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Nonsense! Many of the regular posters in this forum were Christians for a long time and understand that religion very well, no matter how long they have called themselves atheists. Atheists are people who don't believe in any God (or gods). No newbie, older, Levels, or veterans. Just atheists. Maybe you're just making all this stuff up.
The concept of NEW atheists is well known. I am not making this up. Google is your friend, give it a try. Furthermore, you reduce atheism to extremely simplistic terms which is a NEWBIE move. You prove my point.
The concept of NEW atheists is well known. I am not making this up. Google is your friend, give it a try.
It's the concept of NEW atheism, not new atheists.
People are either atheists (not believing in any gods) or not atheists (theists - believing in a god or gods). It does not follow that there are levels of atheism.
It's the concept of NEW atheism, not new atheists.
People are either atheists (not believing in any gods) or not atheists (theists - believing in a god or gods). It does not follow that there are levels of atheism.
Nope! You destroy your point with most of your posts. I was brought up Catholic, became an atheist at 16 or so and I am 74 years old now. I don't believe in any god or gods and I certainly don't believe Catholic doctrine any longer.
The fact is that atheism does not have *levels* so you are totally wrong about it.
Not a guy either - my handle should give that away.
Nope! You destroy your point with most of your posts. I was brought up Catholic, became an atheist at 16 or so and I am 74 years old now. I don't believe in any god or gods and I certainly don't believe Catholic doctrine any longer.
The fact is that atheism does not have *levels* so you are totally wrong about it.
Not a guy either - my handle should give that away.
Oops, sorry about about the handle.
Like you, I realized that the existence of God was highly unlikely in my late teens. Later on I even discussed this issue with a Jesuit priest who turns out was also agnostic. He even said many educated religious people struggle with that, no big deal. I really didn't care if there was a God or not. That was not really important to me. I did not grow bitter or disappointed. I got married and sent my kids to Catholic School for 12 years. I think they are also agnostic, but they won't talk about it.
Why do some atheists have such an intense desire to believe? Why do they adopt the new atheism philosophy?
The problem with provoking a confrontation with Christians is, that is THEIR standard operating procedure. Personally I wait until they attempt to impose their beliefs on me, and THEN I lower the boom. If they really want to discuss their beliefs with me, I am more than eager to oblige them. Mormons and JW's are always very welcome at my door. They rarely return a second time however. Dammit!
I tell JW's that I was disfellowshipped 48 years ago (which is true). Strangely, they don't come back.
Like you, I realized that the existence of God was highly unlikely in my late teens. Later on I even discussed this issue with a Jesuit priest who turns out was also agnostic. He even said many educated religious people struggle with that, no big deal. I really didn't care if there was a God or not. That was not really important to me. I did not grow bitter or disappointed. I got married and sent my kids to Catholic School for 12 years. I think they are also agnostic, but they won't talk about it.
Why do some atheists have such an intense desire to believe? Why do they adopt the new atheism philosophy?
Speaking only for myself, my hope is that atheism becoming more vocal may help stop what you did in sending them to Christian schools, for instance, and , instead, teaching them that they are not worthless "dirty rags" with inherited sins but, instead, worthwhile people who possess the ability to accomplish what they desire by their own efforts. Giving them a chance to start AT the starting line, not behind it.
Possibly, your kids won't discuss it because they didn't fall for it and just are trying to maintain a noncontroversial relationship with you
Like you, I realized that the existence of God was highly unlikely in my late teens. Later on I even discussed this issue with a Jesuit priest who turns out was also agnostic. He even said many educated religious people struggle with that, no big deal. I really didn't care if there was a God or not. That was not really important to me. I did not grow bitter or disappointed. I got married and sent my kids to Catholic School for 12 years. I think they are also agnostic, but they won't talk about it.
Why do some atheists have such an intense desire to believe? Why do they adopt the new atheism philosophy?
uhhh.... atheism is the LACK of belief in a god or gods.
Like you, I realized that the existence of God was highly unlikely in my late teens. Later on I even discussed this issue with a Jesuit priest who turns out was also agnostic. He even said many educated religious people struggle with that, no big deal. I really didn't care if there was a God or not. That was not really important to me. I did not grow bitter or disappointed. I got married and sent my kids to Catholic School for 12 years. I think they are also agnostic, but they won't talk about it.
Why do some atheists have such an intense desire to believe? Why do they adopt the new atheism philosophy?
Gee I wonder why.
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