Tag Archives: atheism
Atheism and Religion: Logical Insight
As many of you may already know, I am an Atheist. This doesn’t mean I dislike people who are religious, the same as I don’t dislike Conservatives (Republicans), just disagree with some of their opinions. I have many friends and family members who believe in religion and although I think it’s harmful to society, I would never disrespect them for coming to a different conclusion than I have come to on my own. But, seeing as I am a passionate person, I like to share what I believe with others, urge them to think differently and open their minds. I encourage myself to do the same, which just so happens to be the reason I have come to this conclusion.
A friend of mine, Anastasia, wrote something the other day that I found to be pretty great. I asked her if I could share it here and would like to know what some of you think, as well as express my support for everything that was said. I have shared it exactly as it was written below:
“I’ll tell you what else is on my mind. I recently watched the episode of “Louie” where, as a child, he attends a Catholic school and the teacher brings in a doctor to explain, from a medical stand point, the process of Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s brutal and horrific, and the best piece of mind-fuckery out there. How in the world does the idea that one man being physically tortured cancels out the “sins” of the world? (more on “sins” later. okay right now- not raping people is not one of the ten commandments. not using the lord’s name in vain is. uhm. what.?) Really think about that. More importantly, think about how many people have been physically/mentally/
I know that many people are getting tired of the political and religious posts that are on Twitter, FaceBook, etc; But personally, I think it’s great that our generation is becoming so involved and choosing to think for ourselves as opposed to just take what was told to us, as truth. Granted, there are definitely many people who still do this, it’s great to know that thanks to the advancement in social media, our generation is able to meet people who share the same views, values, morals, etc. and are open to discussing how they could be right and/or wrong.
Thank you Anastasia for allowing me to share your message and I hope others can see the humanity in your words as opposed to the “religious attack” you made “against” them.
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[VIDEO] From Minister to Atheist: Losing Faith
Teresa MacBain walks her dog, Gracie, at a park near her Tallahassee, Fla., home. After a lifetime in the church, MacBain came out as an atheist at an American Atheists' convention in Bethesda, Md.
Today I read a wonderful article on NPR (National Public Radio) which focused on Teresa MacBain, 44-year-old minister at Lake Jackson United Methodist Church who recently decided to ‘come out’ as an atheist. For me, someone who has had their own personal journey that led to not believing in God, this was a wonderful story of freedom of thought and willingness to question what we’ve come to know as true. Obviously, some of you reading this may not agree, but regardless, it’s still a great story and sheds some light on how a lack of faith can lead one to be discriminated against and judged, ironically, by those who preach compassion and understanding.
“I’m currently an active pastor and I’m also an atheist,” she says. “I live a double life. I feel pretty good on Monday, but by Thursday — when Sunday’s right around the corner — I start having stomachaches, headaches, just knowing that I got to stand up and say things that I no longer believe in and portray myself in a way that’s totally false.”
MacBain was well-known and well-respected in her community, and certainly, at her church in Tallahassee, FL. But now that she has started to question and concluded that she is an Atheist, she has no one to share her emotions with. The congregation doesn’t want to hear that the person leading them in sermons each week doesn’t believe in the God she speaks of and is praying for things she feels will never be answered.
Fortunately, this minister who sought truth has others out there who know exactly what she’s going though, and that is people who have come together for the American Atheists‘ convention in Bethesda, MD. Sitting in this building, on Sunday, with other atheists, isn’t much different from sitting in her church; For her though, this is what feels right because she no longer feels she’s living a lie or being dishonest (both things that are a human morality issue, not only privy to the religious zealots). It is my personal opinion that if one needs rules and consequences to not lie as an adult than they really aren’t all that moral (and usually don’t live up to their own standards); I try my hardest to be honest, loyal, kind, generous, forging, understand, etc. because it’s the right thing to do. Simple. I have no God who will condemn me. I have no God who fill forgive me. I am the only one who will judge my character and attempt to achieve my personal best. Now, back to MacBain, the ‘condemned’ minister.
Before the trip to the Atheist convention, MacBain had recorded her thoughts on the iPhone she possessed as a means of getting out what she felt.
