Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

[Aranthos]

Hi everyone. As my profile suggests, I'm a young atheist lad from the UK.
Please, before you assume I'm only here to troll you all, I'd like to make it clear that I come in peace. I have to admit, I'm impressed with the zeal with which you defend your views - it reminds me of myself a few years ago - a true militant atheist. My mind has since opened somewhat, though I doubt to an extent that you'd approve of.

There is one thing I do need to get into the open with your collective though - that is I am a semi-professional computer gamer. Most of the competitions I participate in primarily involve so-called 'murder simulators' - though that's due to market force more than my own choice. I'm fully aware of your views on Minecraft, and I'm the first to say that's not a discussion I care to enter - it will only end in a large argument and if I may be honest, I don't really like arguments.

I do share some beliefs with yourselves - that is assuming I'm not confusing Christian beliefs with anyone else's. Wherever it makes sense to do so, I believe in treating others as you would like to be treated, hence my peaceful approach to yourselves. I also believe in common courtesy - again provided it is deserved.

This is the part where I sit back and wait to see whether I am met with greetings, or condemnation.

[Aranthos]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

If you will forgive the double post (I seem to be unable to edit my previous post) I feel I need to add a few details.

I noticed in another thread someone was questioned on the nature of their name on the forum - mine is the name I go by everywhere on the Internet. It was more force of habit than anything that caused me to use it again here - if any admins are willing to dive into the database and change my username to my real name, I would be happy to for them to do that.

I did have something else to say, but alas my brain is weary from a long day and I've managed to completely forget what I was intending to say. Oops.

[Ezekiel Bathfire]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

I did have something else to say, but alas my brain is weary from a long day and I've managed to completely forget what I was intending to say. Oops.

It was probably that you had accepted Jesus as your personal Savior and you sincerely repented all your past sins.

[Joseph McManus]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

As a recovering Atheist myself all I can say is this: There's a better way.

As I was told when I first came here, Jesus brought you here for a reason. Let Him guide you as He guided me. Turn your back on Him and you'll see what happens

[Aranthos]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

It was probably that you had accepted Jesus as your personal Savior and you sincerely repented all your past sins.

Much to your inevitable disappointment, I am quite sure that's not the case. I read your FAQ section moreso than most do, and as I understand people of any belief system are welcome here for discussion and learning. Since I have lived most of my life as a relentless pursuit of knowledge, I am willing to brave the fire of your opinions in order achieve this.

[Aranthos]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

As a recovering Atheist myself all I can say is this: There's a better way.

As I was told when I first came here, Jesus brought you here for a reason. Let Him guide you as He guided me. Turn your back on Him and you'll see what happens

I'd like to make it clear that I'm not here to be converted - much the same as you are all certain of your beliefs, so am I of mine. I respect the fact that this is your forum however, so I accept that I will be subject to a torrent of - for lack of a better word - abuse.

[Rev. M. Rodimer]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

I'd like to make it clear that I'm not here to be converted - much the same as you are all certain of your beliefs, so am I of mine. I respect the fact that this is your forum however, so I accept that I will be subject to a torrent of - for lack of a better word - abuse.

It's nice to meet you, Aranthos.

Atheists join Christian church forums for two reasons, in my experience: to make fun of Christians, or to try to convince Christians that we shouldn't do what God says.

Sometimes, the "convincing" takes the form of trying to get us to doubt God. (Atheists win a prize every time they convince someone to abandon God, and I hear the prize for converting a Landoverian is pretty valuable!)

Sometimes, it's just trying to get us to lie to homosexuals, witches, adulterers, and nonbelievers and tell them that God loves them and will let them into Heaven, when the Bible expressly says the opposite.

Still others just want us to stop voting and ignore what God-mockers are doing to our nation; allow young children to be indoctrinated into Darwinism and homosexuality; and otherwise allow those who hate God to encourage further hatred of God, so even more can be damned.

Which is your angle?

