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He's saying on a scale of 1-10, measuring close-mindedness and bias, you'd rank at least 20.
Yeah, this is another over-used accusation often flung indiscriminately against atheists.
"You're just being close-minded!"
Of course, this accusation often comes from a person who, if asked the question, "What would it take for you to give up your belief in God," would answer with, "Nothing! I will always believe in God and no amount of evidence or science will change that!"
The hypocrisy is astounding - but often lost in the deafening silence of that question asked too infrequently.
What I have found to define "close-mindedness" to many believers is when an atheist refuses to simply give up what they believe, what they think, and what they *know* and instead convert to Christianity right then and there. Never mind whether they believe or not - since no one can really choose their beliefs.
When an atheist sticks to their guns and refuses to admit that the Christian worldview is correct and right, they are being "close-minded" - even when the atheist admits they would change their minds immediately if good evidence was presented.
Which is far more than what most Christians ever admit - those who say that absolutely nothing, regardless of fact, evidence, science, or proof would ever get them to change *their* minds. And somehow that is regarded as remaining faithful. Why yes, we will retain our faith, as Job did, and not allow any "wordly" evidence point us away from subservience to our God!
But if an atheist doubts the efficacy and veracity of faith - yeah - *we* are the close-minded ones.
It's almost a joke, a parady, of irrationality - and would actually be funny were it not true.
Yeah, this is another over-used accusation often flung indiscriminately against atheists.
"You're just being close-minded!"
Of course, this accusation often comes from a person who, if asked the question, "What would it take for you to give up your belief in God," would answer with, "Nothing! I will always believe in God and no amount of evidence or science will change that!"
The hypocrisy is astounding - but often lost in the deafening silence of that question asked too infrequently.
What I have found to define "close-mindedness" to many believers is when an atheist refuses to simply give up what they believe, what they think, and what they *know* and instead convert to Christianity right then and there. Never mind whether they believe or not - since no one can really choose their beliefs.
When an atheist sticks to their guns and refuses to admit that the Christian worldview is correct and right, they are being "close-minded" - even when the atheist admits they would change their minds immediately if good evidence was presented.
Which is far more than what most Christians ever admit - those who say that absolutely nothing, regardless of fact, evidence, science, or proof would ever get them to change *their* minds. And somehow that is regarded as remaining faithful. Why yes, we will retain our faith, as Job did, and not allow any "wordly" evidence point us away from subservience to our God!
But if an atheist doubts the efficacy and veracity of faith - yeah - *we* are the close-minded ones.
It's almost a joke, a parady, of irrationality - and would actually be funny were it not true.
That post was addressed to Arq specifically; it was in no way meant as a reflection of atheism.
That post was addressed to Arq specifically; it was in no way meant as a reflection of atheism.
And the Arq shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these atheists, my posting pal, ye have done it unto atheism at large.
Still, it's good to know that you don't accuse other atheists of being 200% closed -minded; just me. I shall try not to let the accusation keep me awake at night.
And the Arq shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these atheists, my posting pal, ye have done it unto atheism at large.
Still, it's good to know that you don't accuse other atheists of being 200% closed -minded; just me. I shall try not to let the accusation keep me awake at night.
I think you mentioned on more than one occasion your live-in sister is adverse to your brand of spirituality, have you ever wondered why?
Is that for Miss H. to answer? You might be thinking of my sister with whom I lodged during a temporary financial embarrassment, and she is involved with the local church, though her views are atheist.
I think you mentioned on more than one occasion your live-in sister is adverse to your brand of spirituality, have you ever wondered why?
Yes, that was for me, TRANS.He brings this up to me sometimes.
No, I don't need to wonder...cuz it's obvious why.
Now to pre-empt you asking me why...she blames herself for her husband's sudden death not being in tune
enough to take him to the ER so he died right there in their home of Sepsis...2 days after a full round of antibiotics.
Soooo, she doesn't want to hear a darn thing about God...or any advanced understandings such as we 'create our circumstances' ...(she believes that the
'Universe' is simply randomly doing many stressful things 'to her'....taking no responsibility for her beliefs or the power of her own thoughts....BUT, will blurt out, "I don't know why these things keep happening to me.").
Yes, that was for me, TRANS.He brings this up to me.
No, I don't need to wonder...cuz it's obvious why.
Now to pre-empt you asking me why...she blames herself for her husband's sudden death not being in tune
enough to take him to the ER so he died right there in their home of Sepsis...2 days after a full round of antibiotics.
Soooo, she doesn't want to hear a darn thing about God...or any advanced understandings such as we 'create our circumstances' ...(she believes that the
'Universe' is simply randomly doing many stressful things 'to her'....taking no responsibility for her beliefs or the power of her own thoughts....BUT, will blurt out, "I don't know why these things keep happening to me.").
But..I can say nothing to her. Oh well.
She can always come here and chat to us We have a very accepting acceptance of the way the world is, apart from trying to improve it a bit.
Yes, that was for me, TRANS.He brings this up to me sometimes.
No, I don't need to wonder...cuz it's obvious why.
Now to pre-empt you asking me why...she blames herself for her husband's sudden death not being in tune
enough to take him to the ER so he died right there in their home of Sepsis...2 days after a full round of antibiotics.
Soooo, she doesn't want to hear a darn thing about God...or any advanced understandings such as we 'create our circumstances' ...(she believes that the
'Universe' is simply randomly doing many stressful things 'to her'....taking no responsibility for her beliefs or the power of her own thoughts....BUT, will blurt out, "I don't know why these things keep happening to me.").
But..I can say nothing to her. Oh well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TRANSPONDER
She can always come here and chat to us We have a very accepting acceptance of the way the world is, apart from trying to improve it a bit.
Poor thing. Sounds like she's stuck between two incompatible beliefs, going back and forth between the two. Like a puppy chasing it's tail. Seems that she's got to pick one view or the other or drive herself crazy. If she believes in random, then asking "why me?" doesn't make any sense. There's no reason for it to be you or not you. It just is. Acceptance is the only rational stance to take in that case. If she is going to ask "why me?" as if it's not random, but also not be open to the possibility that she has some control, then she'll sink into a sense of helplessness and victimhood as if the universe is picking on her. Hopefully she can pick a belief and stick with it, for her own sanity.
Poor thing.....possibility that she has some control, then she'll sink into a sense of helplessness and victimhood as if the universe is picking on her.
Yes, poor thing...she feels like a leaf being blown around in the wind.
She has no belief at this point (also, a Catholic, but, floundering in that, for sure).
And she is so sweet.
Thanks for Pleroo...and Trans. xxoo
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