Religion

muriel_volestrangler

(106,360 posts)

233. I do not understand this reply - Please explain.

Sun Mar 29, 2015, 01:18 PM

Mar 2015

"My point is that a belief is a belief"

A sentence that tells us nothing we did not already know. That is your point?

"I am looking for something else.

I believe in god - vs - I do not believe in god"

If you're looking for something other than 'a belief', why have you gone back to talking about beliefs?

"What is the difference?"

The first is a statement of a situation; the second is a statement of what a situation is not.

"Where role does rational thought play in your position?"
(I presume that should be "What...&quot
Rational thought plays a significant role. I analysed the difference between 'I believe' and 'I do not believe' rationally, for instance. I considered what parts of speech the words were, what the 'not' applied to, and so on.

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234 replies

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Greta Christina argues against ecumenicalism: Why Should Atheists Have to Show Respect For Religion? [View all] backscatter712 Mar 2015 OP

Does Greta read this forum? Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #1

+1000 n/t trotsky Mar 2015 #2

The very same notion crossed my mind as I read that bit. Act_of_Reparation Mar 2015 #4

This blurb makes me swear she lurks here. trotsky Mar 2015 #8

I dunno. The resemblance is striking... Act_of_Reparation Mar 2015 #16

Don't be so disrespectful, will you? bvf Mar 2015 #23

Unpossible. LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #10

Check this out - from Greta's "Shut up, that's why!" piece: trotsky Mar 2015 #12

LOL! bvf Mar 2015 #15

This message was self-deleted by its author bvf Mar 2015 #13

Indeed. Should be required reading. n/t. bvf Mar 2015 #14

Show respect toward religion? Why should anyone be expected to show respect cbayer Mar 2015 #3

Well, well. trotsky Mar 2015 #6

That's one of the points that Greta made in her article. backscatter712 Mar 2015 #9

I enjoyed reading her article and I find her an articulate and entertaining cbayer Mar 2015 #11

Why should anyone be expected to show respect towards something that they don't believe in? AlbertCat Mar 2015 #48

Do you respect religion? If so, you have a great way of hiding it. cbayer Mar 2015 #54

you have a great way of hiding it. AlbertCat Mar 2015 #57

If not setting places on fire is where you are putting the respect bar, then I guess cbayer Mar 2015 #60

I will show respect for main stream religion when they show respect for... Hepburn Mar 2015 #5

What about individuals? cbayer Mar 2015 #7

If religion, and religious people, SheilaT Mar 2015 #17

I agree with "Do unto others". cbayer Mar 2015 #18

And amazingly enough, it is often those who most loudly SheilaT Mar 2015 #20

There is no shortage of hypocrites, but there are also those who are not. cbayer Mar 2015 #26

My mother was Eastern Star. We alfredo Mar 2015 #92

Dogmatic fundamentalist Atheist and Religious seems the same to me. SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #19

what exactly is a "Dogmatic fundamentalist Atheist"? Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #21

If you are not one - why worry? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #25

You used the term "Dogmatic fundamentalist Atheist". Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #35

I am not interested in a semantic argument SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #37

why don't you clarify what you meant using your own words? Lordquinton Mar 2015 #40

I will use your definition of atheist AlbertCat Mar 2015 #50

Here - can you do better? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #51

The main purpose of this article is to explore the differences between atheism and agnosticism, AlbertCat Mar 2015 #169

I think it points to the fact SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #170

I will use your definition of atheist AlbertCat Mar 2015 #55

Here - want to move forward? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #59

Since you are unable to respond in your own words Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #70

your unwillingness to rationally look at these issues SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #72

So you cannot give a single example of a "dogmatic fundamentalist atheist". Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #73

I tried to be polite SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #77

Asking for one example of your "Dogmatic fundamentalist atheist" is insulting? Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #78

I have tried to be very very clear SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #88

You posted flamebait and have been nothing but obtuse since. nt. Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #136

This is not obtuse... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #139

Apparently, accusing people of being irrational skepticscott Mar 2015 #80

refusal to have so common understanding... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #84

Still waiting for an example of a dogmatic fundamentalist atheist. nt. Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #87

check your inbox SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #94

You have yet to provide a single example of your "dogmatic fundamentalist atheist". Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #131

This article you keep linking edhopper Mar 2015 #97

It clearly shows that without some common understanding of the words... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #99

It does not show why you would use the term edhopper Mar 2015 #100

An excellent example of the point that the article was making..... Jeff Murdoch Mar 2015 #185

If you want to be pedantic... backscatter712 Mar 2015 #24

Please note - You say "they believe that deities" SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #30

I thought you said you weren't interested in a semantic argument? Lordquinton Mar 2015 #39

how so? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #41

I'm not sure why you think it doesn't make sense. stone space Mar 2015 #151

all the time - every day? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #159

I've done some work in the foundations of geometry. stone space Mar 2015 #160

not the work stuff SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #162

"Atheist make a simple mistake in thinking." AtheistCrusader Mar 2015 #42

Want to move forward? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #46

I already know what these words mean. I'm an agnostic atheist. Also an anti-theist. AtheistCrusader Mar 2015 #49