[Aranthos]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

Thanks for the kind welcome Rev. Rodimer - I have to admit I'm slightly surprised given the replies other atheists tend to have received.

I don't have an angle. Whether or not you choose to believe that depends on whether or not you trust unsaved trash, but nothing I am likely to say will change your opinion of me. Frankly, I'm as disgusted as any of you that atheists join your forum with no intention other than to mock or disrupt - that isn't my way.

As I said, I'm here more for the experience of speaking with yourselves - I've never yet spoken to a person, or group of people, so sure of their beliefs. I'm not going to push any views of my own, beyond any on which I'm questioned, nor will I mock yours. All I request is that my views be treated with at least a fraction of the respect with which I treat others.

Please also forgive my tardiness in replying - as unsaved trash I'm limited to one post every 5 minutes, so I have to make sure I address all messages directed at me before posting!


May I also say I applaud your stance on condemning the kiddie fiddlers amongst the Catholic Church. I work with a Catholic, and whilst (at least as far as I know) he's no more deserving of a place in hell than I am - I am aware that there is a significant amount of disgusting behaviour amongst their organisation.

[Lycia The Repentant]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

A bit of a cautious hello to you, Aranthos.

It's really nice to see you've managed to leave the chip off your shoulder and have come to engage in peaceful dialogue. If you've been reading here, then I'm sure you've noticed we actually do have some long-time members who aren't True Christians(tm), including an atheist or too, a Catholic Priest, and even a Pastafarian nutjob ( for that last one)! Just so long as you keep a civil tongue, I'm sure you'll be allowed to stay.

Of course, it'd be great if you decide to repent of your sins and accept Jesus, but we'll work on that.

[Ezekiel Bathfire]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

[...]I'm not going to push any views of my own, beyond any on which I'm questioned,.

Are you an orphan? I ask as normal parents bring up their children in the Fear of The Lord.

[jennabenna]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

Maybe in your town.

[Aranthos]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

A bit of a cautious hello to you, Aranthos.

It's really nice to see you've managed to leave the chip off your shoulder and have come to engage in peaceful dialogue. [...]

Again, thanks for the warm welcome. The way I see it, if I treat people well, they will - generally speaking - do the same in return. I understand your skepticism since this forum certainly seems to attract a worse kind of atheist than myself, so to speak. I'm happy that their actions haven't influenced my reception here too badly

Are you an orphan? I ask as normal parents bring up their children in the Fear of The Lord.

Not even close I'm afraid, I was brought up by two loving - but absolutely NOT normal - parents who are still my favourite people in this world. They've seen things that - in their opinions - suggest that God is either omnipotent or benevolent, but not both. This isn't an argument I wish to get involved in here, as I am outnumbered and severely outgunned here, and would likely end up hung, drawn and quartered, or whatever other punishment is deemed appropriate.

Regarding the abnormality of my parents, I only mean they don't really follow societal norms. Both parents drive 1980's 170+ mph crazy cars that must be doing wonders for the local petrol stations' sales figures, both grow vegetables, both modify and restore classic cars... In general, both my parents stick two fingers up at the norm. And I love them for it

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

I'd like to make it clear that I'm not here to be converted - much the same as you are all certain of your beliefs, so am I of mine. I respect the fact that this is your forum however, so I accept that I will be subject to a torrent of - for lack of a better word - abuse.

You are not welcome here, demon.

[Aranthos]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

You are not welcome here, demon.

From your site's own FAQ:

If you are a Muslim, Catholic, Pagan, or other non-Christian, and you are here for some interfaith dialog, then this section is for you.

Welcome, friend. If you are here in a spirit of peace and wish to learn more about our religion, and want to teach us more about your religion, then you are welcome here.

I appreciate your kind words.

[Pastor William Nathaniel Sampson]

Re: Atheist swinging in for a (peaceful) chat

From your site's own FAQ:

I appreciate your kind words.

I am the interfaith dialogue type, but I can't for the life of me figure out why most avowed atheists would want to be here. There must be some reason the Spirit keeps leading you here.