Posted by Dave001 on January 7, 2005, at 16:01:16
In reply to Re: for every action » Dave001, posted by Angel Girl on December 31, 2004, at 22:20:28
> > > I wish I could get you in the same room as my 27yr old son. He claims to be an anthiest. Doesn't believe in God but does believe in the devil. Also
> >
> > Although your reply was directed toward someone else, I thought I'd chime in here and point out that it is at least inconsistent to believe in a "the devil," without believing in "God."
> >
> > > doesn't believe in angels, although Satan is a fallen angel, of which he also doesn't believe. He also doesn't believe in Heaven, not sure what his belief is in Hell. He believes we developed from apes but when I ask him where the apes come from, he doesn't know. I would love for someone who is a
> >
> > Well, to stimulate his critical thinking process, ask him about his thoughts on the origin of the devil. Granted, I don't know your son, but since he said he believes man evolved from apes, you might consider that he was being facetious when he expressed a belief in a devil.
> >
> > > knowledgable Christian to debate beliefs with him. As a Christian myself, but not a very good one, it saddens me deeply that he doesn't believe in God. However; at least I can be happy in the fact that he is not a Satan worshipper either.
> > >
> >
> > Oh God (no pun intended), Nietzsche would have a field day here. I love a good debate on religion, but this isn't the place for it. As an atheist, I'd no doubt say something resulting in me being banned, albeit unintentionally. We heretics always have a way of getting burned (pun intended). ;-)
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> Dave
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> Your comments are VERY welcome, especially since I understand you to say you are an athiest because I do not understand exactly what an athiest believes.
>An atheist is simply one who does not believe in the existence of a physical deity. All scientists are atheists, whether they admit it or not. Also, many people who claim to believe in God are essentially atheists; that is, they use the term metaphorically, but do not believe in the existence of a *physical* God. Me, I just include God in the same category as Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny, etc.
The following quote on religion is from my favorite stand-up comedian, George Carlin:
"Religion easily—has the best bullsh*t story of all time. Think about it. Religion has convinced people that there's an invisible man...living in the sky. Who watches everything you do every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a list of ten specific things he doesn't want you to do. And if you do any of these things, he will send you to a special place, of burning and fire and smoke and torture and anguish for you to live forever, and suffer, and burn, and scream, until the end of time. But he loves you. He loves you. He loves you and he needs money."
Tell me that isn't funny! :-)
> It may be inconsistent but he claims to believe in Satan but not God. Oh he was not being facetious, he definitely believes in Satan. We haven't had any discussions lately, so I can not remember what he believes Satan's origin is.
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> I hope I have not offended you or anyone here who claims to be an athiest or a Satan worshipper.
>The way in which you worded that sentence makes me think you may be confused about the definition of an atheist. An atheist is _NOT_ a Satan worshipper. On the contrary, being an atheist precludes the belief in Satan or any other supernatural entities.
> Unfortunately, my son is a real trigger for me right now and this is one discussion that I'd be smart to stay out of right now, although I am tempted to ask him the questions you proposed.
>
> Thanks for your input and again, I hope that I did not offend.Please don't be concerned about offending me. I am not easily offended, and I certainly found no part of your message ill-spirited. Quite the opposite.
Dave
poster:Dave001
thread:433996
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050106/msgs/439075.html