2010: The Year of the Atheist
Jake Farr-Wharton 48 comments
While I live out in the hinterlands, in the bush and wilderness of Queensland, I love to travel to the city to perform some occasional retail therapy. It’s there where I can visit the most exclusive stores, with their perpetual “Closing-Down Sale” and “Everything 50% Off” sales. Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) is only a small city by both interstate and international standards, but that is what is so attractive.
Yesterday, I bought a new pair of Italian shoes, was shouted at by a fundamentalist Christian for the slogan on my shirt, I bought several new business shirts and was denounced for shopping in a store that donates to the local Family Planning (abortion) Clinic and then I found a nice pair of pants.
Sure, the city is where I go for a bargain at the end of the year, but it’s also where I run into my arch nemesis – the fundamentalist Christian!
In most cases, I just walk through their little group of protesters and glare at them as they make a path for me, but I have to be honest, I’ve been far too subservient this year, and it was time to let fly. So when I walked through the group and accidentally (on purpose) knocked over their small pamphlet stand and one of the press gang loudly said, “that’s not very Christian of you”, I have to say, I snapped a little.
“Indeed Christian douche bag, it is not a very ‘Christian’ act to knock over all of your flyers”, I said, picking up a pink flyer entitled ‘Homosexuality equals Hell’, “but as one of the ‘non-Christian minority’, I am just about done with playing nice”.
“Why do you think that you have the right to impose your stupid and petty beliefs on the people that are walking through the city mall?” I asked. But before the prudish looking grey haired woman could respond, I continued. “You alienate every single person here with your fairytale delusions, you segregate and you divide. Christianity is not about, ‘Jesus loves you’, it is instead, ‘be like us, walk like us, talk like us, think like us, or go to hell”.
“How dare you assume that it is ok for you to impose any of your beliefs on me, let alone anyone else” I said. I looked down at my youngest daughter, “thank you for doing what you’ve done here today though. When I take my daughter shopping I don’t expect to be harassed, but thank you for showing her just how rotten and vile you Christian preachers of hate are. When you stand outside of shops as you have done today, and preach your message of hate for all people who are not like you, you remind me of why I became an atheist. Thank you for being Christian, and not just Christ-like.”
And with that, I picked up my daughter and walked away. I hadn’t noticed that quite a large group had gathered to watch the minor confrontation and with my eyes downcast, I pushed through. I chucked though as I bumped into a guy who had an infectious smile on his face, he winked at me… I’m not sure if he was coming onto me, but it was validating all the same.
As I got back to my car, my youngest daughter broke the long silence and asked me if I was ok. I took a deep breath, gave her a kiss on the nose and with a big smile, I said, “you know what honey, I feel better than ever”.
Atheists, we can no longer sit in the shadows. Stand up, be counted, and make f*cking some noise. Otherwise we risk another decade where we are not known, not heard from and remain simply another silent minority.
Fundamentalism is growing in epic proportions, it is gaining ground and it will eventually impinge on our rights and the rights of our children. They already hold back scientific progress and humane medical treatment through ‘conscience votes’ in parliament, it will go further and it will not stop.
For those Christians, Jews and Muslims reading this, 2010 should be the year that you review your faith.
Ask yourself why you believe what you believe. Ask yourself whether you are still comfortable to add your name and your voice to the majority and have it used to fight for censorship, to fight against equal rights for homosexual marriage, against the right to abortions, against the right to die with dignity, against stem-cell research, against f*cking human social evolution.
Wake up to the beliefs you call your own, actually read them and judge them. Be the voice for reason in your own life in 2010, don’t let someone else speak and make decisions for and on behalf of you.
DavidS
Wednesday 30th December 2009 | 10:14 AMI really couldn't say it better if I tried. Bravo. Very well said. I have no problems with religion I just have problems with people forcing their religion on others. It's getting to the point it seems anyone who openly expresses their religion is so full of ignorance it is baffling.
3.16
Wednesday 30th December 2009 | 10:48 AM
Amen Brother
It is time, time for Christianity to rise and shut up the athiest. Time that Jesus and his servants ran Australian parliment
Christians unite. Atheism is becoming militant. The militant athiest has become the unbelieving Muslim
In unison, atheistic religion is taking to the streets justifying violence and assault. Yes, athiesm has now become a fundamentalist religion.
