[James Hutchins]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

Um... hey. So maybe people word it wrongly by saying they don't believe in him because he's invisible. Maybe there is more like NO empirical evidence for him. This man you talk about, there is empirical evidence - as you can hear him. But with God there is nothing. Why would he even want to be invisible. You could argue it's to test people's faith, but what exactly is the point of that? Seems like a pathetic excuse to me. Why would you believe in anything without proof? And surely a deity wouldn't condem you for doing so if it's the logical choice?

Let's consider there is a God, sending atheists to Hell for their 'stupidity' is a bit harsh isn't it? It's not their fault, it's clearly his as the creator of human intelligence? Right?

No, God sends fools to Hell because they belong there. Read the Bible before you look even more foolish.

[LuceyRiverat]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

No, God sends fools to Hell because they belong there. Read the Bible before you look even more foolish.

Ok yeah, to be fair, I've read bits of the Bible but not cover to cover.

But anyway, I don't think that matters? Nothing in there could explain why someone ignorant could have to suffer for eternity for something which they can't be blamed for. And yeah, explain to me why God created atheists again before you make yourself seem like even more of a narrow-minded bigot...

[Didymus Much]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

Ok yeah, to be fair, I've read bits of the Bible but not cover to cover.

But anyway, I don't think that matters? Nothing in there could explain why someone ignorant could have to suffer for eternity for something which they can't be blamed for....

So you haven't read it, but you KNOW what couldn't be in there?

...And yeah, explain to me why God created atheists again before you make yourself seem like even more of a narrow-minded bigot...

Why would He have created Hell if He didn't make people to go there?

People like you who think an eternal, omnipotent being has time and energy to waste doing stuff just make me shake my head.

[Zechariah Smyth]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

Ok yeah, to be fair, I've read bits of the Bible but not cover to cover.

But anyway, I don't think that matters? Nothing in there could explain why someone ignorant could have to suffer for eternity for something which they can't be blamed for. And yeah, explain to me why God created atheists again before you make yourself seem like even more of a narrow-minded bigot...

He made everything: good, bad, whites, lesser races, health, sickness, etc. etc.

(Isaiah 45:7) "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things."

If you took the time to actually read the Bible instead of going on friendly forums to spew your hate speech you'd know that.

Yours in Christ,

Z. Smyth

[LuceyRiverat]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

He made everything: good, bad, whites, lesser races, health, sickness, etc. etc.

(Isaiah 45:7) "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things."

If you took the time to actually read the Bible instead of going on friendly forums to spew your hate speech you'd know that.

Yours in Christ,

Z. Smyth

a) That's not a reason why. That's just a statement.

b) Hate speech? Do you, my friend, know the definition of 'hate speech.' Hate is saying 'ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD IS CRAZY AND STUPID AND IMMORAL AND SHOULD BURN IN HELL. THEY'RE MONSTERS. THEY SHOULD KILL THEMSELVES.' Rather different to what I said, actually.

And yeah, I know. remarkably similar to what a lot of people here have been saying about people different to themselves. Like atheists, for example.

All I'm doing is trying to show people that their view isn't always necessarily 100 percent right. There's a good quote 'I don't think religion is stupid, I think it's unnecessary but that's a different thing.' I believe this totally. I don't feel I can say you're wrong, but I don't want you to tell me that either.

I'm perfectly happy to accept forums like this on the internet. That's why I'm here to let you try and convince me there is a God. This discussion asked me about what it's like to be an atheist, and I don't expect my reply to get called 'hate-speech.'

I want you to listen to my views and actually think about them. Do you really think telling me I'm stupid is a eloquent way to argue your point? No. It makes you sound rather childish, actually.

[LuceyRiverat]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

So you haven't read it, but you KNOW what couldn't be in there?



Why would He have created Hell if He didn't make people to go there?

People like you who think an eternal, omnipotent being has time and energy to waste doing stuff just make me shake my head.

-And no, I never said I know exactly what's in the Bible. But based on what I've read, it's not that convincing. it's a nice book, sure. But it's just a book. There's nothing that can possibly PROVE God's existence in writing. And so have you read all the pro-atheist books? Just asking.


