Lots of Athiets (Springfield, Ozark, Diggins: gated, living, cost of living)

[Repo_man_sanchez]

Seems as if late I've met several people who are atheists contemplating moving their families into the area. What's up? Are the coastal areas becoming athiest unfriendly all of a sudden?

[Crusis]

Are you saying that we should be segregated by religion? Personally, as an agnostic, I find atheism to be just another religion, both ends of that debate are based on faith. I find both groups have a small minority of advocates who can be rather intolerant, and sometimes irrational. In the several times I've read the Bible, I've read very astute observations and words of guidance along the lines of "Judge not, or be judged yourself.", or "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." or maybe simply the example of the prodigal son or the willingness of Jesus to walk among the lower classes and sinners. I should be careful, however, it's likely you're just expressing your concern that people on the coasts are limiting the freedom of religion of other citizens in their area.

I sure am grateful the Constitution ensures our freedom of religion. Our founding fathers were brilliant in their foresight of human weaknesses. Seems like every time I try to get my theological questions answered I encounter at least one religious zealot who treats me like I have the plague. Hmmm, gee, I didn't think religion was such an exclusive club. If I was the evangelical Christian type, seems like potential converts coming right to me would be a good thing, but I'm probably just lazy.

[ozarksboy]

My experience has been that atheists and non-Christians are far more close-minded that I.

As a conservative evangelical Christian (Southern Baptist), I believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I don't require friends or associates to believe the way I do; I wish they did, but I can't be responsible for their choices and free will. I have never in my life ridiculed someone for being an atheist.

I have, though, been ridiculed plenty of times by atheists and non-believers. They're far more doctrinaire than I. That's why I hate to see so many atheists moving to the Ozarks; they're more close-minded and rude than the fighting fundies.

[christina0001]

Religion is in a decline nation-wide. I think as more people choose to leave the east/west coasts (which I suspect is primarily due to cost of living), the midwest will see more atheists as well as non-practicing Christians.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by christina0001

Religion is in a decline nation-wide. I think as more people choose to leave the east/west coasts (which I suspect is primarily due to cost of living), the midwest will see more atheists as well as non-practicing Christians.

Isn't that a contradiction in terms? But I know what you meant.

[brushrunner]

If you will notice the country is turning its back on the Lord so why wouldn't He turn His back on us.Read the Bible it has happen so many times before but have always turned back.

brushrunner

[Crusis]

Ozarkboy, I'm going to back you up 100% on your statement regarding athiests, the very nature of the statement flies in the face of both science (my belief) and creationism (yours).

My wife and I are touring the country right now looking for a place to raise our three daughters that will provide the best community, good opportunity, and safety from as many of the ills our society has as possible. I, probably like you, am a staunch conservative, both fiscally and socially. I am a pro-life agnostic, pro 2nd amendment, I think prisons should punish to rehabilitate, not just rehabilitate. By all standards I am a conservative religious nut if you ask a liberal, except that problematic lack of religion part. I arrived at my viewpoints by using my neurons, looking at facts (such as areas with castle or stand your ground laws having lower crime), and by using the common sense that my Mom gave me. It's not much, but it will have to do me for now.

I'll gladly spend the day with any Christian/Jewish/Buddhist gent and discuss the nature of religion as long as it's respectful conversation and not just the standard repetition of the same things I usually get. I'm always impressed with the Christians (Jews don't do this) who spout hatred my way because I don't believe as they do. I love you, I love everyone as long as they'll give me a fair shake. Once you treat me like an outsider, forever an outsider I will desire to be.

I thought your answer to be great, however, which is why I am replying. God knows my phone number, or knows where I am. The right person with the right information and I'm in. I have the values, but not the faith. If that alone makes me evil, then why did Jesus ask his father why he had forsaken him?

We're in TN right now, Knoxville, looking at the area. It's BEAUTIFUL. However, if my family fits in the Springfield area (my wife loved Diggins) then I'll be in here from time to time with my run on sentences.

Sorry for the long posts, I wear the letters off these keys.

Oh, and one more thing. I had a gent mention to me that he is athiest, and it is NOT a religion. Not in the traditional sense, sir, but it is just as much based on faith.

To say something is so can be proven or believed, the first is science and the latter is faith.
To say something is not can also be proven or believed, the first is science, the latter is faith.

Athiests believe God does not exist, they cannot empirically prove it, therefore that is faith. Religion is based on faith, hence my belief that Athiesm is simply a religion (and generally a rather intolerant one) without a God.

I'm sure you think I'm wrong, but I thought you might like my reason. I don't know the equivelant of "Bless you" in the Athiest religion, but I'll go with "Good luck to you".

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

My experience has been that atheists and non-Christians are far more close-minded that I.

As a conservative evangelical Christian (Southern Baptist), I believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I don't require friends or associates to believe the way I do; I wish they did, but I can't be responsible for their choices and free will. I have never in my life ridiculed someone for being an atheist.

I have, though, been ridiculed plenty of times by atheists and non-believers. They're far more doctrinaire than I. That's why I hate to see so many atheists moving to the Ozarks; they're more close-minded and rude than the fighting fundies.

My wife and I had the privilege of meeting and joining Ozarksboy at a blue grass, gospel celebration of faith at his Baptist church some months ago. We were wonderfully entertained, royally fed and the fellowship was joyous and uplifting.

I'm a Catholic and my wife is a Buddhist. It was eccumenism of the finest order!

[Muscled1]

Originally Posted by brushrunner

If you will notice the country is turning its back on the Lord so why wouldn't He turn His back on us.Read the Bible it has happen so many times before but have always turned back.

brushrunner

I will have to argue this with you. The Old Testament, sure I can see your point. However, Jesus, my Jesus, will never turn his back on you. He's all about everlasting forgiveness, mercy and love; that is part of the New Covenant we have. No matter who you are or how many times you may have renounced Him, He's still knocking at your door waiting for you to open up.




For the OP though I moved from Arizona, I guess I could be considered one of those West Coast slimeballs this forum loves so much. I was gladly surprised that at every weekly meeting I have to go to at my job, we start with prayer. Never have I done that in Arizona. It's refreshing and uplfiting to be here and surrounded by people who are openly Christian.

[Mollym313]

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

My experience has been that atheists and non-Christians are far more close-minded that I.

As a conservative evangelical Christian (Southern Baptist), I believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I don't require friends or associates to believe the way I do; I wish they did, but I can't be responsible for their choices and free will. I have never in my life ridiculed someone for being an atheist.

I have, though, been ridiculed plenty of times by atheists and non-believers. They're far more doctrinaire than I. That's why I hate to see so many atheists moving to the Ozarks; they're more close-minded and rude than the fighting fundies.

My experience...is that "closedmindedness" spills over into all religious or non religious affiliations. I have heard Christians be totally unrelenting to others that do not share their belief's and visa versa. I personally don't care who moves here as long as they don't try and shove it down my throat or treat me badly becasuse I don't agree.