Adherents like Jake are calling on attacks on infidels (Christians). Making up storys to justify rants and rages against people like you
Jakes doctrine of hate is a slide down in to Nazism
Unite fight, but only with love and Christs forgiveness and peace
LET JAKE HAVE, IT WE HAVE cHRIST
Jake Farr-Wharton
Wednesday 30th December 2009 | 12:32 PM
...in response to this comment
by 3.16.
Did you just claim that atheists are ex-Muslims? Did you know that Christianity and Islam follow the same God you puerile maggot? Wake up and smell the bullshit!
Jesus was a great leader:
"[Jesus Said] Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' (Matthew 10:34-36).
"He [Jesus] replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me." (Luke 19:26-27).
Don't kid yourself fool!
Of course, he did say:
"[Jesus says to his disciples] A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34).
But Socrates said it 300 years earlier, Buddha said it 500 years earlier and the egyptian book of the dead said it 1500 years earlier.
Jesus had nothing to say that hadn't already been said or been superseded since. Nothing of Jesus' teachings was prophetic, but it certainly is pathetic that fools and idiots like you 3.16 claim the opposite.
You're not even the same religion as Jesus the Jew, how can you claim to know anything about him? Are you Jewish?
Atheism has no doctrine attributed to it, not a single one, as such can never be classified as a religion - even by an ignoramus such as you who is clearly unable to look up a meaning in an online dictionary before posting your comment. As such, atheism can not have any form of fundamentalism attributed to it for there are no fundamentals for one to cling to.
...in response to this comment
by 3.16.
J.F.C...
3.16, you represent the very tip of the worst of what Jake is talking about. You say: "Unite fight, but only with love and Christ’s forgiveness and peace" Yea, like in the Spanish inquisition right? Anything, as long as it's done in the name of Christ, right?
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This means that as long as you believe in him, you can get away with anything. Too bad he didn't give the ability to think and reason, long with his son.
“Militant Atheist” Huh??? 3:16, are you an Apocolyptist? My guess is that you are getting ready for the rapture. That means that you probably support a terrorist agenda of your own, as the coming of the end justifies any actions of yours. Right?
"Let Jake have it" People like Jake and myself have been "having it" our whole lives. You have Christ (so you say...with love and Christs forgiveness) I don't hear that in your comment. You sound more like a Christian terrorist in the making to me. But no problem right? Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life...so why worry?
As a regular reader of this blog, I can assure you that your comment is welcome and wanted. Keep digging, I love it.
F-
Rodney
Wednesday 30th December 2009 | 06:37 PM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
Jake says:
"Of course, he did say:
"[Jesus says to his disciples] A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34). "
Jesus would hardly have had to look so far a field as Buddha or Socrates . It comes straight from the Old Testament, 2,000 years before he was born and directly from his own community - Leviticus 19:18: "you shall love your neighbour as yourself". So it was hardly "revolutionary" or "new wisdom". It was just something he would have learned in "school".
...in response to this comment by Rodney. The question is: "Who is your neighbor?"
Gina Squitieri
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 02:17 AM
...in response to this comment
by Kim OJ.
I hope you don't mind that I jump in here, Rodney -- it's not that I don't think Rodney can answer your question, Kim:
************
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27 He answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii [e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37 The expert in the law replied, *****"The one who had mercy on him."****
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
*************
So the answer to Kim's question is *****"The one who had mercy on him."****
It was brought to my attention recently that we are told to love the God with our whole heart, soul and mind, but we are to love our neighbor ourselves -- that is, we are NOT to love our neighbors with our whole heart, soul and mind. We are to love our neighbor AS ourselves, but only in proportion with what we have been given. We cannot give what we do not have.
Ecclesiastes ch. 7
16Be not righteous OVER MUCH; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
I hope that helps.
Steve
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 07:20 AMBravo. Beautifully written. I whole-heartedly agree.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 08:38 AM...in response to this comment by Rodney. Hi Rodney, while I hadn't read that verse in Leviticus (that I can recall) before, my point was that the words purported to have been from Jesus were not anything new or unique to Jesus.
Jake, it's good to see you standing up for yourself. It's just a shame you had to do so.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 08:49 AM
...in response to this comment
by Jim.