Words with nothing behind them unless you... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #61

I use the dictionary definitions. AtheistCrusader Mar 2015 #63

I am 2/3 with you SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #69

Spinoza's god? AtheistCrusader Mar 2015 #75

I too do not believe that SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #83

Sure, I like the idea too. AtheistCrusader Mar 2015 #86

" I just don't have any faith whatsoever" SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #119

Ill hit this in the morning when I get back to my computer AtheistCrusader Mar 2015 #156

If our views on the likelihood of the existence of any diety are the same LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #68

I am not so sure... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #71

I think the likelihood that there is a supernatural superpower, based on the available evidence, LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #74

would love to see those equations SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #82

What are your thoughts about a "spirit vastly superior to man?" LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #85

I waste little time thinking about these things SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #89

Then why are you spending time in the religion forum? LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #90

this thread hit the front page SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #91

Are you at all aware that your goto link for einstein is a bunch of Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #76

Most of these quotes are in the book Ideas and Opinions SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #79

Still waiting for an example of a dogmatic fundamentalist atheist. Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #81

Please, edhopper Mar 2015 #93

Let's start here SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #96

Sure edhopper Mar 2015 #98

I would not bring mathematics to this fight... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #101

I was quoting the article which edhopper Mar 2015 #104

That is one of the mistakes SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #105

You obviously edhopper Mar 2015 #107

no, I missed it SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #108

this question edhopper Mar 2015 #112

thank you SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #114

Things for which there is no evidence edhopper Mar 2015 #115

I am not suggesting "acceptance" SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #120

I have seen no evidence edhopper Mar 2015 #124

i have not seen - is not thinking SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #126

I stand by edhopper Mar 2015 #129

sounds good SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #130

Why? edhopper Mar 2015 #135

Again... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #137

I quoted edhopper Mar 2015 #140

This definition? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #141

This edhopper Mar 2015 #143

good work SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #144

But you edhopper Mar 2015 #145

can you not see... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #147

You are the one that seems to be edhopper Mar 2015 #150

Atheism - the doctrine or belief that there is no God SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #153

That is not the definition edhopper Mar 2015 #164

Remember! - For your viewing pleasure, mr blur Mar 2015 #167

heh-heh edhopper Mar 2015 #168

so, what is a dogmatic atheist? Lordquinton Mar 2015 #123

not hostile - not at all - just do not understand SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #125

You can not give one example of a dogmatic fundamentalist atheist. Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #132

Again... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #138

what is that mistake, in your own words Lordquinton Mar 2015 #157

just a thought SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #158

I think you have a mistake in your thinking Lordquinton Mar 2015 #174

do you really want to do this? SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #176

I am more catmatic. nt awoke_in_2003 Mar 2015 #142

Since were talking definitions, would you be so kind? LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #149

I just observe and I was cretainly more than a bit hyperbolic SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #152

Okay. LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #154

I just hope people leave their minds open to "good thoughts" where ever they can be found SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #155

Of course; you think 'atheists are unable to reason', and you were banned for insulting them muriel_volestrangler Mar 2015 #184

love and kisses SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #210

I find it ironic how much time the atheist spend in the religion forum SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #211

The religion group is for discussion of religion, not for the practise of it muriel_volestrangler Mar 2015 #212

You can always tell when a poster like this skepticscott Mar 2015 #213

Not true SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #215

And I think you don't understand the meaning of LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #216

can you do a better job than this SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #217

No. LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #218

be well SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #219

Is that your bible or something? beam me up scottie Mar 2015 #225

My point is that a belief is a belief SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #230

Why are you citing the same source they use on CONSERVAPEDIA? beam me up scottie Mar 2015 #227

You're free to explain skepticscott Mar 2015 #220

you say it better SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #231

You're still free to explain skepticscott Mar 2015 #234

They do dislike having their own words thrown back at them. beam me up scottie Mar 2015 #224

I do not understand this reply - Please explain. SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #232

I look at the whole of history... SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #214

Since you object to 'soft atheist', perhaps you ought to read what you posted 9 times: muriel_volestrangler Mar 2015 #221

My point is that a belief is a belief SoLeftIAmRight Mar 2015 #229

I do not understand this reply - Please explain. muriel_volestrangler Mar 2015 #233

"Ecumenicalism all too often leads to intolerance and hostility toward atheists". What a stretch. pinto Mar 2015 #22

She has built a straw man. cbayer Mar 2015 #27

Did you even read the article? skepticscott Mar 2015 #33

maybe this mercuryblues Mar 2015 #36

What does that have to do with ecumenicalism. cbayer Mar 2015 #43

Fair point. I've never seen Phil Robertson be even slightly ecumenical. backscatter712 Mar 2015 #64

This story about his fantasy with the atheism family is one of the cbayer Mar 2015 #66

