Religion

okasha

(11,573 posts)

58. I just wish

Reply to rug (Reply #43)

Sun Mar 16, 2014, 11:09 PM

Mar 2014

they'd take the slave owners and war criminals off it.

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The Intellectual Snobbery of Conspicuous Atheism [View all] rug Mar 2014 OP

Reassure us that the title wasn't intended to be a deliberate insult to atheists. Brettongarcia Mar 2014 #1

I think people on this site care what atheists think and their feelings. hrmjustin Mar 2014 #2

Deliberate insult? In here? rug Mar 2014 #3

It's The Atlantic's title for the piece. pinto Mar 2014 #4

I agree that the title was poorly chosen. cbayer Mar 2014 #5

Pet peeve of mine - how often an editor chooses a headline, not the author, if that's the case here. pinto Mar 2014 #6

I know and I wonder if the editors did indeed do that. cbayer Mar 2014 #7

The title used the term "Conspicuous Atheism" goldent Mar 2014 #10

That's an interesting take. cbayer Mar 2014 #12

So you don't mind minorities as long as they know their place. JoeyT Mar 2014 #35

I was referring to "conspicuous" atheists who hang out in the religion forum goldent Mar 2014 #47

How many different EvilAL Mar 2014 #36

I think we may in the end have several denominations. cbayer Mar 2014 #41

yeah, but EvilAL Mar 2014 #149

That's you and you will have our own denomination. cbayer Mar 2014 #150

Those involved in organized atheism EvilAL Mar 2014 #152

I hope the only thing someone calls you is a cbayer Mar 2014 #156

I like that. nt EvilAL Mar 2014 #178

I'm ok with that. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #63

Let's start with this straw man. longship Mar 2014 #8

You've not seen that stated right here? cbayer Mar 2014 #9

I did qualify the assertion with "credibly". longship Mar 2014 #11

You are indeed the devil! cbayer Mar 2014 #13

I used to think that. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #64

That's the way I understand it as well. nt longship Mar 2014 #65

I think it's important to note that this NAS survey used a specific definition of god when cbayer Mar 2014 #66

Doubt or agnostic is acceptable to me. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #67

My only point was that they used a fairly tight definition of "god" cbayer Mar 2014 #68

I think the nuanced data is more important. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #69

Is it that some atheists assert that there is no God with the same absolute certainty that religious gtar100 Mar 2014 #14

I don't think that's true. longship Mar 2014 #15

This is a discussion I have had previously and would value your take on it. cbayer Mar 2014 #16

Well, if one augers down on that response, I would think Ms B might tone it down. longship Mar 2014 #17

I don't imagine that you would say what Ms. B says. cbayer Mar 2014 #18

I do not think that they are equivalent. longship Mar 2014 #21

Yes, you are an atheist because you see the preponderance of "evidence" (or lack of it) cbayer Mar 2014 #23

Argh! Below zero again this past week. longship Mar 2014 #24

I'm not going to tell you about the weather here, but you emoticon looks like me mid-afternoon cbayer Mar 2014 #26

ROFL!!!! longship Mar 2014 #27

Atheism is the rejection of the claim that a god or gods exist phil89 Mar 2014 #155

That may be true for you, but for others it is different. cbayer Mar 2014 #158

I dont think one can prove there is no god any more than someone proving there is a god. nm rhett o rick Mar 2014 #19

I agree. That is why I think that both position are equally valid cbayer Mar 2014 #20

I dont agree. I said neither position can be proven but there is no rhett o rick Mar 2014 #22

Oh, then we don't agree. I misunderstood you. cbayer Mar 2014 #25

It is not my intent to belittle anyone. I was trying to use another example of something rhett o rick Mar 2014 #28

Sorry, I have a particular sensitivity to the unicorn, sky daddy, easter bunny, cbayer Mar 2014 #29

I will drink to that. rhett o rick Mar 2014 #31

The analogy that's apt, actually, is the Flying Spaghetti Monster, not unicorns or intelligent life. eomer Mar 2014 #38

Sure, it's apt if you really want to mock and belittle believers. cbayer Mar 2014 #40

The FSM analogy isn't necessarily meant to mock. eomer Mar 2014 #60

It is meant to mock. It is possible to make your arguments using terminology cbayer Mar 2014 #62

The FSM idea is mean to illustrate precisely how logically absurd religions are. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #70

Exactly. When one has the position that all religions are logically cbayer Mar 2014 #71

You ascribe malice. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #72

To free us all? Wow, that has a really evangelistic feel to it, doesn't it? cbayer Mar 2014 #75