“On my way to church again. Another Sunday. Man, this is getting worse,” she tells her phone in one recording. “How did I get myself in this mess? Sometimes, I think to myself, if I could just go back a few years and not ask the questions and just be one of those sheep and blindly follow and not know the truth, it would be so much easier. I’d just keep my job. But I can’t do that. I know it’s a lie. I know it’s false.”
The former minister was raised all her life to know of God and live life for God. Her family held values that are typical for a conservative Southern Baptist. In fact, her dad was a pastor and she was already feeling ‘the call of God’ at the age of 6. And while she did have concerns as far as some of the contradictions with the Bible and the role of women, she managed to suppress those, until she, herself, became a minister. Hoping that her faith would grow stronger, she started to ask difficult questions which led her down this path.
“In reality,” she says, “as I worked through them, I found that religion had so many holes in it, that I just progressed through stages where I couldn’t believe it.”
“I just kind of realized — I mean just a eureka moment, not an epiphany, a eureka moment — I’m an atheist,” she says. “I don’t believe. And in the moment that I uttered that word, I stumbled and choked on that word — atheist.”
The Clergy Project, an online community of clergy members who have lost faith is something that MacBain had come across a year ago and looked to for support. She knew she’d have to get another job, but people wanted to know who she was leaving her current job, which led to insecurity with giving them her answer, honestly. And unfortunately, those at The Clergy Project could only be there for her emotionally. And seeing as discrimination is illegal, you would think this was an irrational fear, but as far too many people on this Earth know, discrimination can be illegal, but laws aren’t always enforced. (Or someone could always explain the she wasn’t qualified for various other reasons. You know, a roundabout way allowing one to discriminate)
“So what the hell am I supposed to do?” she asks in one recording, her voice sounding desperate. “Really, the options are work at something like Starbucks or McDonald’s — and even there they’re going to ask those questions. I could even clean houses and not make a great amount of money — but at least nobody would be asking me questions.”
March 26th, 2012 was the day of the convention and former minister, MacBain, was excited to go and share her story with around 1,500 people who also believed in seeking truth and answers. Her welcoming brought her to tears and allowed her to give a miraculous speech. She spoken open and honest, which is something she had been unable to do for some time. Here, with people she had hated and thought were being misled, was where she was able to share her story. No one ridiculed her for past wrongs she had made, no one was insulted by her misguided judgements; She was embraced and applauded for ultimately doing what she felt was right and apologizing for her ignorance towards the community of non believers.
“I am nervous,” she says, “but at the same time I am so excited. I slept like a baby last night because I knew I wasn’t going to have to live a lie anymore. Such freedom.”
Many people were overwhelmed by her speech and wanted to share with her how happy they were that she came to Bethesda, MD. After she returned home, the video had even gone viral. Unfortunately, people from her hometown were not as excited by her speech as those back in Bethesda. Quite honestly, they were cruel, judgmental, awful to her, which is something no congregation (or any person(s)) should ever be.
WCTV, the local news station had done many reports about MacBain and her journey. Oddly enough, they only interviewed her boos, not her directly. Hundreds of people wrote their opinions on the matter, which were hard for this respectable woman to read.
“The majority of them, to begin with, were pretty hateful,” she says, although some nonbelievers soon came to her defense. “For somebody who’s been a good guy their whole life and been a people pleaser, it’s really hard to imagine that overnight you’re the bad guy.”
This poor woman who had an internal conflict tried to speak with the church district’s Superintendent so she could explain everything, but the meeting was canceled. Out of the many amounts of friends that she previously had, only two called to take her to lunch and stay a friend despite her decision. It seemed that with one decision all of those who were suppose to be around to support her for years, had suddenly disappeared. Along with the emotional stress she was now enduring, job interviews were suddenly canceled as well, due to the revelation of why she left the ministry. Finances were now going to be another stress she’d have to endure. Luckily, the Humanists of Florida Association had offered to give her a full years pay, but it is not a guarantee. Her family, fortunately, was a refuge for her, despite their conflicting beliefs.
“I believe in God,” says her husband, Ray. “And to be honest, I pray for her every night, I got friends praying for her.”
And even without his prayers answered, he loves and adores his wife and plans to stay with her.
“That’s why I spent 23 years in the Army. That’s why I’m still a police officer. We have freedom of speech and freedom of thought. And God never forced anybody to believe, so who am I to step up?”
