Atheist's sign joins Christmas display
In the state Capital of Washington: I love how the atheist is pushing the whole winter solstice thing. Yeah, we are running out and buying presents, decorating our houses with lights and nativity scenes and preparing to make cookies and...
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There's no way they're going to convince anyone. Because of the very fact that their message has no substance beyond gainsaying OUR message, we set the agenda.
Now some genius is probably going to come along and bark "But God is invisible!!" as if that question isn't addressed and put to bed in the Bible itself.
Satan is invisible, too.
Let's sing!
Yes, Jesus is my invisible friend,
His invisible love will never invisibly end, 'cause
Jesus is My Invisible Friend!
Without the Holy Ghost we'd all be toast
In the fires of Invisible Hell to roast
Thank the Invisible God
That Jesus is Our Invisible Friend.
Sort of like Michelle.
Lefty Attack Hamster, thank you for appearing when summoned.
I totally empathize with the atheist. We (Jews) get drowned every year with Xmas - and most of it has nothing to do with the religious aspects of the holiday, because I think 75% of Americans only care about Xmas for the shopping.
Bah humbug.
"75% of Americans only care about Xmas for the shopping"
Can't disagree with you there. But hey, at least you get a day off.
Huh, an atheist pushing paganism?
I guess I don't know any true atheists because the ones I know enjoy the Magic, Myth and Mirth of the season without getting bogged down with particulars. Christmas is a fairly non-committal holiday religiously and offers so many traditions (from around the world - good point, michele) that there ought to be something that appeals to just about anyone.
Waterless Clouds, indeed. (Fun to think about, eh?) Good grief, what bloody killjoys.
My first grader brought home a paper chain with enough links so that, by removing one each night, he'll count down to ... wait for it ... "VACATION."
(Not "Christmas.")
I'm not sure how I feel about the boys' school hyping up vacation time at the inevitable expense of school time. No wonder kids learn to loathe school.
Cool name Lefty Attack Hamster.
This sign has been discussed on the Friendly Atheist blog with two lines of thinking. One view is that atheists have a right to state their beliefs. The other is don't rain on other people's parades.
I put myself in the don't rain on other people's parade camp.
Also technically the position stated by the sign is metaphysical naturalism which is an atheistic worldview, but not the same as simple non-belief.
"This sign has been discussed on the Friendly Atheist blog with two lines of thinking. One view is that atheists have a right to state their beliefs. The other is don't rain on other people's parades."
That's only fair. And it's also only fair to allow atheists to celebrate their solstice, however much a little eggnog and Christmas caroling really wouldn't hurt them.
Apparently our Atheist Christmas contrarian needs to walk down the hall there in Olympia and read the following from the Washington State Constitution -
PREAMBLE
We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.
My oh my, the very first article of business in my State's Constitution is to thank the Supreme Ruler of the Universe (would that include even the Atheists corner of the world?) for our freedoms. I guess condemnation of that Great Being during the Christmas Season is becoming politically necessary for some. Just remember where you freedom to condemn has come from. And then marvel at the patience of that great and glorious Being in the life of Saul of Tarsus who later shared with us so much about the only One who matters.
You ask me how I know He live,
He lives with my heart!
Merry Christmas From A Washington Believer
This woman writes a lot of stupid things.
"Look at both of the messages. Christianity is about hope, love and peace between God and man and each other. Atheism is about negating the Christian message -- hope, love and peace between God and man is a myth."
No, Atheism is about not believing what isn't true just because your ancestor did and socially approved. You argument comes down to be a theist because its makes you feel better. Not a particularly persuasive argument for the existence of God.
Atheism is not a religion. We are all born atheists. There is no such thing as a Christian child or a Muslim child or a Buddhist child, just as there is no such thing as a Republican child or Democratic child. These designations are the result of indoctrination by culture. As we get older we try to justify our beliefs with our ever expanding body of knowledge, but if you truly consider yourself a truth-seeker then you will embrace being wrong in light of new information. That is the scientific method, and the enemy of religious fundamentalism.
