thou shalt not convert
December 17, 2007 by Betmo
a hat tip to sarah over at woman without superstition for this questionnaire- there are certain questions fundies and christians throw at non believers all of the time. they don’t have any answers for their beliefs- other than the circular arguments and the old standby- ‘god said so in the bible.’ but- they think we should have all of our t’s crossed and i’s dotted- or try to ‘trip us up.’ so i thought that perhaps i should take a peek and answer some of these questions since i am vehemently opposed to religion of any stripe but christianity in particular- since it’s the religion that is currently fucking up the rest of the world through war and greed. so- here are the questions and my answers- feel free to take the questions and answer them your own way. i am not in the slightest bit interested in being converted folks- so please save your breath if you are feeling compelled. thanks in advance. signed- godless heathen (aka betmo)
Why do you not believe in God?
I see no reason to.
Where do your morals come from?
Inside me- i have a basic respect for humanity and my environment.
What is the meaning of life?
Life just is. There is no rhyme or reason to it- it happens. We are born; we live; we die.
Is atheism a religion?
no.
If you don’t pray, what do you do during troubling times?
Work through the troubles.
Should atheists be trying to convince others to stop believing in God?
No one can convince someone else of anything they don’t already want to believe- athiests can’t convince religious minded people that god doesn’t exist and religious folks can save their breath too.
Weren’t some of the worst atrocities in the 20th century committed by atheists?
Perhaps but some of the worst atrocities in human history were committed in the name of religion- be it christianity, islam, hinduism, or hindu- or pagan.
How could billions of people be wrong when it comes to belief in God?
Crowd mentality.
Why does the universe exist?
Why shouldn’t it?
How did life originate?
I wasn’t there- so i don’t know. I know how life originates now.
Is all religion harmful?
Yes- because people confuse religion with what they are truly seeking- spirituality.
What’s so bad about religious moderates?
They adhere to religious dogma instead of thinking for themselves.
Is there anything redeeming about religion?
They honed basic human tenets and integrated them into their dogmas and reached far greater numbers of people.
What if you’re wrong about God (and He does exist)?
Then- since he is an all loving and all knowing god full of forgiveness- he will forgive me.
Shouldn’t all religious beliefs be respected?
no.
Are atheists smarter than theists?
no.
How do you deal with the historical Jesus if you don’t believe in his divinity?
He is a historical figure who was used by an opportunist for his own gain. The man himself didn’t believe he was the son of god. He was jewish.
Would the world be better off without any religion?
yes.
What happens when we die?
We die.
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Hey Betmo! I appreciate your taking a stand on this issue and never waivering….I got turned off by the fundies several years ago when I was in a Christian singing group in high school..I was supposed to try to witness to people…go to restaurants, etc…and preach the gospel…that was it for me…
As you know Betmo, I believe in Jesus and his teachings. But I Hate organized religion. I am still not sure if there is a heaven, but thats not the point of your post.
I agree with you on how the evangelical or fundi fuckwits are a royal pain in the ass. They are usually the ones least likely to practice what Jesus taught too. Ironic no?
dusty honey- you are supposed to be able to believe and worship as you please in this country. unfortunately, folks like me and many different religions are coming under fire still- from the christians in america. they portray themselves as the underdog and then scream that they are a majority. nothing like trying to play both sides against the middle. truth be told, most christian folks live and let live. but… also, they tend to vote rethug- so aren’t as innocent as they may appear. by voting abortion or anti gay rights- they have dealt this country a blow as big as the one the fundies are attempting right now. i will rail against religion until they put me in a detention facility or i die. whichever comes first.
Betmo..the “Christians” that are attacking folks, or as you say convert folks, are not true believers..they are fundi’s that want to control every aspect of our lives. They are bullshit on a stick to put it simply.
Hi Betmo! It’s me again, Beth, you know the one with a thousand blogs, currently on hiatus? I support you 100% on this Christian thing…it gets a whole lotta people in trouble…religion in general…When my husband came back from serving in Desert Storm back in 1990, the first thing he talked about was religion, and how it seemed to be the cause of all wars….that and power and oil of course..and money..but you know, they are all tied together…
oh- i know the christians of who you speak dusty
trust me. those folks are the phelps of the world. the more insidious christians are the ones like in mr. betmo’s office- the ones who vote rethug because they are anti abortion. or they believe god doesn’t believe in homosexuality. they are the ones who put bushco in office twice- not just the fundies. they are the ones i am against whole heartedly.
and yes, beth, i remember you- and thank you for your support.