proposed: rename this the atheist forum and be done with it.

I completely support atheists. I think they SHOULD have a forum.
I just don't think calling THIS forum religion/theology is accurate.

Religion and theology are the main theme and these themes are discussed. I mean, even the mods send threads this way.

Atheists hold a position on religion and theology so their point of view is welcome here.

of deities. So atheism belongs in a forum entitled Religion/Theology, since atheism has to do with that discussion.

Christians just believe that one more god exists than atheists do. Fodder for discussion, is it not?

under the weight of its own stupidity.

I don't believe that Zeus ever existed, except in the human imagination. I imagine you agree. So, you see, we begin with agreement. How about Kali? Does Kali exist? No? Then we agree again. How quaint that we should agree.

Indeed, I could, no doubt, name hundreds of deities and claim they do not exist and you would agree with me.

unfortunately, my point is that this forum has been taken over by some really unpleasant atheists that gang up on anyone else and eventually drive them away through attrition.

since I don't see that likely to change anytime soon, I think the forum should be more accurately labeled.

I'm sorry your faith is so weak that it won't stand up to any criticism at all, but that's your problem, not anyone else's.

Atheists do have a forum. It's where we go to let out hair down and be who we are without fear of treading on toes. Individual faiths also have their forums and polite atheists don't go there.

However, the atheist forum has been mined for quotes by believers who are trying to prove just how persecuted they are.

Shame on them.

This is a place for a discussion of religion, it's place and effect on public policy, and sometimes its effect on people.

If you can't take an open discussion, I suggest you find one of the closed discussions.

Good luck.

Forum on Compuserve, there were always folks who wanted to turn the Religion Forum into the Fundamentalist Christian Forum. The chief step they wanted was to exclude atheists from their forum. As here, however, atheism was seen as a valid point of view on Religion.

I'm embarrassed to see that the sentiment to exclude atheists from the Religion forum has occurred here.

As you say, there is a forum for Atheists here, although I haven't actually ever been there. I prefer a mixed forum, and Religion takes in just about everything. In fact, I'd sure like to see more discussions of non-Christian religions. It would serve as a learning opportunity for many.

however, its clear that the religion forum is populated by some who would prefer christians disappear.
On the other hand, there are very many polite and reasonable atheists who can discuss an issue without namecalling and insults.

people that don't agree with you. You might want to ask yourself WWJD? After all He spoke to non-believers, sinners, prostitutes and the sick.

So if it wasn't about separating yourself from Atheists, what was the point of your post? If you were trying to say that the forum should be renamed because the majority of posters here seem to be non-believers- then you know that it's true. The more educated people are, the less they tend to believe in myths. It only makes sense that at a site for Democrats with a forum on religion, that non -believers would post here. So why take the moment to complain about it and suggest a change be made, unless you wanted exclusion?

I suppose.

or is it just that some of us have been too aggressive in our responses?

but yes, I'm responding to the degree of agression and the way that tends to drive away posters that might contribute greatly to the discussion.

so your assessment is correct. Thanks for understanding.

Instead, it's a discussion of religion and theology. Part of that discussion includes examining aspects of religion and theology that may not be comfortable to you.

There are several groups dedicated to religion and don't allow atheists to post the sorts of things you have a problem with here in R&T. You might feel more comfortable in one of them.

for having the greater intellectual impact in this forum. The religious and hyper-religious have the same opportunity to voice their opinions and debate religious topics as non-believers do here, but they always seem to be whining about atheists spoiling things for everyone else. If you're frustrated at every turn here by having to debate people who actually use facts, logic and evidence in their arguments, when you have none of those to support yours, too bad. We're here and we're not leaving.

without the insults, of course.
You are camped out here permanently, with the intention of driving away anyone who is religious.

because you feel that your Christian myths aren't supported here enough?

It insults me that you come here and imply with your original post that your point of view is excluded, when it is not. As if it the non-believers fault that you aren't allowed make your argument in defense of your faith with fact and logic.

Instead of complaining and suggesting a change, try making the argument. If it is based on fact and logic, it will stand.

and, can you point to any insults I've made of any atheists?

Like I said, and you admitted- you feel that you have been excluded and you know that it is not true. One does not need to say mean things to hurt someones feelings, actions one takes can also be insulting.

Defend your beliefs, make your argument, bring others here that will support you. No one has been excluded and if you feel that you have, then it your own doing. The non-believers have done nothing to exclude you and implying that they have, is an insult.

Questioning their beliefs in any way, especially by quoting their own holy book, is intolerant! Ergo, the very existence of atheism on this board is exclusionary. :eyes:

and not one I agree with.

and your agreement is not required.

If you feel that when a theist poses a question or a topic and an atheist comes along a proves it wrong is "driving away" someone, then you need to reevaluate what a debate or a discussion is.

And how exactly have any religious people been "driven away", other than in shame for trying advance such foolish arguments and defend such ridiculous notions, for no other reason than that they are emotionally incapable of abandoning them? And yes, we are camped out here...with the intention of squashing indefensible religious foolishness in whatever form before it spreads.

thanks

Since my post doesn't prove your premise at all, but simply shows that atheists will argue their points of view on this board as strongly as the religionists. Apparently you object to that, but that's no surprise.

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WHAT ABOUT TEH CHRISTIANS?!?!?!?!?!?!

In the words of Morgan Freeman: "You whine like a mule!"

You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?

Do you know what atheists would do if tomorrow we all woke up and there was no religion? Go on talking about science, politics, social items, economics, sports, and the thousands of other topics that normally hold our interest until some asshat walks up and says "Have you found Jesus?"

Yes, sometimes we get pissy about being preached to, and sometimes we may even throw a little fire back from where it came, but if you think for one measly little second that atheists are somehow obsessed with you and your cult-brothers, then you have a bigger persecution complex than even I suspected.

As an aside, you're quite annoying.

because that phrase somehow alters the meaning or tenor of your hateful and assumptive post in any significant way. :eyes:

As an aside, the feeling is returned, quite heartily.

are you defined so much by the label Catholic or Christian that if you suddenly lost that label you would have nothing to talk about?

Didn't think so, but then again maybe I was wrong.

but you are tiresomely repetitive when you fail to make your point the first time.

you are a child that seems unable to post ANYTHING of substance.