-Which begs the question 'why did he create Hell in the first place?' Personally, I don't believe anyone is truly bad. They may be crazy, but then they just need help - not torture.

- Ooh, I love this one. So what exactly is he doing instead? He's God, he can do everything at once! He has all the time he can invent.

[Didymus Much]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

...I'm here to let you try and convince me there is a God...

They can't do that.

Why not read the Bible, the WHOLE thing? Then you can make up your own mind, while knowing what the Bible really says, instead of the lies you've been fed your entire life?

Maybe a month on moderation (that'll be plenty of time to read the Bible) would help? I'll suggest it to the moderators.

[Didymus Much]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

-And no, I never said I know exactly what's in the Bible...

Yet you have no problem making this claim:

...Nothing in there could explain...

Are you lying, or just plain stupid?

...But based on what I've read...

So instead of reading the Bible, you believe stuff that someone else has written about the Bible. How do you know they aren't lying to you? How do you know that they don't have an agenda?

...it's a nice book, sure...

Ok, now I know you've never read more than a few tiny little bits of that book.

...There's nothing that can possibly PROVE God's existence in writing...

Oh, yeah, you're open-minded.

... And so have you read all the pro-atheist books? Just asking...

Why do you think I would need to?

[Basilissa]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

a) That's not a reason why. That's just a statement.

Honey, who are we to question God's judgement?

Hate is saying 'ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD IS CRAZY AND STUPID AND IMMORAL AND SHOULD BURN IN HELL. THEY'RE MONSTERS. THEY SHOULD KILL THEMSELVES.

That's not hate, that's simple ignorance. People who do NOT believe in God are going to Hell, not the other way around. See e.g. Matthew 11:20-24, Mark 16:16, Luke 3:16-17, Luke 11:23, etc.

All I'm doing is trying to show people that their view isn't always necessarily 100 percent right.

Please show us, where does Bible say that you don't have to follow it 100%? I don't remember such a passage.

I want you to listen to my views and actually think about them. Do you really think telling me I'm stupid is a eloquent way to argue your point? No. It makes you sound rather childish, actually.

In the end, it doesn't matter what WE think about you. God will make His judgement (again, Mark 16:16).

[LuceyRiverat]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

They can't do that.

Why not read the Bible, the WHOLE thing? Then you can make up your own mind, while knowing what the Bible really says, instead of the lies you've been fed your entire life?

Maybe a month on moderation (that'll be plenty of time to read the Bible) would help? I'll suggest it to the moderators.

I haven't been fed lies actually, my parents always encouraged me to be open minded and make up my own opinions.

I will read the Bible sometime, but I feel like everyone here is using it as an excuse. My dad did that with Sophie's World, but at least that showed more than one viewpoint.
'You haven't read the Bible so your opinions don't matter.' I don't know whether you've read The God Delusion but I'm sure you feel the same way about that. I mean, you can have your own opinions without having to rely on someone else to explain them.

So hey, I'm probably going to get blocked soon for the disgrace of posting a different view? Have you heard of free speech? It's where people are allowed to voice an opinion. This site is laughable really. Basically me being blocked will only go to show that you can't defend your own views well enough.

[Basilissa]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

'You haven't read the Bible so your opinions don't matter.' I don't know whether you've read The God Delusion but I'm sure you feel the same way about that. I mean, you can have your own opinions without having to rely on someone else to explain them.

So hey, I'm probably going to get blocked soon for the disgrace of posting a different view? Have you heard of free speech? It's where people are allowed to voice an opinion. This site is laughable really. Basically me being blocked will only go to show that you can't defend your own views well enough.

I recommend that you look at the top of this page... it says "Landover Baptist Church... Christian Church Web Forums," right? So why are you surprised that people cite the Bible here? Just in case you didn't know, the Bible is the sole foundation of Christianity.

[MitzaLizalor]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

empirical evidence

There is plenty of empirical evidence - look around you!

Faith is not required to believe that the world exists, or that there are stars, or that everyone is born sinful. Those things are obvious.

