warning complete athiest views here

[The Sherman]

right now you know where i'm coming from don't say you aint warned. I personally think the belief in a maker/creator to be very very stupid. One thing that does interest me in faith's is the psychology of it all, in particular the sense of community and friendship within religious society and this is what i want to discuss.

people in a religious society come together and can be completely friendly and form relationships with each other based on their faith. I find it all very false mainly because the bible is so open to intrepretations and if you really want you can find something to support any view that you want to hold if you look hard enough in the bible.

So all these people at church all friendly with each other when really if they weren't of same faith they would probably dislike them for everything they believe in. isnt that falseness at the utmost? i hope that makes sense any comments welcome.

[jake-the-peg]

You've made about 3 seperate points here:

Firstly that the belief in a creator is stupid - Theland (possibly deliberately) took that to mean religous people are stupid and provided you with examples of clever religious people.

Well sometimes clever people do believe stupid things - we're all human.

I think stupid isn't a helpful word (see below for why) but it is irrational.

Secondly you make the point that religious people with nothing else in common come together and spend time with each other. I don't see why that should be at all odd. I've been a member of a number of clubs where we had nothing else in common.

Now the case quoted about sticking together because they're "thin on the ground" is classic siege mentality.

It's the logic that drives your shopping centre preachers and the wearing of turbans etc. Part of their faith is standing up to abuse and doubters - they actually are looking for people like you to call them stupid and heap scorn on them because it strengthens their bonds to each other - experiencing a common assault.

And finally that the bible can be twisted to ones purpose - well so can the law - otherwise lawyers would be out of a job. And in both cases that doesn't mean there's no good in either of them.

Of course if you take the Bible literally and go with all the talking snakes, garden of Eden and arks stuff then it's time for a reality check.

[Drisgirl]

Interesting thread The Sherman -i'm too late to join in but just wanted to say you held it together well and everyone contributed in a reasoned way- apart for the ONE post from Mani Hussein -very well thought out and constructive.
Theres always one -lol

[Octavius]

Do atheists try to forge friendships based on their disbeliefs? And not just on R&S!

[alexcoa]

hey! im a christian... im not saying which denomination because my view is that we're all the same but d.w im not going to bitch about "wow your an athiest im better than you" i think its damn right people should question things.. however... im not, but the phrase "very very stupid" could REALLY offend some people... im based on live and let live... its all opinions cant prove either way there is a God or isn't but just be careful what you say... could turn out very bad for you:(