Not a shame at all Jim, my old mate. I have no problem with standing up for my lack of beliefs, and when I am found in contempt of other peoples beliefs, I will stand up for their right to believe that my lack of belief is in fact a fundamentalist belief!
Confused?
Peace Jim.
3.16
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 09:06 AM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
Jake, if your child or wife became a Christian, you would hate them, not them hate you.
You dont understand the message of Jesus
Nor my message to you, simply...
You atheists are becoming militant like Muslims. Atheism is becoming a religion of hate
Your doctrins is a faith. "Their is no God" You hold on to it with a religious fervor
Friendo, Christianity teaches love forgiveness and self sacrifice. Never revenge or murder or violence. The crusades where not Christian
They used Christ to justify a war, and foolish men followed
You have no concept of Christs message Mr Friendo. Your assumptions are far removed from reality
Like Jake you exude hate and self righteousness
I personally dont believe in the rapture, nor disbelieve in it, making no difference to your opinion either ways
But I do say to my brothers and sisters in Christ. The issue is not who is your neighbor, the issue is love. Christ taught Love and Forgiveness to everybody
Jake preaches hate. Christians, dont allow Jakes hate to breed contempt. Christ, even died for such as he
Focus on Christs love and prepare for a storm, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus's return is imminent. The Church will soon be oppressed again
But let us not become as those outside of our Kings grace, let us be Christs servants and pour out his love through our bodies to our adversaries, world wide
Christs love, my prayers, to all who read my message
Luke 19
27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Yes Jake, if you choose not to live under Gods grace
You will live under the law, the law will be fulfilled
We are all sinners and death is our reward, outside Christ
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 09:47 AM
...in response to this comment
by 3.16.
Yeah, thats right, I've read the bible time and time again and I don't understand the message. Even subjectively, Jesus is a bigot who dislikes all non Jews... except for that one cannanite woman.
My wife was Christian, as was I, then I read the bible, then I got a science degree, then I realised that there is nothing prolific, only ancient, and not the kind of ancient you need to respect, the kind of ancient you need to remember only.
My motto is simply to be open minded, but not to such a degree that my brain falls out.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 09:49 AM...in response to this comment by 3.16. Sorry 3.16, forgot to mention that those who do not believe in sin can not commit it. I was a believer, now I am clean. Ironically, my freedom from sin came not from death or renewed belief but from finally letting it go.
Trent Greguhn
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 10:11 AM
As it is, I can tell you that just talking won't get through to anyone. As James Randi put it, people's belief in the supernatural are like unsinkable rubber ducks.
If they had pamphlets like that then they definitely deserved what was coming to them. The world has no place for fundamentalism like that. Complete and utter bull crap.
You should watch "The Most Hated Family in America" documentary Jake, I think you would love it.
Also, the Trials of Ted Haggard made me feel empathetic and believe that radicals and fundamentalists can change, but they have to have their congregation taken away from them.
3.16
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 10:11 AM
I dont need a science degree to respect myself Jake, as I do not need to see germs to know they exist. Tho I can not see germs, I know they exist
Faith that sin doesnt exist. Atheist doctrine Jake?
Your freedom from sin Jake? You are a slave to hate Jake, no freedom exists in hate. Read your own article again
Love peace and my prayers for you Jake
Like Saul on the road to Damascus I will pray for you. Nobody is beyond Christs love
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 10:33 AM...in response to this comment by Trent Greguhn. Ted haggard is still preaching, he's just using another angle now.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 10:37 AM
...in response to this comment
by 3.16.
Sin is Christian doctrine, so how can a lack of belief in Christian doctrine imply an atheist doctrine?
If you make that call then you must admit your atheism towards Judaism and Islam and when you do that, you must create a new god as yours is the god of the Jews.
You prayed for Saul on the road to Damascus? When I was Christian, I didn't get a time machine... where the f&ck is my time machine?
Thanks for your prayers though, I totally appreciate that, I'm not being facetious, not at all.
Trent Greguhn
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 11:16 AM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
Yes, I know he's still preaching, and I know he's still wrong, but he did re-evaluate and change some part of his life.
But it gets harder and harder to think people can let go of their superstitions.
3.16
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 11:36 AM
I will pray you have a similar experience to Saul on his road to Damascus. Silly, of course I wasnt there. Misunderstanding.