When religious people caricature atheism as a religion, it really shows a lack of understanding about what religion and atheism really are. They are not mutually exclusive. The Buddha was an atheist; he rejected the idea of an eternal soul because he believed that that idea was the cause of suffering in the world. In believing that you are eternal, or even that you have a permanent identity, you immediately separate yourself from other people in the world. Your entire body replaces itself every 7 years and your body of knowledge is always increasing, so to assume that you are the same 'self' is problematic and will undoubtedly lead to conflict with other people who believe the same thing about their 'selves.'
Furthermore, there is no reason to assume that any supernatural power has played a role either creating or manipulating life on earth or in the universe in general. When religious texts were written they offered an account of the world using the best interpretation available to them. The King James Version of the Bible is an excellent example of the metaphor and philosophy employed by ancient thinkers. It provides great insight into what our ancestors perceived ultimate reality to be.
However, to still rely on these ancient documents and the dogma of religious institutions for guidance in your immediate life sells human reasoning short. Religion offers answers; it tells people what to think, but philosophy and science teaches how to think, which infinitely more beneficial to mankind.
You say that Christianity and the celebration of Jesus' birth is about hope and love and peace between God and man and each other, yet you spend so much energy taking Atheists down. Where is the tolerance for differences between people? Where is the love? Where is peace? I am actually torn between feeling that the first amendment is right and as long as any religious symbol is displayed then there can be no discrimination against any other religious display, including that of non-believers AND the thought that the group who placed that card chose an inappropriate time and place to send their message. I spent over a decade trying to find my faith in Christianity. I felt I needed and wanted religion in my life and the lives of my children. I searched long and hard for years, going to bible studies, classes in religion, different churches and yet nothing seemed to make sense to me. I just couldn't force myself to believe something that seemed so unbelievable. I tried different religions and found the same results. I finally realized I was an Atheist. I wasn't about to simply say I was a believer in order to feel accepted - that would be hypocritical. Yet when I am asked about my religious faith or chosen church and I reply that I am an Atheist, I am nearly always ridiculed or insulted or cast aside as an evil person with no morals. Atheists are not any more or less evil than any person of any faith. We are people without religion and we live in a country where we are given the right to choose our religion, including no religion.
"I just couldn't force myself to believe something that seemed so unbelievable. I tried different religions and found the same results. I finally realized I was an Atheist."
Well, so much for my plan to convince you I am the Great Hamster Who Rules All the Universe. I probably won't be getting your tithes and offerings, either.
I am saddened to hear of your rejection by people who should know better. I can only say that I am happy to hear you maintain morality despite it all.
A few comments to previous posters:
Steve - if you think Mcginty's writings are stupid, why do you take the time to comment? Implying people believe (in God) just because their ancestor did shows a lack of experience and thought on your part. Take me, for instance, I'm a Black man whose family never went to church yet as a man in my 30s God reached out to me personally and I met him and invited his Son into my heart. My life noticeably changed. I'm 46 now and people who knew me B.C. (before Christ) are still amazed by the change. Hopefully, you'll seek a personal relationship with God instead of focusing on religion.
Boris - We are not born athiests. In fact, children are often very close to God and have a beautiful faith. However, we do all have a sin nature which leads us towards selfish interests. All have sinned, athiests, Christians, and everyone else. This is why we need a Savior, Jesus Christ.
Susan: Try developing a relationship directly with God instead of socially through the groups of people you were chasing before. Deep down you know we are not here by accident. We were created by the one true God who loves us and wants a relationship with us. God will lead you to people who share your faith.
God bless you all. I'll be praying for you, so keep your spiritual eyes open -- the scripture promises that if you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him.
Experienced Change,
We ARE ALL born atheists. No one is born with a believe in magic and invisible boogymen. These kinds of stupid beliefs come from indoctrination. You're ashamed to admit you've been indoctrinated into the Christian system of dogmatic superstitions by other PEOPLE so you claim you've met God personally. Sure you have. And I've met Santa Claus.
Elves, mistletoe, Santa Claus, flying reindeer - all very Christian. If Christmas is a Christian celebration then it makes complete sense as to why it is such materialist fest of keeping up with the Joneses. No wonder Walmart employees get crushed to death by eager folks participating in the consumer Christian holiday.
If you'd like to read a bit of Christmas satire check out A Very Atheist Christmas - 666 Words on How Atheists Can Celebrate Christmas at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1239190/a_very_atheist_christmas.html?cat=9
Yes, Atheists have even attacked my childrens CHRISTmas book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2jbFGiLmI
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