Through all of this, MacBain shares that although she no longer misses God in her life, she does miss the music. She sang in choirs and loves the melodies and can still be heard singing some of those beautiful songs, only this time, she no longer believes in the words she is signing. She was searching for truth and understanding, and I guess you could say, her prayers have been answered.
Related articles
- Why do Americans still dislike atheists, still? (examiner.com)
- Richard Dawkins’ Speech at the American Atheists Convention (patheos.com)
- Islamic fun at the Global Atheist Convention – Video (constitutionclub.org)
- The Week of Reason, Part Two – The 2012 American Atheists Convention (wilmingtonfavs.com)
- Atheist solidarity: Jason Rosenhouse rallys for reason (oup.com)
- Locked Out: How the Church Responded to their Pastor’s Coming Out – Teresa MacBain – RichardDawkins.net (richarddawkins.net)
- A Catholic Ponders the Global Atheist Convention (ncregister.com)
- Does God Really Prefer ‘Kind Atheists Over Hateful Christians’? (patheos.com)
- ‘Angry Atheist’ Podcast Features Interview with Atheist Pastor (patheos.com)
- Atheist Billboards Set to Delight Atheists, Piss Off Religious People [Religion] (gawker.com)
- Jack Black: ‘I’m Kind of an Atheist’ (patheos.com)
Ricky Gervais Is Witty And Intelligent.
Many Christian Twitter followers are highly offended by Ricky Gervais and have made their outrage apparent with tweets to and about the comedic atheist.
The Office creator, 50, has often spoken of his lack of faith, but his appearance on the cover of New Humanist magazine in a Jesus Christ-style pose has pushed a few over the edge:
In the magazine there is also an article that features an interview that was done with Mr. Gervais. Here he discusses a new movie he’s working on called ‘Afterlife’ where he will be playing the role of ‘God‘.
Ricky reveals he plays the religious leader as ‘an arrogant, wisecracking son of a b****, who thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread’ in the new show.
And he says despite the touchy subject the programme isn’t meant to be taken seriously.
‘He (God in the show) also loves welcoming atheists to heaven with a smug grin on his face. He likes atheists deep down though. Or rather he likes good atheists,’ Ricky muses.
‘He admires the fact that they were moral people even though they didn’t believe they would ever be rewarded with everlasting life. It’s not anti-religion, it’s just fun.’
He adds: ‘I used to believe in God. The Christian one, that is. (There are a few thousand to choose from. But I was born in a country where the dominant religion was Christianity so I believed in that one. Isn’t it weird how that always happens?)
‘Luckily I was also interested in science and nature. And reason and logic. And honesty and truth. And equality and fairness.
This man is a role model in my eyes and I love that he is not backing down just because he’s pissed a few people off. Instead, he’s stood up for what he believes, which is disbelief. He’s not a cruel man and makes it that much more clear that atheists are just like Christians, with one small difference: God. Whether we believe in something does not determine our actions or our sense of morality. A good person is good regardless of their beliefs, and the same goes for bad people.
The sarcasm he enlists to make his points about religion are very compelling. His compassion for humanity is apparent. His talent (who some would say was a gift from God) is overwhelming. Don’t deny him applause for the greatness he is and has done, simply because he thinks differently than you. And if you do choose to be so small-minded, you might want to ask God to forgive you for placing judgment on others.
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- Ricky Gervais In An Unholy Twitter Battle (huffingtonpost.com)
- New fury at Ricky Gervais tweets (thesun.co.uk)
How I Feel About The “War On Christmas”
Just yesterday with my parents we were discussing this exact issue. My mom, who works at a National bank, can no longer wish people a ‘Merry Christmas‘ in case it offends them. The tree lighting that was referred to as a ‘Holiday Tree Lighting’ was viewed as a way to attack the Christians, their faith and the meaning behind Christmas when in fact it was just a way for everyone to be included in the celebration.
I’m an Atheist so when it comes down to it, I do not believe in Jesus nor do I want to praise and give thanks to something or someone who I feel is about as mythical as Santa Clause. Although, I have grown up celebrating Christmas and come to love it whole-heartedly. For me, Christmas is not about religion, but about being with friends and family, embracing the cold weather and taking time to appreciate the little things like taking joy in giving to others. Sadly I believe that the religious aspect is insignificant seeing as most people either feel the way I do on the Holiday no longer representing Jesus; But I also don’t agree with the greed aspect of corporations trying to capitalize on the Holiday and taking advantage of people during a season that represents love, compassion, selflessness, and respect.
