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While Christians gathered on the national day of prayer to talk to a god that may or may not exist, this is what atheists were doing (me included): Atheist Volunteers
I can understand Atheist not believing in God..but on your link to the website..I notice that they take potshots at prayer...If atheist dont believe in God..or prayer..why is that necessary?
SOME atheists are more prone to demonstrate than most atheists. Just like SOME homosexuals, SOME pro-lifers, or SOME pro-choice, SOME anti-war protesters. SOME democrats, SOME Republicans.
The people at the extremes of any group make more noise than those that make up the majority. Please don't make the mistake of lumping them all together.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't prayer been shown to actually have a positive scientific effect?
You are indeed, wrong. There has never been one single study which demonstrated proof that people who are prayed for have faster recoveries, less complications, etc. In fact, people who know they are being prayed for are *more* likely to develop complications than the control group... probably the added stress.
Quote:
Originally Posted by arguy1973
I can understand Atheist not believing in God..but on your link to the website..I notice that they take potshots at prayer...If atheist dont believe in God..or prayer..why is that necessary?
Christianity controls many aspects of our society, and its followers draft laws which violate my constitutional rights. I will attack any system which violates human rights.
Non-atheists often do good things because they are afraid that if they don't, they will go to hell. The fear of eternal punishment is a potent factor.
Let's clarify that, and make it "Christians often do good things....." - since most other religions, such as Judaism, do not believe in Hell. We (the Jews) don't do good things to avoid purgatory, we do it as a duty to our fellow man - as directed by the Torah. You won't go anywhere for not doing so, but most of us choose to anyway.
For the record, I realize that many (most, hopefully) Christians also give from the kindness of their heart... but had to clear up the religion-lumping there, LOL.
Here's a blurb from an article, describing the concept of Jewish tzedakah...
""Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due."
P.S. This same website (Judaism 101) also states that Jewish people represent 30% of charitable donations, but I won't use that as a fact - since it would be hypocritical to what I said earlier, LOL.
You are indeed, wrong. There has never been one single study which demonstrated proof that people who are prayed for have faster recoveries, less complications, etc. In fact, people who know they are being prayed for are *more* likely to develop complications than the control group... probably the added stress.
Christianity controls many aspects of our society, and its followers draft laws which violate my constitutional rights. I will attack any system which violates human rights.
IMHO there is a difference between human rights and const rights...what laws would you be referring too..because i honestly just dont know..
OOPs! I should have re-read that one!! Non-atheist was a terrible way to put it. My brain was running in neutral or something. Religion-lumping is one thing that I feel really strong about. And yet, if I don't watch what I write, I will inadvertently do it.
We have just had some in-law problems. They are heavy into a certain church....you know what I mean....it's the one and only way.....and I am sooooo close to saying something to the effect that those in-laws are typical even though I know they aren't.
At least, I hope they aren't. I think lightning would have struck the pulpit if they were!! LOL
In an ideal world, the rights conferred upon us by the U.S. constitution would be enjoyed by people all over the world... but I digress.
You're familiar with the establishment clause of the first amendment, I trust?
yes.. I am..but what specific law..or is there more than one in which you were referring too that bothered you..or you found to be "illegal" in a sense?
OOPs! I should have re-read that one!! Non-atheist was a terrible way to put it. My brain was running in neutral or something. Religion-lumping is one thing that I feel really strong about. And yet, if I don't watch what I write, I will inadvertently do it.
We have just had some in-law problems. They are heavy into a certain church....you know what I mean....it's the one and only way.....and I am sooooo close to saying something to the effect that those in-laws are typical even though I know they aren't.
At least, I hope they aren't. I think lightning would have struck the pulpit if they were!! LOL
No problemo, Padgett - we all do that sometimes (the religion-lumping thing)! And I understand what you mean about the in-laws, but I try not to let "bad apples" spoil the bunch... hopefully they'll become more compassionate over time, or at least leave you alone.
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