He's a few french fries short of a Happy Meal... n/t backscatter712 Mar 2015 #67

He is mercuryblues Mar 2015 #102

I think he is even worse than a school yard bully, but his horrible behavior cbayer Mar 2015 #106

So mercuryblues Mar 2015 #117

Atheists and liberal/progressive people of faith should definitely push back against cbayer Mar 2015 #122

You must not spend much time around here. Act_of_Reparation Mar 2015 #52

Do you think that the shit that gets thrown around here only goes in one direction? cbayer Mar 2015 #56

No, I don't. Act_of_Reparation Mar 2015 #116

I think you are exaggerating here. cbayer Mar 2015 #121

I wonder why alternet is reprinting this as if it is new. cbayer Mar 2015 #28

they had a newspaper for this! MisterP Mar 2015 #29

Lol, the Russian version of Charlie Hebdo. cbayer Mar 2015 #32

I respect the right of every person to believe whatever Warpy Mar 2015 #31

This is a great approach and I bet it has served you and the ones you have taken care of well. cbayer Mar 2015 #34

great post Lordquinton Mar 2015 #38

Most religions I have come into contact with Mr.Bill Mar 2015 #44

Well, that would argue against this huge ecumenical push she constructed. cbayer Mar 2015 #45

I would settle for a politician Mr.Bill Mar 2015 #62

I think that's a great start as well. cbayer Mar 2015 #65

This message was self-deleted by its author cbayer Mar 2015 #47

I attended Catholic school as well bvf Mar 2015 #127

Yep, it's like when a religious person Mr.Bill Mar 2015 #128

More GOP in Congress and Senate Politicalboi Mar 2015 #53

Those churches denouncing these things are all over the place. cbayer Mar 2015 #58

People can criticize whatever belief they want. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #95

Agree. It's how it's done that is important. cbayer Mar 2015 #109

Agreed. Staying calm in conversations on this topic is important. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #110

Who the hell is Greta Christina? whathehell Mar 2015 #103

She's a self-described atheist activist and she wrote this over four years ago. cbayer Mar 2015 #111

Uh huh.. whathehell Mar 2015 #113

The article is old. She's done some really good stuff. cbayer Mar 2015 #118

"I suspect she's moved past this stage"? trotsky Mar 2015 #166

atheist activist is anyone who is not reluctant to express atheist views in public. nt. Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #134

Wow, so something written "over four years ago" should be dismissed due to age? Warren Stupidity Mar 2015 #133

Good! bvf Mar 2015 #146

For the same reason religious folks should respect atheists. stone space Mar 2015 #148

There are thousands of religions... Kalidurga Mar 2015 #161

So you shouldn't respect Christianity. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #163

Really? Funny I know plenty of devout Christians wwho have disobedient children and their kids are hrmjustin Mar 2015 #165

Some of the worse are MKs. stone space Mar 2015 #171

Then repudiate those parts of the Bible. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #172

Well I would say a lot of Christians don't read thd bible fully. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #173

Yes they don't read it. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #178

We are just not going to do that. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #179

When are they going to act like it? Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #181

I understand thst but the canon of the bible will never change. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #182

Matthew 5:17 Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #183

And it has always been interpreted differently what he meant. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #186

I see, nothing in the bible is to be taken literally. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #188

People interpet it differently. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #189

What does that mean? Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #190

It means I base my faith on a mix of scripture, tradition, and what makes sense to me. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #191

Got any specific examples? Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #192

Well my faith is large but I will say... hrmjustin Mar 2015 #193

Specifics? Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #196

It is more of a feeling than a criteria. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #197

You can't define it when asked, I see. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #198

Well faith is much more than a sentence definition. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #199

Perhaps this. LiberalAndProud Mar 2015 #200

Thst is a good beginning. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #201

Wobbly Christian is a poor choice of words. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #202

Meh, take it in fun. If that is the worst thing you are called today, cbayer Mar 2015 #203

Some people seem to forget we are not all bible thumpers. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #204

It's not right when everyone makes false assumptions about theists cbayer Mar 2015 #205

Lol. Well said! hrmjustin Mar 2015 #206

If you are defined by your beliefs, Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #208

I believe in the Incarnation, life, crucifixion, resurrection, and as ention of Jesus Christ. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #209

So you're a Universalist. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #222

Episcopalian. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #223

OK. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2015 #226

Backsliding Presbyterian. hrmjustin Mar 2015 #228

There is no reason why we should show respect for any religion Starboard Tack Mar 2015 #175

Some religions (or part of) deserve disrespect Yorktown Mar 2015 #177

Is there something I said that you disagree with? Starboard Tack Mar 2015 #180

Understand first, then criticize. That's respect. Htom Sirveaux Mar 2015 #187

And if you understand perfectly well that something is horseshit skepticscott Mar 2015 #194

Respect to the substance of the idea, sure, but also potentially terrible communication, Htom Sirveaux Mar 2015 #195

I made the break awhile ago... Gloria Mar 2015 #207