I'm not going to go the DonnyMost route and pretend you actually care to educate yourself about what an atheist is and what an atheist is not but I think it's pretty pathetic that you are so insecure in your religious/spiritual beliefs that you have to mischaracterize others in an attempt to weaken their position in your own eyes. What's worse is that you start a thread that is "no atheists allowed" by taking a shot at them/us while simultaneously requesting they don't respond to your immature and uneducated pot shot. There's a saying that goes something like this, atheism is a religion like bald is a hair color. Maybe that will help.
the [ ] was a joke the reality is . . . if you don't beleive in something what commentary can you offer on how it is run? a lack of a beleif . . is a beleif . . i.e. I beleive your beleif is inaccurate That is like saying . .. i.e. Not being happy . . . is still an emotion. you italicized portion - seems to point out the difference between an agnostic and an atheist neither here not there. . .a different thread for a different time. Rocket River
1) Of course it was a joke. A very dumb one based on a false premise. Much the way that DaDakota will offer up a "joke" prediction/commentary (which deep down he truly believes) on sports that he inevitably gets reamed for. All you gotta do is add that smiley face and you're golden apparently? If you're going to tell jokes, be funny. *winky face* 2) Your question can be answered by literal fact. Anecdote. Or any number of ways and methods by any sort of contributor. I am an atheist, but I know plenty of people in the clergy. Am I unqualified to answer because of that? Some of the most brilliant religious scholars on this Earth are atheists, RR. *smiley face* 2) No. A lack of a belief is not a belief. This is basic logic here. If you have nothing, it isn't something. What you are thinking of is a belief of absence. Which atheism is not. (and I'm not going to bother to get into burden of proof) Not being happy is not an emotion. It is simply the absence of happiness. The lack of happiness does not imply the presence of sadness, etc. *embarrassed-for-you face* 3) No, it isn't. Please go learn more about what an atheist is and what an agnostic is before you speak on it, or rather, insult them, again. *pukey face*
You sir just proved my point. That being said - I believe JaunValdez (an athiest at that) actually had the best answer for the question...
holy crap this was well played. +1 As for the discussion at hand: I don't think pastor is the only vocation that one can be called to. Pastor isn't unique that way.
I am not the authority on DaDakota. . .so I am not sure about this. So . . the Most Brilliant Scholars .. . on Religion . .are people who don't believe in religion? Like the Most brilliant Scholars on germs . . .are not Germs? Studying something . . . is different than commenting on a belief . .that you do not believe. If you say so . . . If atheism is not a belief in absence? i.e. The belief in an absence of god? i.e. There is not God/Creator? BTW - Point me to the big book of Atheism so I can be so enlightened on the end all be all of Atheism. based on my research . . books . .Atheism meetings etc . . . I think I have good understanding of it . . . But .. I am always open to more knowledge. Please . .. provide me a listing of text which will help in that regard ones that most atheist would point to as the definative text of their . .uhm beliefs? Thoughts? Understanding of the universe? Rocket River
I have been a pastor of some sorts for 29 years- My oldest son works in a chemical plant Next son plays lead guitar in a rock n roll band Next son is trying to get into nursing school Daughter is just pregnant and sick alot My youngest son wants to never grow up I don't recommend being a pastor to anyone. Find something else to do.
