's personal relationship with God is their own business. If they have one, great. If they don't, well...great, too. I kind of don't care.

:02: