Disturbing Church Signs

[Thor 2]

What utter nonsense.

That's just another version of the tired old lie about atheists being religious about atheism.

It requires no element of faith to see potential or demonstrated ill-effects resulting from the beliefs and practices of some churches and cults, any more than it does from some street gangs or political groups.

No "obsessive ritualistic nature" is required to be against such negative effects on society.

I can find fault with and be "anti" the practices of (by way of example) the Westboro Baptist Church or the FLDS without even the least obsession or ritual.

I suspect I am not alone in this.

You are certainly not alone in this. To call antitheism a religion is a crock of ****.

Unfortunately there is a tendency of some, that have no real arguments to fall back on, to just hang a name on what their opponents identify as, and walk away. Calling atheism or antitheism a religion is one example of this.

Here is Bill Mayer's take on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6zGK-XblGA&feature=related

 

[ddt]

Here is Bill Mayer's take on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6zGK-XblGA&feature=related

"Atheism is a religion like abstinence is a sex position". I'm so stealing that one.

 

[Mark F]

Did a search for "disturbing church signs" on Pinterest.

My, that was fun.

 

[TheGoldcountry]

If you aren't Lutheran, they are.

 

[lionking]

When anyone tries the "atheism is a religion" gambit you know with certainty they have run out of arguments and are left with empty, incorrect slogans.

 

[The Norseman]

Funny, most lutheran's I know are pretty hippy dippy progressives, results may vary.

They are. Generally. But the more conservative branches of Lutheranism are just as bigoted and insane as any other Christian conservative church denomination. It's kind of scary actually, especially since I was raised ELCA Lutheran and my dad is a now-retired Lutheran minister. Had been one for fifty years too. But I was never exposed to that kind of thinking until about maybe ten years ago. Before that time, I would have vehemently denied that the Lutheran Church could ever have members that believed crap like hating on all Jews and stuff.

 

[The Norseman]

Luther was arguably the worst hater who ever generated a religious sect. Mind you, he has a lot of competition.....

Just a nitpick but he didn't actually start the church; his followers did. AFAIK, Luther himself desired to remain a loyal Catholic priest, not to make his own sect. Unless by "generated" you mean "stirred up a bunch of protesters" then do continue.

If you aren't Lutheran, they are.

Ouch.

Missouri Synod Lutherans make the best atheists. They have all the wacky bits of theology with zero room for metaphor or creative interpretations, and fellow congregants who are too sensible for hippy dippy rationalizing and too nice for intimidation. It just takes one critical thought to bring down the whole edifice.

LOL I'll remember that!

And, by the way, as a general observation, it's always nice to be concern-trolled. Haven't seen that 'round these parts in a while now.

 

[quadraginta]

When anyone tries the "atheism is a religion" gambit you know with certainty they have run out of arguments and are left with empty, incorrect slogans.

When the pedantry returns it will be stressed that he didn't accuse atheists of an "obsessive ritualistic nature", it was "anti-theists".

In excruciatingly convoluted detail.

All bull ****, of course, but excruciatingly convoluted bull **** nonetheless.

 

[aleCcowaN]

What utter nonsense.

That's just another version of the tired old lie about atheists being religious about atheism.

It requires no element of faith to see potential or demonstrated ill-effects resulting from the beliefs and practices of some churches and cults, any more than it does from some street gangs or political groups.

No "obsessive ritualistic nature" is required to be against such negative effects on society.

I can find fault with and be "anti" the practices of (by way of example) the Westboro Baptist Church or the FLDS without even the least obsession or ritual.

I suspect I am not alone in this.

Maybe you are just a garden-variety atheist who like to much to call things "utter nonsense".

 

[aleCcowaN]

You are certainly not alone in this. To call antitheism a religion is a crock of ****.

Unfortunately there is a tendency of some, that have no real arguments to fall back on, to just hang a name on what their opponents identify as, and walk away. Calling atheism or antitheism a religion is one example of this.

Here is Bill Mayer's take on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6zGK-XblGA&feature=related

You're no doubt the antitheist type I described, with your prompt uncalled criticism on any-thing religion (I have no problem with that criticism which is apt). You'd use "utter nonsense" with defensive purposes and call Bill Maher (not Mayer) -I posted those links here before- in your defence, not because you and him are alike as thinkers.

 

[quadraginta]

Maybe you are just a garden-variety atheist who like to much to call things "utter nonsense".

How do you distinguish between a garden variety atheist who is sometimes anti-theism and someone who is sometimes anti-theist?

If you are trying to aim your rather disturbingly wide brush at some tiny sub-set of atheists who are significantly more pro-active in their objections to organized religion in general then I suggest you change brushes.

 

[Thor 2]

You're no doubt the antitheist type I described, with your prompt uncalled criticism on any-thing religion (I have no problem with that criticism which is apt). You'd use "utter nonsense" with defensive purposes and call Bill Maher (not Mayer) -I posted those links here before- in your defence, not because you and him are alike as thinkers.

Seems to be a lack of comprehension here, with your use of the word antitheist instead of antitheism. The former I am not but the latter I am, and that refers to criticism of religion, not vilifying the religious, for whom I feel sympathy.

Good pick up on the spelling of Maher. I guess you gave yourself a point and feel all warm and fuzzy about it.

Cannot comprehend you closing sentence however.