Freedom is catching. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #76

Your freedom may be another's prison, as their freedom might be a prison for you. cbayer Mar 2014 #78

You realize that 'Freedom' has a definition, right? AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #79

Why no! I had no idea!! cbayer Mar 2014 #81

Quibbling over the meaning of words? Only when you abuse them. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #83

No, making sarcastic statements that convey that you think cbayer Mar 2014 #86

Not an idiot. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #91

What I'm calling absurd is the idea that the FSM, ancient gods like Thor, and magic are real. eomer Mar 2014 #90

But the vast majority of people don't think that their religion or their gods are equivalent cbayer Mar 2014 #93

That is precisely what the FSM example is designed to show. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #99

No, they are not. Only to you. cbayer Mar 2014 #101

Not true. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #103

That's exactly what I said - they don't think their own God is absurd. eomer Mar 2014 #107

I'm not convinced that "absurd" is the right word here. cbayer Mar 2014 #108

I don't think scientific evidence is mainly the reason ancient gods are different from modern ones. eomer Mar 2014 #113

Yes, there are people who believe that certain physical phenomenon cbayer Mar 2014 #116

False equivalency again. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #119

Yes there is, actually. cbayer Mar 2014 #121

I am devoid of faith in the concept of a god. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #124

I think that's a very reasonable position to take. cbayer Mar 2014 #129

Depends on what you mean by "each person's take deserves protection". eomer Mar 2014 #122

I'm a strong supporter of the 1st amendment. cbayer Mar 2014 #123

And, again, it's not mocking or belittling. It is making a point that can't be made any other way. eomer Mar 2014 #141

If it can't be made any other way, perhaps it's not a good argument to have. cbayer Mar 2014 #146

Or maybe the opposite. eomer Mar 2014 #154

But it's fully distinguishable for those that wish to see the distinctions. cbayer Mar 2014 #157

"It's an individuals right to believe or not." AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #165

show me the data.... mike_c Mar 2014 #30

You are doing exactly what the author is talking about. cbayer Mar 2014 #32

Show me the parameter of an experiment to test the hypothesis of a god. rug Mar 2014 #34

what happens to anything once it gets popular DonCoquixote Mar 2014 #33

If you don't like "conspicuous" then take God off the money. Jim Lane Mar 2014 #37

If you're offended, throw away anything that has "In God We Trust" on it. rug Mar 2014 #43

Thanks for the offer, but no need. Jim Lane Mar 2014 #44

Yeah but I'll use it for weed. rug Mar 2014 #48

I just wish okasha Mar 2014 #58

You might be mocking but... I have. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #74

That's why I specified a SLICE. Jim Lane Mar 2014 #85

Fair enough. I'd do business elsewhere. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #130

You can if you use pre-1957 dollars. :D AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #73

People who have strong views tend to think they're right. LeftishBrit Mar 2014 #39

Really enjoyed reading this. cbayer Mar 2014 #42

Very good post. The difference in behavior, though, is related to the beliefs' origins. Jim Lane Mar 2014 #45

I think there are extremists at both ends. cbayer Mar 2014 #46

I have often thought it interesting that both fundies and certain atheist share arely staircase Mar 2014 #49

Literalism, while confined only to the extremes, is used as a weapon all the time. cbayer Mar 2014 #50

I am sure there is arely staircase Mar 2014 #51

It's possible to selectively engage here and it makes cbayer Mar 2014 #52

oh I engage here very selectively arely staircase Mar 2014 #53

Thanks. The feeling is mutual. cbayer Mar 2014 #55

that's funny, especially considering the historical disrespect believers have had for "heathens" unblock Mar 2014 #54

Turn around is rarely a great idea though. cbayer Mar 2014 #56

I know we've talked about false equivalencies Lordquinton Mar 2014 #59

Although there may be differences in degree, it's not a false equivalence. cbayer Mar 2014 #61

Role reversal is an effective teaching tool. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #84

This is not about role reversal. cbayer Mar 2014 #88

The Flying Sphagetti Monster is 100% pure strain role reversal and nothing more. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #89

A leaky garden hose may flood a basement Lordquinton Mar 2014 #160

I don't think being a conspicuous atheist is a bad thing at all. cbayer Mar 2014 #161

I think it has more to do with religious privlage Lordquinton Mar 2014 #167

I agree that the title is offensive and think she really lost cbayer Mar 2014 #172

Ok, continue to post false equalvancies Lordquinton Mar 2014 #184

Who is "we" that is going to continue to call me out? cbayer Mar 2014 #186

Reading comprehension will tell you who "we" is Lordquinton Mar 2014 #192

Reading comprehension will tell me who the "we" is? cbayer Mar 2014 #193

I can co-exist with believers. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #77