I am an atheist. I love Christmas. I love my friends. I love my family. And instead of getting irritated or feeling attacked because people won’t allow you to say something or you are saying the wrong thing to them, just remember that the fact they acknowledged you at all and extended kindness was a gift in itself. If it wasn’t your birthday, you believed it wasn’t your birthday, and a stranger had just said ‘have a great birthday’ before walking off, you would not feel that they were being malicious and attacking your religious beliefs or intentionally trying to offend you, would you? No. They were trying to be nice without actually knowing your intricate background, including: religion, morality, political views, etc.
It’s the HOLIDAY SEASON…just be happy, be nice, respect and be kind to anyone and everyone. Life’s too short. Especially if you’re an atheist and believe this is your ONE life. Nothing more 
Related articles
- A Few of my Favorite Things #7…What God Wants for Christmas (wondersofhislove.com)
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- Ask Richard: Should I Help My Parents with the Church Christmas Pageant? (patheos.com)
- Poll of the Week: What Kinda Gifts Do You Buy for Christmas? +94% of Christians, 56% of Non-Christians and 82% of Non-Believers Celebrate! (ginosblog.com)
[VIDEO] Rick Perry’s Campaign Video… With A Twist
YouTube -
It’s hard to tell exactly what he was on about in much of this.
Honestly, if kids “observed’ Christmas any harder in schools than they already do, they would be elves. And liberals don’t hate religion, we’re too busy drum circling, same sex marrying, and not owning guns to bother.
So what was he talking about? He was talking about trying to break double digits in Iowa. And since he’s sitting on a big pile of money from people who once thought he was going to be president, it’ll be fun to see him thrash about as his campaign gasps for air.
But Rick Perry and all other heathen-haters take note: atheists and agnostics are 20 percent of the population and growing–more than African-Americans or Latinos. Add in gays, lesbians, bi and transgender folks, and you not only have a substantial voting block, you have a fucking awesome party. Lezzdoit.
Written and Directed by Andy Cobb
http://www.twitter.com/andycobb
Punch ups by: Joshua Funk, Joe Canale, Marc Warzecha, Mike Damanskis
Produced by Mike Damanskis
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This is such a great video in response to the video posted below made by Rick Perry. Andy Cobb does a great job of not only pointing out the flaws in Rick Perry’s message, but it’s also extremely witty and humorous. Seeing as I’m an Atheist, I found this pretty amazing. Too many Atheists are going around and insulting religion (for various reasons that I understand), but this is a much better way to show people that we are not all bad. Just because we don’t believe in God doesn’t mean we don’t believe in morality, kindness, respect, and much more.
Now, here is the original Rick Perry video:
I’d like to pint out that the first video I posted has over 3,000 likes and only 55 dislikes. The latter video (with Rick Perry) has been viewed over 740,000 times and has over 3,800 likes with a whopping 179,000 DISLIKES. This man is an absolute idiot and I can’t believe people actually feel he’s capable of running our nation. God help us…..
Image via Wikipedia
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Michigan Country Club Bans Richard Dawkins From Speaking After Discovering He Was An Atheist
To not know that Richard Dawkins is an atheist, but to book him for a speaking arrangement, is absolutely hilarious. You clearly show that your intelligence is lacking. And if it has nothing to do with intellect than it’s just a lack of doing your job properly. If you would like to INVITE someone to come to your place of business and speak, then you should have at least the slightest idea of what exactly it is they do. This man is a notorious Atheist who has been prominent in getting the message of Atheism out into the public’s eye.
In fact, I want to credit Mr. Dawkins, as well as one of my professors at Los Angeles Valley College, with introducing me to Atheism as well as encouraging me (through Dawkins books) to continue on educating myself so that I could make an educated decision about my religious beliefs.
After Mr. Dawkins appearance on The O’Reily Factor (video below), one of the top members of the club learned of Dawkins harsh critiques of religion and decided he would not be a good speaker and no longer wanted him to attend. Mr. Dawkins has said, ‘If the country club had said, “I’m not having Dawkins speak because he’s a Jew, or because he’s black, or because he’s gay,” they would never get away with it.’
