Why do atheists always have to explain themselves?

[RandFan]

I like to tell them I'm a Frisbatarian. We believe that when we die, our soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down.

Your wit is missed in the politics forum. Unless of course I'm just missing (not seeing) your posts.

 

[RandFan]

A comedian said it best but I can't remember exactly how he/she said it:

"Why are some people so willing to share their testimony but not so willing to share other people's?"

 

[Tricky]

Your wit is missed in the politics forum. Unless of course I'm just missing (not seeing) your posts.

Thanks RF. It is true I'm not posting in Politics as much any more. It's just gotten so nasty in there, and I find it harder and harder to work myself up into a state of spittle-emitting rage.

But check out Flame Wars. Cleo and I have gone from bad to verse there.

 

[BJQ87]

Why is it, whenever a 'Believer' lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord" or some such, they always expect people to just accept it, and ask no questions.

either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17

 

[bluess]

either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17

What? I've read this twice and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. Rephrase in modern english please.

 

[Odin]

either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17

Who is of questionable faith?

 

[Luciana]

I don't get in the defensive anymore, I refuse to do so. I'm much more assertive these days. Once you realize you have nothing to be afraid or ashamed of, it is their problem if they can't understand my stance. It is quite simple: there is no God. I refuse to be apologetic. I absolutely do not want looks of pity or hints of condescension.

I do not proselytize anyone and I truly respect all religions equally, specially considering that I'm in a neutral position. I dislike all religions alike. I can even admire some aspects of it, but I believe the cons outweight the pros in this regard. Therefore, when asked, I'll announce I don't believe in God and end the discussion quickly. I will just not be able to offer my stance in a brief conversation, so I don't even try. My position is - I'm an atheist, I'm happy with that and I could not care less what anyone thinks about it.

They: "You do not believe in God??"

Me: "Not at all, why would I?"

Or: "For 29 years, I never believed in God or prayed. Look at me, do I look unhappy? Is God taking revenge on me? Not at all. I never needed a God, I never needed to believe in one. I live very happily without a God. Prove to me there is God and I might reconsider, but not before that."

Or: I'm an atheist, and atheist don't believe in God. I don't think there is one. Just a sec, I need to make a phone call.

Let THEM ponder for a little while. Can't hurt.

 

[BJQ87]

Who is of questionable faith?

The "believer" that lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord", as temporal renegade put it. I'd assume he was referring to people who are seemingly to be called "christian"

I believe the cons outweight the pros in this regard.

could you possibly find a different regard? I never really liked religion much either.

My position is - I'm an atheist, I'm happy with that and I could not care less what anyone thinks about it.

yea, i agree with you on that one, not that im an atheist but that other peoples thoughts are over-rated.

Let THEM ponder for a little while. Can't hurt.

definately can't hurt, just lets you know whats out there, that not everyone has the same viewpoint.

It is quite simple: there is no God. I refuse to be apologetic.

Different conclusions come from different walks of life. I'd advise an open perspective.

 

[BJQ87]

Originally Posted by BJQ87 :
either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17



What? I've read this twice and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. Rephrase in modern english please.

-A follower of Christ should sanctify the Lord in his/her heart, making Him Lord of his/her life and thus being ready to answer anyone who asks about his/her faith, ready to answer about the hope that is in him/her. But this person should do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. So that anyone who slanders righteousness kept in Christ's name, will be ashamed of their slander. Suffering may be brought about through righteousness, but it is better than suffering brought about from doing evil. Because both ends of the spectrum are alike in that they both infect.

 

[bluess]

-A follower of Christ should sanctify the Lord in his/her heart, making Him Lord of his/her life and thus being ready to answer anyone who asks about his/her faith, ready to answer about the hope that is in him/her. But this person should do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. So that anyone who slanders righteousness kept in Christ's name, will be ashamed of their slander. Suffering may be brought about through righteousness, but it is better than suffering brought about from doing evil. Because both ends of the spectrum are alike in that they both infect.

Hmmm .... well, that would mean that the bulk of the christians i've met are in violation of this verse/phrase/whathaveyou.

 

[BJQ87]

Hmmm .... well, that would mean that the bulk of the christians i've met are in violation of this verse/phrase/whathaveyou.

Yea this is the case in a corrupt society. This may be related to the fact that statistically more and more people who call themselves "christians" are uncertain about their faith. What would be some of the context of the bulk of those christians you've met?

 

[Tricky]

Yea this is the case in a corrupt society. This may be related to the fact that statistically more and more people who call themselves "christians" are uncertain about their faith. What would be some of the context of the bulk of those christians you've met?

The bulk of the ones I've talked to on various forums spend a lot of time telling us which Christians are "real" Christians. Oddly, they have various standards for determining this.