That's usually in a particular context, StG.

>>There is a few on here that would like to see it gone. 'Fables' was brought up already.<<

It is predominantly a reflex action. When the religious folk posting here quote from their scripture in order to justify their stance on an issue, atheists tend to react by suggesting that they are relying upon a bunch of stories, as opposed to strictly factual occurrences.

Hence "fables".

To understand this, you need to recognize that to an atheist, the Bible is as reliable a source, on issues of fact, as the Harry Potter stories. They will, generally speaking, accept that the parables and morality tales are more or less appropriate for human consumption. But again, in much the same way as we can "learn" from the trials and tribulations of a fictitious child wizard.

I don't think it's necessarily fair to say that this indicates a general desire to see the end of religion.

>>The way I see it is that it would happen two ways. One way would be by force, by making worship illegal and punishing people for worshipping.<<

That is exactly how I see it NOT happening. Trying to deny someone else the right to believe what they believe, by force, is like trying to put out a fire by throwing gasolene on it.

If we haven't learned that by now. then I suspect we never will. We are surrounded by recent, vivid examples, mostly in the animosity between Christianity and Islam, that underline the reality that religious beliefs will never be eliminated by coercion of any kind.

>>The second would be by choice. Some event or understanding that makes people let faith go.<<

Agreed. But I strongly believe that will be a personal choice, and not a collective one.

>>What's an Atheist called if religion doesn't exist?. Just curious.<<

"Atheist" will simply become a historical term, along with "Christian", "Muslim", "Hindu" etc.

Much as we don't refer to people as "serfs" any longer. It no longer refers to feudalism, instead is used figuratively, rather than literally.

Foxy

you write
'You condemn people that (like me) - people you
don't even know. It isn't your job to condemn -
for God condemns no one. He heals through
forgiveness and asks that you do likewise.'

I have never seen you as any better or any worse than any other human including myself. I think you know that. The point is that all humans are born into sin as is obvious by their actions. People who don't fear the consequences of their actions are far more likely to commit crime of all sorts than those knowing they will be held accountable.

Every person on earth has fear. Faith actually overcomes that fear. Whether people fear the death of a love one, the irrationality of gw or not having enough money to pay the bills. A healthy fear of God reduces all other fears. Usually people who say they have no fear are in deniable. It seems one of biggest fears would be Tony Abbott as PM (joke intended).

My view of you is as every other human. Like me I see you as a sinner in great need of grace. It seems that only the self righteous are in denial. This message has and will always be offensive to those who are secure in their own self righteousness

Dear runner,

self righteous?

No!

I don't look at other people as "sinners."

I also don't feel obligated to believe that
the same God who has endowed us with sense,
reason and intellect has intended us to forego
their use.

Pericles,

I didn't "quote from scripture" when Belly brought up 'fables'. 'Harry Potter', you actually want me to take that seriously?. Stopped reading there.

we are unique,

Thanks for taking the time to comprehend and consider my question. It's very much appreciated.

Peter Hume,

Thanks for your thoughts.

Severin,

'God', to me, isn't some crochety old bloke with a cane and beard who wears his undies on the outside and a cape. To me, that's ridiculous, and that's why I take take those thought processes seriously.

God doesn't allow man to kill each other, man is responsible own his own. Did God allow my partner to have Cystic Fibrosis to punish her?. Of course not, CF is a genetic disease, her genes make her terminal. Does God allow children to be hurt by predators?. No, that's man's doing. To me, God welcomes them home when we lose them. To me, God knows what's in a our hearts no matter our sexual orientation or mistakes - as the "Christian" idea of sin was mentioned in your vid - and judges us on our soul. If I lead a good life and make the best decisions I can based on respect for others then surely I'll get a place in this heaven?. IF not, I tried, and I can only be me. At least I felt I was a good person and lived my life accordingly. ISn't that the main thing regardless of personal beliefs?.

Just because I identify myself as a Christian that doesn't give you, or others, an opening to ridicule and vilify me based on your own misconceptions, assumptions, ignorance, and personal agenda.

I haven't, and would never, do it to any of you guys, so why is it alright for you guys to do it to me?.

StG

Nowhere have I personally vilified you. However, I do not share your belief in god and, if I am to be honest to myself, I will present reasons why, be they in the form of humour or serious discussion. On your thread I have done both.

I don't believe that if I live a decent life I will go to heaven (which sounds dead boring) I simply won't 'be' any more. Therefore, I am trying to live as best as I can with what abilities I have during the short span of time I have here on earth. Occasionally, I am proud to say I have made positive difference to some other lives, that I can look back and see where I have erred and where I have succeeded is enough - I don't need the promise of a reward. Most atheists and agnostics would say much the same thing.

PS

I appreciate your honesty regarding your partner and that you don't expect god to intervene.

Thank you.