Jake , you have faith that sin doesnt exist, based solely on belief. You held sin and let it go. It was held, so it does exists
Years ago nobody believed in Germs, yet still got sick
Judaism is the root of Christianity. Christ was the completion.
Even today, Jews await the return of the Messiah from the line of King David. Christianity is the Jewish prophecy fulfilled. The Messiah came and the Jews rejected him
http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/m_prophecies.shtml
The Jews are the Vines and the Christians the leaves, all of the same plant. Love peace and forgiveness the fruit
As to Muslims, yes I know of their God. He is not mine.
You are confused, and I guess will always remain that way, cept for Christ
My prayers are not just for you Jake
and they are my pleasure. No thanks needed
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 12:54 PM...in response to this comment by Trent Greguhn. The only part of his life that he re-evaluated was the homosexual part and drug taking part, and to deny who you truly are or who you're created to be is to go against how you were made...
Marvin the Martian
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 04:42 PMThe biggest problem I have found is that when you try to discuss topics of this nature, the religious cling to their scripture like a fat kid holding on to dessert.
...in response to this comment by Marvin the Martian. As a fat kid, I'm deeply offended. Comparing me to an overly-religious wackjob isn't very nice. :P
Marvin the Martian
Thursday 31st December 2009 | 06:52 PM...in response to this comment by Jim. If I believed in god I would resemble that comment myself. Fortunately I am not burdened with a belief in fictional charachters of a religious nature.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Friday 1st January 2010 | 08:46 AM
...in response to this comment
by 3.16.
Sin is intangible and has no value in life. Sin was created within the bible, lack of belief in something does not automatically create a new belief, that is just plain naive.
I believed it existed because I was told that it existed, as I was told the soul exists, that heaven exists and that god exists. There is no evidence to back up any of those beliefs, just the ramblings of pre-age of enlightenment era human trying to explain their inability to explain life and death.
Regardless of whether the Jews rejected Jesus, that is who he believed that he was sent to save. He is Jesus and his word is Gospel, therefore you can not change that.
How can you not believe that the muslim god is the same as yours you twit? It is the exact same god, created from the exact same damn doctrine! It was Paul who made Jesus the son of God, before that, he didn't even rate.
3.16
Tuesday 5th January 2010 | 09:03 PM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
Jake, confusion is your temple
To suggest that the Koran and the New Testament are even in the remotest part similar, clearly indicates your ignorance
Previously in this thread, I posted a link showing the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Also contained in that thread was the relationship of Christ and the Hebrew nation.
Christs love and forgiveness is the completion
Now Jake, you show me the link between the Koran and the Old Testament
Didnt think so
Calling me a twit is more a reflection on your ignorance than my opinion.
God bless you Jake
I once believed atheists would be protected under the New World Order, satan wants you to worship him. Tread carefully, he is no ones friend
...in response to this comment by Marvin the Martian. Just like a fat kid! that's funny as hell.
To Jake, I love how every time you write some anti-religious, it's like you stirred the hornets nest and all the usual suspects come out, and by suspects I mean arguments and I by arguments, I mean the use of scripture to defend one's logic. Fucking RAD!
I tend to stay away from these kind of threads...but my sick curiosity got the best of me. There's a place in HELL reserved for us buddy. I'll save your seat in the front row, since all of us talking monkeys will be in it, but I reserved out tickets a long time ago. There's only one shitty thing about it, they only serve FOSTERS. warm Fosters.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Wednesday 6th January 2010 | 06:13 AM
...in response to this comment
by 3.16.
3.16, I've read the bible mate, I know the link between the old and new testament... Saul, Capitain of the Anti-Christian Jew brigade, converted to Christianity after he ate halucenogenic cacti and Jesus appeared to him.
He then set about on his 'crusade' to piss on all of the Jewish tradition because he really liked pork and bat meat (which, by the way, tastes great deep fried... tastes like crocodile, which tastes like fish and quail meat mashed together).
The Koran and the new testament are the same in that they were both written by heretics, people who wanted to change the world 'for the better', who wanted to create some level of deeper understanding... even though all that they wrote was complete and utter conjecture. Also, the Islamic God and the God of the Hebrews and thus Christians are the same God of Abraham.
Don't play the "you just don't get it" card mate, cause I do, I get it, I really, really do. If you believe that you have some sort of profound spiritual connection with your god or his son, you go nuts mate, you're delusional, but you're nuts!