Here is the video of Bill O’Reily being extremely ignorant and making points that are well, invalid. I’ll further explain my disgust with his claims after the video:
My frustration with this video comes from the point that Mr. Bill O’Reily tries to make with religion giving humanity morality. Yes, religion does have the ten commandments and teach moral values, but it shouldn’t be the reason that you act morally. If you are willing to act immoral without religion being present, than you are a bad person, period. I am an atheist that thinks ‘thou shall not kill’, not because it’s in the bible, but because I have respect for my fellow-man. I CHOOSE to not lie to those around me because I know the hurt that it will cause and the damage it is capable of doing. Religion is not what taught me that, my love for my friends and family is what has taught me this.
You as an individual person, void of religion, should want to be the very best you. If it takes religion to keep you from doing things that society would look down on, you need to do some serious self-evaluation. I would much rather hang around a bunch of atheists who have their own moral code than a group of religious people who are using the bible and God to stay on the straight and narrow. Do not misunderstand me and think because I have just said this that I do not like religious people, because I do, I love some. My family as well as my girlfriend, who I plant to spend my life with, are religious and I completely respect them for their beliefs. Just because I don’t choose to be religious does not mean that I dislike anybody who is. I just dislike some of what it has done to our society.
Religion has been behind the hatred of homosexuals for quite some time. Although some religions have become more accepting and even aiding in fighting for equal rights for homosexuals, there are still those extremists who refuse to believe that I am just as human and deserving of life as they are because of their interpretation of the bible. This, is not good moral judgment, in my opinion. Everyone, of every religion or non-religion, should have respect for fellow mankind.
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- Reblog: Richard Dawkins and Atheist Discrimination (theskepticalmagician.wordpress.com)
- Richard Dawkins Banned by Billo-Lovin’ Country Club, Tide Goes Out, Never a Miscommunication (crooksandliars.com)
- AN OUTRAGE: the ritzy Wyndgate Country Club Discriminates Against Atheists. (randi.org)
American Idiots: Most Of Us Don’t Believe In Evolution
Compared to may other countries, some with a lot more poverty, we still look the like the biggest fools. Stop letting religion hold you back from the truth. Stop being ignorant and using religion as an excuse to not have to dig deeper to understand. And for those of you who are aware this is the TRUTH, religious or not, thank you for representing us and our intelligence.
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Ark Encounter: Religious Theme Park
Creator: Mike Zovath, co-founder of Answers in Genesis ministries, poses for photos at the Ark Encounter headquarters
Mike Zovath is the project manager for this ark that will be built and serve as the main attraction in the park itself. He plans to make the Ark as it was made in the bible, both inside and out. If you’re curious as to the size, it is 500 feet long and 80 feet high. This will take quite some time and cost quite a lot of money. This along with other features that the park plans to build will cost about $155 million.
The intention behind building this ark and the park, is to show that’s God’s word is true. I don’t see how a large amount of workers, with great financial resources, will prove that one single man, Noah, was able to build this large Ark by himself in the allotted time with limited funds and tools. To me, this proves nothing, except that a ship of that nature could be made in a time where there is more technological advancements and people in power who are financially stable and able to spend money on useless projects to prove their religion right.
Either way, the project is under way and many people will feel that this is proof that God’s word is true and they are on the right path. If this is what works for you, then that’s fine, but for me, it just seems rather silly.
I may be a bit biased though due to their original project, the Creation Museum. In this museum they challenge evolution and stand by their claim that the Earth was created 6,000 years ago. As most everyone knows, evolution has been scientifically proven. Religion trumps science in the mind of these people, and this is why I disagree with both the Creation Museum as well as Ark Encounter.
‘The ark is really a different approach’ than the museum, Zovath said. ‘It’s really not about creation-evolution, it’s about the authority of the Bible starting with the ark account in Genesis.’
Inside the ark’s headquarters in Hebron, a small team of artists and designers are working on the visuals at the new park, but once the project begins early next year, there will be hundreds at the creation, including a team of Amish builders from Indiana who will erect the giant ark.
For more on this story, CLICK HERE
How To Ensure Your Child WON’T Be An Atheist
I absolutely love David M for this answer. While I don’t agree that all religious people are what he describes, I do feel that what he is saying is a sarcastic way of poking fun at what are; truths behind the basic principle of religion.