But that Abraham should express the beauty of Jesus' sacrifice for us so long before His actual birth required faith. That is not empirical.

God explains:

HEBREWS 11
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19a Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead;
KJV

How did Abraham know that? There was no empirical evidence. God however knew what He was going to do, even though Isaac did not:

GENESIS 22
5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
KJV . . LOOK UP

We know that Jesus was murdered by legalistic nitpickers demanding "empirical evidence" for matters of faith. That is a simple fact. But the terrific Love Of God expressed so beautifully in The Scriptures for us is what enables every Christian to appreciate that when they hear a voice demanding that they murder their children, children like Isaac for example, the thing to do is to start sharpening the knife. That is our example. It is called obedience.

Empiricists do not require obedience, faith or even "proof' just what is there before their eyes is sufficient for their feeble understanding.

But we have the mind of Christ.

I CORINTHIANS 2
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
KJV . . LOOK UP

[LuceyRiverat]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

Honey, who are we to question God's judgement?



That's not hate, that's simple ignorance. People who do NOT believe in God are going to Hell, not the other way around. See e.g. Matthew 11:20-24, Mark 16:16, Luke 3:16-17, Luke 11:23, etc.



Please show us, where does Bible say that you don't have to follow it 100%? I don't remember such a passage.



In the end, it doesn't matter what WE think about you. God will make His judgement (again, Mark 16:16).

If God sends me to Hell for this, then I don't know whether he's all that perfect really. Please don't take that the wrong way, I'm not trying to insult your beliefs. I only think that you can't punish someone for ignorance. It's basically bullying. What God would damn a heart? You don't get a choice in the matter over whether you're stupid or not so why should you get condemned for it?

And also, just, WHY WOULD HE WANT TO TEST YOUR FAITH? He sounds like an insecure teenage girl when you put it like that. "You guys, you believe in me don't you?"

[Brother Harold Porter]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

So hey, I'm probably going to get blocked soon for the disgrace of posting a different view? Have you heard of free speech? It's where people are allowed to voice an opinion. This site is laughable really. Basically me being blocked will only go to show that you can't defend your own views well enough.

Not at all, young lady. Nobody at Landover Baptist Church wants to block you and your foolish opinions, no matter how wrong and ridiculous they may be. It's all about respect.

Philippians 2:3 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

You see, True Christians™ here respect the Pastors because they are more knowledgable and better than us. They respect Jesus Christ because no one is better than Him. And Unsaved Trash respect all that are better than them. Kindly remember your place as lost scum. At least until you let Jesus inside you to cleanse your stained and corrupt soul.

In Christ

[LuceyRiverat]

Re: What is it like to be an atheist?

There is plenty of empirical evidence - look around you!

Faith is not required to believe that the world exists, or that there are stars, or that everyone is born sinful. Those things are obvious.

But that Abraham should express the beauty of Jesus' sacrifice for us so long before His actual birth required faith. That is not empirical.

God explains:

HEBREWS 11
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19a Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead;
KJV

How did Abraham know that? There was no empirical evidence. God however knew what He was going to do, even though Isaac did not:

GENESIS 22
5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
KJV . . LOOK UP

We know that Jesus was murdered by legalistic nitpickers demanding "empirical evidence" for matters of faith. That is a simple fact. But the terrific Love Of God expressed so beautifully in The Scriptures for us is what enables every Christian to appreciate that when they hear a voice demanding that they murder their children, children like Isaac for example, the thing to do is to start sharpening the knife. That is our example. It is called obedience.

Empiricists do not require obedience, faith or even "proof' just what is there before their eyes is sufficient for their feeble understanding.

But we have the mind of Christ.

I CORINTHIANS 2
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
KJV . . LOOK UP

I like you more, by the way. At least you read what I typed and didn't disregard it. You're trying to convince me. That's a start.

But ok so I wouldn't murder my children for faith. Why not? Back to the start of the thread, I would rather live in the present. THAT's what atheists lives are. More interesting, to say the least, because we don't spend our whole lives waiting for death and the possibility of Heaven.