What three areas are you speaking of? cbayer Mar 2014 #80

Well, that rules out the entire advertising industry then, right? AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #82

So, what you are really talking about is freeing people of their political beliefs. cbayer Mar 2014 #87

I have repeatedly expressed AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #92

Why would you want to stop telling people you are an atheist? cbayer Mar 2014 #94

Because it's really no one's business. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #95

We've all been politically shit upon by the religious right. cbayer Mar 2014 #96

Agreed! AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #97

One correction. cbayer Mar 2014 #98

That statement was made, yes, but it was a fork. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #100

No, one only has to recognize that the bible is full of contradictions cbayer Mar 2014 #102

Why? AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #104

Er, because parts of it are wrong? cbayer Mar 2014 #105

Prove parts of it are wrong. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #106

So you are an all or none biblicist. cbayer Mar 2014 #109

Then do what Jefferson did. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #110

That's exactly what people do all the time. They edit the book so they can use it. cbayer Mar 2014 #111

Where are all these christians that edit the bible? AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #112

They don't edit it for you, they edit it for themselves. cbayer Mar 2014 #114

That wasn't what I asked. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #115

There is no need. cbayer Mar 2014 #117

I don't think that's a reasonable expectation. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #118

Where do you get off insisting that christians edit their bible for you? cbayer Mar 2014 #120

If one wants to pretend that it isn't founded on bigotry and genocide, when one has the power to do AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #125

You are right. It is not that difficult. cbayer Mar 2014 #131

It's in their book. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #133

So what?? cbayer Mar 2014 #135

Because I am constantly beset by christians that want me to read what 'they believe'. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #136

I'm curious. Where are you constantly beset by these people. cbayer Mar 2014 #138

I work at a company that has nothing to do with religion. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #140

Well, if you are engaging with them, I guess you are going to hear it. cbayer Mar 2014 #143

Laugh it up. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #145

I mean, do you have any idea how many people have offered me a bible in my life? AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #126

So what? Take the bible and use it as fuel or don't take it. cbayer Mar 2014 #132

I HAVE. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #134

No need to yell. It's just a book. cbayer Mar 2014 #137

I have talked to UU members. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #139

OH, you are just talking about fundamentalists then? cbayer Mar 2014 #142

Too hard to google. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #144

Hah. Lifeway. No agenda there. cbayer Mar 2014 #147

In a small way, I lament the loss of a wedge issue, BUT AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #159

You lament that loss of a wedge issue? cbayer Mar 2014 #162

It means deeper engagement/discussion to find the things that AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #163

Lol!! YOu mean they are taking away one of your clubs? cbayer Mar 2014 #164

Please. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #166

Atheism is intellectually fashionable. AlbertCat Mar 2014 #57

Religion isn't conspicuous? djean111 Mar 2014 #127

Thread winner right here. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #128

Where in the article or anywhere in this thread does it say that religion isn't conspicuous? cbayer Mar 2014 #148

The implication is that atheism is conspicuous and that is not a good thing. djean111 Mar 2014 #151

Actually, I think atheism needs to become even more conspicuous. cbayer Mar 2014 #153

Atheism sucks, believe me... uriel1972 Mar 2014 #168

Geez, that's a grim take on things. rug Mar 2014 #170

Yeah... uriel1972 Mar 2014 #173

It may. rug Mar 2014 #174

Emoting. JNelson6563 Mar 2014 #169

That article reads like it was written by a third grader. Vashta Nerada Mar 2014 #171

Really? You must know some extraordinary 3rd graders. cbayer Mar 2014 #175

What? Vashta Nerada Mar 2014 #180

Religious peopel (sic) are butthurt because science provides answers cbayer Mar 2014 #181

Yes. Vashta Nerada Mar 2014 #182

Sure, you can hear those stories anytime you want. cbayer Mar 2014 #183

Flesch-Kincaid reading level of 12.9, surprisingly. AtheistCrusader Mar 2014 #185

Nothing new to see here. Just rug rallying the bigots again. mr blur Mar 2014 #176

I see you're here. rug Mar 2014 #177

What do you see as bigoted about this article or the replies? cbayer Mar 2014 #179

Why all the articles basically saying "Atheists and agnostics, keep your mouths shut!"? Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2014 #187

Do you have a link to one that says that? rug Mar 2014 #188

That's really not what it says at all, not even close. cbayer Mar 2014 #189

But then why do they say atheists are pushy if they are expressing an opinion? Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2014 #190

It doesn't say that at all. cbayer Mar 2014 #191

It's thinly veiled anti-intellectualism. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2014 #194