Wednesday 6th January 2010 | 06:54 AM
Joe, I keep telling ya man, we Aussies know our beer... Fosters tastes like shit!
Trent Greguhn
Wednesday 6th January 2010 | 08:11 AM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
All I've been trying to say Jake is that Ted is as confused as any other human with a need to belong to something. After seeing what him and his family went through after being exiled from Colorado it was hard to point my finger and say, "You brought this on yourself you douchebag," which is exactly what I said before seeing The Trials of Ted Haggard.
In any case, he was just as indoctrinated as any other child and rasied to hold onto and defend thsoe beliefs, he just wrongly believes that homosexuality is a sin due to the constant pressure of members of his church. It's all really sad and he should just break away from the religion all togther, but he's become dependent and can't, which is what we've been fighting against for so long to begin with. This kind of dependency and continued support of the belief that you must be dependent on a religion or God.
It's a terrible thing.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Wednesday 6th January 2010 | 08:54 AM
...in response to this comment
by Trent Greguhn.
That is a cop out Trent, everything that Haggard did, he did to himself...
I don't feel sorry for him, I feel sorry for his kids and his wife. 5-6 kids and none of them will have a chance for a normal life. He put them through that.
While he may well have been indoctrinated into said beliefs, he did not realise his folly and indoctrinated his children and the children of his congregation. He demonstrates typical Fundamentalist Christian hypocracy.
Trent Greguhn
Wednesday 6th January 2010 | 09:36 AM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
Eh, you're right. I did a bit more research to see what Mr. Haggard was up to now-a-days and I can't believe he's back on his horse again. I thought for sure from what I've seen in interviews and documentaries that he had turned over a new-leaf. To know that he's preaching again is just plain ridicul
I thought he had changed when in actuality he had not. It baffles me how people can be exiled and degraded against the people they thought they belonged to, and still come crawling back and even believe more so than they did before! I feel sorry that his wife is married to a homosexual that will never be able to come out for it and the children being straggled along in that household.
Definitely a hypocrite and I should have done some more research into what he's been up to recently, as he only started preaching again a month ago.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Wednesday 6th January 2010 | 10:45 AM
...in response to this comment
by Trent Greguhn.
Are you kidding, what a grea story of redemption he has now... "I was a fag loving, cocaine adict... and Jesus saved me!"
I should really be in Christian marketing, I think I'd make a fortune!
Trent Greguhn
Thursday 7th January 2010 | 06:45 AM
...in response to this comment
by Jake Farr-Wharton.
I know, it's disgusting. Pardon me for believing he could change after that. How naive I still am to the power religion holds over people.
*sigh*
This, of course, is what I get for defending a nutter who had the opporunity to turn a new leaf. Instead all I got is a dead horse being severely beaten into a fine dust. Silly Rabbit, fundamentalists never change.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 7th January 2010 | 10:25 AM...in response to this comment by Trent Greguhn. Well, I don't know if it was the hold that religion had on him per se, he was rking in squillions at his little church!
Robert Tobin
Wednesday 3rd March 2010 | 07:44 PM
I did not know Brisbane was still that bad. The Ghost of old Joh still lurkes there.
I am a bedraggled refugee from the "Holy" Roman Catholic Church now Atheist. I have two Atheist Nexus T-shirts and one "Rise of Atheism" T-shirt for the Global Atheist Convention that is on next week 12th March in Melbourne.
I live on the Gold Coast and I can wear those T-shirts in public and my badge declaring me as a Minister of the First Church of Atheism (Philidelphia) and get very positive comments and no Christian BS.
...in response to this comment
by Robert Tobin.
"I live on the Gold Coast and I can wear those T-shirts in public and my badge declaring me as a Minister of the First Church of Atheism (Philidelphia) and get very positive comments and no Christian BS"
Awesome. Do you get any preferential treatment for holding such a title? :-)
Welcome to Rusty Lime Robert.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 4th March 2010 | 07:32 AM
...in response to this comment
by Robert Tobin.
While I'm frequently told that I'm an anti-theist evangelist, I vehemently argue with anyone that refers to atheism as a 'religion'. Grrrr.
Seeing as though you live on the Goldie (as do I), hae you had a chance to egg one of the many mega-churches (not that I condone such action) yet?
