You feel persecuted for believing in God? LMFAO.
Now you make it seem as if I'm crying over here. Boo hoo, the big mean atheist is persecuting me. That's not it at all. It's the same as if I came up to you and started criticizing you because of your atheist beliefs. It's not so much persecution as it is an annoyance. It's like, "Here we go, this again."
I guesss Christians are tollerant of all religious beliefs. We'll ignore the crusades, the inquizition, the Aztecs, and the tens of millions killed for not having the "intellect" to accept their version of religion.
Yes, because all religious individuals are zealots, aren't they. What, do you want me to apologize for the crimes of those before me? I can't do that.
I'd make some sort of grand argument here about the true nature of zealotry, and tie it in with a sociological argument about how religion has become nothing more than an institution created to establish power, but it's late in the evening, and I'd probably just screw it up anyway.
That may be true on an individual basis, but the religious ALWAYS try to impose their religious views on believers and non-believers alike.
How can you say that, when you don't know me? If you knew me in RL, which is to say in person, outside of this message board, probably the only reason you would know that I am a believer in God would be if I told you. When I say I don't press my beliefs on others, I really do mean that.
Intellectuals and others who don't believe in gods don't challenge your right to believe,
No, they may just insult it. And I'm NOT sitting here saying that Christians or Muslims or any faith is not-guilt of persecuting others. I'm just saying, there are times when EVERYONE may insult the beliefs (or non-beliefs) of another.
but rather are incensed by the way religious groups medddle in affairs that are not their concern.
Define what areas are not of their concern? And what negates these areas from concerning them? Simply because they believe in something other than themselves? If so, that's disqualifying millions of people in this country alone, and billions worldwide.
Abortion is a perfect example.
Now, this is an example of where you would have to know me personally. Because I believe in God, AND I believe in abortion. It's not my most favorite thing in the world, I will admit, but I support a woman's right to choose. Or does my opinion not matter anyway because I believe in God? Furthermore, why should a person of a religious faith not be allowed to have an opinion on the matter? Surely there are people out there who disapprove or don't believe in abortion who are atheists. Are THEIR opions heard, over those of the religious, simply because the God factor isn't there?
It's disgusting, unethical and barbaric to demand that everyone follow the interpreted edicts of whatever invisible man or men in the sky you worship. You want to go ahead and pursue it, it's your business. Keep out of everyone else's.
I'm not debating that. I mean, wasn't that sort of my point earlier? I am NOT sticking my nose into anyone else's business. I just happen to believe in a god. I'm not forcing YOU to believe in it. I'm not making YOU believe what I believe, anymore than you are doing the same to me. Or do you think it is absolutely impossible for me to simply believe in a God and not try to turn you into one some sort of religious Borg?
If there is an attempt to assimilate you, it won't be by me.
And now, since I've resorted to Star Trek references, I can see it's time for me to shut my mouth and go to bed for the evening.
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Thank you, WWFallon! You are my Olympic Hero!
"Being a bastard WORKS."
--Spider Jerusalem