Atheists... Your life is pointless

Lest we forget: this last few pages have explored the premise that the worlds religions have been responsible for - CI said most - I said all - of the human misery of the past 6000 years.

I think CI and I have come pretty close to the mark.

That, IMHO, does not offer the atheist a free pass. Many an atheistic king has promoted the popular priesthood to prolong his power.

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There havent been any "atheistic" kings.

As kings used to justify their rule by 'divine right', it wouldnt be very clever to question the basis of that authority would it?

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You really believe that the kings of history fell for the BS that was handed to the masses? Perhaps some did, but for most, the priests were a cohabitation of convenience.

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I believe "most" kings were religious by their very nature based on a foundation of religion - especially in Europe. The more contemporary heads of state used religion to their personal advantage by understanding how to control the masses from their tyranny; not much different from god's world flood; use of fear.

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neologist wrote:

You really believe that the kings of history fell for the BS that was handed to the masses? Perhaps some did, but for most, the priests were a cohabitation of convenience.

No they used the bs that was handed to the masses.

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neologist wrote:

aperson wrote:
neologist wrote:
aperson wrote:
No person has every harmed human being in the name of atheism.
I believe you are right.

But some well known atheists have subscribed to other isms equally as dangerous.

Stalin comes to mind. I'm sure we could name others.

Ah yes, but that does not scar the name of atheism, for their crimes had nothing to do with atheism. If a Christian murdered someone in the name of an ism which was entirely unrelated to Christianity, I would not attribute the murder to Christianity, just as you should not attribute Stalin's crimes to atheism.
OK

Oh my God, a theist actually admitted he was wrong! This is a historic moment people!

Laughing

Na, good on ya. :wink:

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But Stalin went to "church" school.

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Better the "pointless" life of the atheist, as opposed to the delusional life of the religionist.

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See Chum, that's where I disagree. I think that all people can have purpose in life, and all people can be delusional independent of all things religious or spiritual.

I think that many religious people have purpose in their life, and even if it is for unfounded reasons, they go great good.

Take missionaries for instance. Some missionaries are driven to spread the word of god, others are driven to improve the quality of life for their fellow man.

Maybe I'm more concerned with the end product rather than the meaning, which is impossible to measure.

T
K
O

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aperson wrote:

neologist wrote:
aperson wrote:
neologist wrote:
aperson wrote:
No person has every harmed human being in the name of atheism.
I believe you are right.

But some well known atheists have subscribed to other isms equally as dangerous.

Stalin comes to mind. I'm sure we could name others.

Ah yes, but that does not scar the name of atheism, for their crimes had nothing to do with atheism. If a Christian murdered someone in the name of an ism which was entirely unrelated to Christianity, I would not attribute the murder to Christianity, just as you should not attribute Stalin's crimes to atheism.
OK

Oh my God, a theist actually admitted he was wrong! This is a historic moment people!

Na, good on ya. :wink:

I didn't attribute Stalin's crimes to atheism, just to ism. His atheism neither prevented nor facilitated his crimes.

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Diest TKO wrote:

See Chum, that's where I disagree. I think that all people can have purpose in life, and all people can be delusional independent of all things religious or spiritual.

I think that many religious people have purpose in their life, and even if it is for unfounded reasons, they go great good.

Take missionaries for instance. Some missionaries are driven to spread the word of god, others are driven to improve the quality of life for their fellow man.

Maybe I'm more concerned with the end product rather than the meaning, which is impossible to measure.

T
K
O

TKO, In all of our negativity against religion, you have reminded us that many of religion also does good works towards humans; not only as missionaries in foreign countries, but by providing social services in our local communities like food banks, shelters, and support groups for all manners of people needing them.

I'm guilty of harping on religion too often, and will try to refrain from being always negative in the future.

Thanks for the reminder; I needed that!

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Chumly wrote:

Better the "pointless" life of the atheist, as opposed to the delusional life of the religionist.

Diest TKO wrote:

See Chum, that's where I disagree. I think that all people can have purpose in life, and all people can be delusional independent of all things religious or spiritual.

I think that many religious people have purpose in their life, and even if it is for unfounded reasons, they go great good.

Take missionaries for instance. Some missionaries are driven to spread the word of god, others are driven to improve the quality of life for their fellow man.

Maybe I'm more concerned with the end product rather than the meaning, which is impossible to measure.

T
K
O

I put the word 'purpose" in quotes. Thus your literal interpretation of my text appears to be error.........n'est pas? It's an in-context point of comparison, and not a definitive opine.

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But they always make sure the recipients realize they are doing Gods work-one way or the other and in doing so it's good advertising- makes sure the masses know that their donations are doing "good" deeds for through them and their God.... :wink: Gotta keep the money rolling in yah know... Don't get any from their God. Crying or Very sad

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Sorry above was in reply to CI

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ab, But isn't the overall benefit what counts? People in need, especially for food and shelter, may have nowhere else to go. After all, their mission is also to convert the heathens.

I also understand that some church groups go to prisons to "convert" them to christianity. If they come out better citizens, I don't see the harm.

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An individual's subjective claims are not, per se, eligible as quantifiable / qualifyable.

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Chumley wrote:

An individual's subjective claims are not, per se, eligible as quantifiable / qualifyable.

No argument there; but that's the problem with all those confessing their religious beliefs. There is really no way to quantify whether religion has transformed the criminal into a law abiding citizen - and visa-versa. Many so-called Christians commit heinous crimes. Lay of Enron was one of them.

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Some believe faith can be tested; me I'm more likely to quote The Shadow from 1930s and 1940s radio "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?"

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anton bonnier wrote:

But they always make sure the recipients realize they are doing Gods work-one way or the other and in doing so it's good advertising- makes sure the masses know that their donations are doing "good" deeds for through them and their God.... :wink: Gotta keep the money rolling in yah know... Don't get any from their God.

I think those people who stay here in the US say that they are doing God's work, or at least advertise it as such. I think in sermon, the missionary is so easily exploited as look at how good God's grace is. Meanwhile the patrons feel righteously satisfied in their convictions whilst in the comfort of a full stomach and air conditioning.

Perhaps a monetary contribution could make us all like the missionaries that we all admire.

It makes me sad to see those individuals be exploited.

[/rant]

T
K
O

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Chumly wrote:

Chumly wrote:
Better the "pointless" life of the atheist, as opposed to the delusional life of the religionist.
Diest TKO wrote:
See Chum, that's where I disagree. I think that all people can have purpose in life, and all people can be delusional independent of all things religious or spiritual.

I think that many religious people have purpose in their life, and even if it is for unfounded reasons, they go great good.

Take missionaries for instance. Some missionaries are driven to spread the word of god, others are driven to improve the quality of life for their fellow man.

Maybe I'm more concerned with the end product rather than the meaning, which is impossible to measure.

T
K
O
I put the word 'purpose" in quotes. Thus your literal interpretation of my text appears to be error.........n'est pas? It's an in-context point of comparison, and not a definitive opine.

I can dig it. I was just thinking to myself that if in religious delusion, you can still help the world, that at least has meaning to me.

That's all.
K
O

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Atheists... Your life is pointless

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