rofl Atheists offer exactly none of these things. They point a gun at somebody else's head and force them to offer them.
Pretty sad that atheists have to remind the "Christian" Right, what Jesus was about. Yeah they talk like Christians but they don't act like them where it counts. Social welfare, military action, the selfish accumulation of obscene wealth, capital punishment, acceptance of others, turning the other cheek, etc.
I don't ever recall an atheist reminding anyone that Jesus was all about reconciling a sinful and spiritually dead mankind through His substitutionary death on the cross and three days later His Resurrection from the grave.
[quote="Hoofhearted, post: 4014781, member: 356369 As a result of my intellect, I spent a good many years discounting the notion of God and religion, before God once again revealed him/her/itself to me. Why do you think a god "revealed" to you? What happen to you?
actually following your statements you are agnostic. for those of you indoctrinated by the left... lack of real education can be replaced by research but you have to be willing to learn.
Certainly you can, and any members should feel free to contribute if they didn't already know that. Ahh, yes, one of the more popular of the Atheist proverbs, and thank you for sharing it, btw. The first half is quite appropriate, and insightful when discussing the concept of the Divine. One problem with the passage's conclusion is that it lacks a crucial ingredient, and ignores the fact there are Two forms of proof; one is Scientific proof, and the other is Reasonable proof. This particular meme is where many careless Atheists lose credentials very quickly with Theists, and it is very important for the informed Atheist to understand the following reasons why: To provide 100% undeniable Scientific proof of ANY thing, is a task beyond even the most stringently trained physicists and theorists. Instead, we all, from the time of birth, have relied solely upon Reasonable proof to determine the existence and workings of everything which surrounds us. Reasonable proof, would be to conclude that there is (or at least once was) magma within the planet of Mars, as there are many tell tale signs, even though no one has yet witnessed an eruption. All astronomers and geologists involved in the study of the red planet, have no problem whatsoever believing such a notion as magma in mars, based solely on their faith in their ability to accept such proof as being Reasonable. Reasonable evidence is everywhere and all around once one knows how to look for it. What is and what is not Reasonable proof is to be determined by the informed Atheist only, and at no time should such a determination become the responsibility of another party. Further, the informed Atheist always knows that his/her strength lies in their ability to remain open to the input and ideas forwarded by others, so long as their input remains respectful. To say, "since you have not provided proof, I don't want to hear anymore", not only promotes the uninformed Atheist to envelope an attitude similar to that of their hard-headed Christian counterparts, but also will promptly end the possibility of further insight. For the reasons stated above, many times, if not most of the time, both the uninformed and the informed might consider carefully whether or not they should use this meme during their religious discussions.
I rarely discuss it, much less argue it, though I sometimes give JWs a hard time when they come to the door (they don't stay long). It's been my experience that the individual comes to his own awareness in his own way in his own time. Or doesn't. What with the internet, it isn't as though there's a paucity of information.
You would be correct in your evaluation. It has a certain philosophical air, which, on the surface would seem to contain some truth, but, perhaps we should evaluate first the essence before we get into the mechanics of it. One reason to be careful using it, unless the informed Atheist's intent is to scare people, is well...just look at it. It looks like a satanic emblem, and the background looks to be all covered in fresh human blood. If the theist were to have slightly blurry vision, and only took it at a glance, it almost looks like the first line says, "If your thirsty, I will offer you blood", and the last line could easily be mistaken for "I am the Antichrist". But, aside from the heeby jeeby aspect, what does it really say? "I do not do these things in hopes of being rewarded, nor out of fear of being punished." First question the simpleton bible thumper will ask is "Why the hell would you even fear being punished for offering a thirsty man water?" Now, I know that's not what it meant, but the informed Atheist knows the passage should have included "nor out of fear of being punished for NOT doing those things." (However for visual effect, the appropriate ending to the sentence was probably edited, yada yada) As for the heart of the message, the reasons why the atheist does these things and others is questionable, but more importantly, the informed Atheist might consider that Jesus thumpers may just rightfully accuse the Atheists of stealing the morals given to all by their good lord. And, What if there was only a half a serving of water, and both parties were stranded in the desert? But let's take a look again, at the reasons given as to why the Atheist acts as he or she does. "I do not do these things in hopes of being rewarded, nor out of fear of being punished." Are you absolutely sure about that informed Atheist? It might easily be surmised by the informed Theist that if one gives the thirsty man water, one might receive the gratification that would come with saving a man's life. Is this gratification not a form of reward? And, What of the guilt one might experience for letting the thirsty man die of cold and hunger? Is this not a punishment of sorts? Even as an Atheist, I would have feared having such guilt, and I can imagine others might fear that punishment as well. This fear may very well be what entices the informed Atheist to give a thirsty man water. "I set my own standards, and I alone enforce them" This probably scares righties more than any satanic vampire talk could. Such a statement will likely be translated as: "I decide and act on what is and isn't right, and I don't need the input of others" The irony being that this kind of attitude isn't at all that much different from the hard right Christian, which says, "I will write my own constitution, declaring what is right, and no one else can take those rights from me." For the above reasons stated, as well as others, the informed Atheists will want to think carefully how the proverb is to be used appropriately. Perhaps it does have some value, and might serve to reinforce an age old moral code passed down through the eons. Even still, be warned the informed Theist will likely point to others that it is merely a kinder and gentler form of Moses' commandments, but without all the "Thalt shalt" business.