I once slightly altered the church sign of one of the evangelical churches which read "Jesus is Lard" for several weeks before they noticed and printed an angry letter in the local news.
Are you going to the Global Atheist Convention next week Robert? I'll be there on Sunday!
Peace buddy, look out for me at the convention if you're going.
Trent Greguhn
Thursday 4th March 2010 | 08:17 AM...in response to this comment by Jake Farr-Wharton. I'd love to see how an atheist convention would go over in Salt Lake City, Utah.
So "damn those Christians" for speaking out loud about their beliefs! How dare they impose their beliefs on us! What shall we do? Speak out loud and impose our beliefs on them! Ha, the hypocrisy is tangible. I also like how you make the hasty jump from fundamentalists like those who you portray and all other Christians. Nice little propogandic gloss there.
Then you are mad that they would DARE to seek legislation based on their worldview... this coming from a guy who wants to legislate how Christians can raise their children...
THEN, as pointed out hundreds of times before, you state ALL of this as a universal moral imperative obligatory on all rational people! Are these Christians objectively wrong? Are you MORALLY indignant or just prefer a different flavor of worldview?
I mean honestly. Lets be real here. Do you REALLY not see the double-speak going on in your little anti-religious tirades?
And for all of you who listen in and comment with your congratulatory refrains, do none of you REALLY see the hypocrisy? "Those lousy Christians are so judgmental" is judgmental! "Those bigots shouldnt legislate" as an excuse for legislation against THEM... I mean... really? Sorry, I know the cliche is to fight fire with fire... but no... you fight fire with water.
I mean, as a theist I hate to give you advice, but your message will go over a lot better when you dont come across as fundamentalists yourself. Just a thought.
Oh, and Jake, i also find it funny when atheists dont want to be called a religion, but still go to atheistic conferences, have federations, group meetings, lobbiests, and newsletters. And it may not be a "religion" but it is definitely a faith based worldview predicated on its own a priori presuppositions.
Marvin the Martian
Thursday 4th March 2010 | 09:12 AM
...in response to this comment
by Tyler V.
That's a pretty naive comment. Athiests are not a particularly well organised 'group'. Lack of belief in something is not a storng incetive for meetings or gatherings. While there has been a more conceted effort to bring media and political attention to the 'cause', unlike religions, we do not have regular meetings to murmor praise in unicen to an imaginary athortiy figure in the sky.
What you are suggesting is, in fact, a myth brought forward by those with faith to try and make sense of people outside of religion to make it easier to understand them. Those with faith are used identifying themselves with a particular group. It is how you try to prove to one another that you are going to heaven and they are going to hell, becuase they don't believe the specific dogma you beleive in.
In fact I already wrote an article on the subject called "Atheism is not a religion":
http://www.rustylime.com/show_article.php?id=2439
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 4th March 2010 | 11:13 AM
...in response to this comment
by Tyler V.
Last time I checked, one required belief in a deity and a doctrine showing how to worship said deity.
If the qualifications you gave were all that it takes to be classified as a religion, then university is a religion, businesses are religions, towns are religions, families are religions, farmers have a religion.
...in response to this comment by Jake Farr-Wharton. In Japan, businesses are religion.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Thursday 4th March 2010 | 05:41 PM...in response to this comment by Jim. In China, Yakuza is religion.
Henk van der Gaast
Thursday 4th March 2010 | 06:38 PM
Jake, could you ask your commentators to leave their phone numbers? The AMA is about to confer specialty on 300 psychiatrists in the Sydney region.
The point was... Christians and all other religions behave unacceptably by everyone else's but their own standards. Do you really feel extra secure that the national hairdo or the private budgie smuggler have a line to god to maybe..gasp... make life easier for christians? I would be uncomfortable as a christian that someone would be screwing me for my vote with cheap buddy in the sky talk.
Who gives a fuck about what Jesus said... It's your behaviour that's being criticised.
Sure, be nice, make sausage rolls for the church fete... but dont go ramming mission down unfortunates throats. The day christians start making hospitals and schools without government funding and without hanging their version of a swastika out front and without a single breath of gospel from religiously unvetted staff is the day... you are christians..
Until then, Pauleans, shut up... and of course female christians, glad to see you never ever tell a male what to do or how to think.. back of the church baby.
Marvin the Martian
Wednesday 30th December 2009 | 10:08 AMCOUNT ME IN!