Misery Loves Company

[Taz]

Atheism is an argument against others having beliefs. It is a dead end. It doesn’t have a positive program. It is a negation. Throughout history human beings were able to derive happiness by finding meaning in life. This is especially true for those who suffered. William Joyce, said, "When all is said and done, we are in the end absolutely dependent on the universe; and into sacrifices and surrenders of some sort, deliberately looked at and accepted, we are drawn and pressed as into our only permanent positions of repose. Now in those states of mind which fall short of religion, the surrender is submitted to as an imposition of necessity, and the sacrifice is undergone at the very best without complaint. In the religious life, on the contrary, surrender and sacrifice are positively espoused: even unnecessary givings-up are added in order that the happiness may increase. Religion thus makes easy and felicitous what in any case is necessary; and if it be the only agency that can accomplish this result, its vital importance as a human faculty stands vindicated beyond dispute. It becomes an essential organ of our life, performing a function which no other portion of our nature can so successfully fulfill."

Happiness consists of seeing one’s life in its entirety as meaningful and worthwhile. Atheism has no such foundation. They are so miserable that they can't stand it when others are happy. Thus proving the old adage that misery loves company.

That's why agnosticism is the thinking person's position, we admit that we don't know either way and are still searching. The only logical choice.

And I'm very happy and have meaning to my life, but thanks for caring.

 

[Meriweather]

Everyone does what suits them. Even though you say you're doing god's will it is what suits you. You are doing exactly what nonbelievers do.

I don't know any atheists that are trying to change the world to their view.

Personally I'm one of those leave no trace people so I plan living my life with as little impact on the planet as possible. That suits me

I am not arguing that people act in the manner they believe is best for themselves and those they love. What has me wondering is why non-believers are so angry with believers, why they mock them, call them defective, and brainwashed. This is very different behavior than I ever experienced from atheists I am close to. Atheists don't believe in God. So what. Why go on the warpath about it?

 

[ding]

Atheism is an argument against others having beliefs. It is a dead end. It doesn’t have a positive program. It is a negation. Throughout history human beings were able to derive happiness by finding meaning in life. This is especially true for those who suffered. William Joyce, said, "When all is said and done, we are in the end absolutely dependent on the universe; and into sacrifices and surrenders of some sort, deliberately looked at and accepted, we are drawn and pressed as into our only permanent positions of repose. Now in those states of mind which fall short of religion, the surrender is submitted to as an imposition of necessity, and the sacrifice is undergone at the very best without complaint. In the religious life, on the contrary, surrender and sacrifice are positively espoused: even unnecessary givings-up are added in order that the happiness may increase. Religion thus makes easy and felicitous what in any case is necessary; and if it be the only agency that can accomplish this result, its vital importance as a human faculty stands vindicated beyond dispute. It becomes an essential organ of our life, performing a function which no other portion of our nature can so successfully fulfill."

Happiness consists of seeing one’s life in its entirety as meaningful and worthwhile. Atheism has no such foundation. They are so miserable that they can't stand it when others are happy. Thus proving the old adage that misery loves company.

That's why agnosticism is the thinking person's position, we admit that we don't know either way and are still searching. The only logical choice.

And I'm very happy and have meaning to my life, but thanks for caring.

Who are you trying to convince?

 

[Taz]

Atheism is an argument against others having beliefs. It is a dead end. It doesn’t have a positive program. It is a negation. Throughout history human beings were able to derive happiness by finding meaning in life. This is especially true for those who suffered. William Joyce, said, "When all is said and done, we are in the end absolutely dependent on the universe; and into sacrifices and surrenders of some sort, deliberately looked at and accepted, we are drawn and pressed as into our only permanent positions of repose. Now in those states of mind which fall short of religion, the surrender is submitted to as an imposition of necessity, and the sacrifice is undergone at the very best without complaint. In the religious life, on the contrary, surrender and sacrifice are positively espoused: even unnecessary givings-up are added in order that the happiness may increase. Religion thus makes easy and felicitous what in any case is necessary; and if it be the only agency that can accomplish this result, its vital importance as a human faculty stands vindicated beyond dispute. It becomes an essential organ of our life, performing a function which no other portion of our nature can so successfully fulfill."

Happiness consists of seeing one’s life in its entirety as meaningful and worthwhile. Atheism has no such foundation. They are so miserable that they can't stand it when others are happy. Thus proving the old adage that misery loves company.

That's why agnosticism is the thinking person's position, we admit that we don't know either way and are still searching. The only logical choice.

And I'm very happy and have meaning to my life, but thanks for caring.

Who are you trying to convince?

Just replying to your nonsense.

 

[ding]

Atheism is an argument against others having beliefs. It is a dead end. It doesn’t have a positive program. It is a negation. Throughout history human beings were able to derive happiness by finding meaning in life. This is especially true for those who suffered. William Joyce, said, "When all is said and done, we are in the end absolutely dependent on the universe; and into sacrifices and surrenders of some sort, deliberately looked at and accepted, we are drawn and pressed as into our only permanent positions of repose. Now in those states of mind which fall short of religion, the surrender is submitted to as an imposition of necessity, and the sacrifice is undergone at the very best without complaint. In the religious life, on the contrary, surrender and sacrifice are positively espoused: even unnecessary givings-up are added in order that the happiness may increase. Religion thus makes easy and felicitous what in any case is necessary; and if it be the only agency that can accomplish this result, its vital importance as a human faculty stands vindicated beyond dispute. It becomes an essential organ of our life, performing a function which no other portion of our nature can so successfully fulfill."

Happiness consists of seeing one’s life in its entirety as meaningful and worthwhile. Atheism has no such foundation. They are so miserable that they can't stand it when others are happy. Thus proving the old adage that misery loves company.

That's why agnosticism is the thinking person's position, we admit that we don't know either way and are still searching. The only logical choice.

And I'm very happy and have meaning to my life, but thanks for caring.

Who are you trying to convince?

Just replying to your nonsense.

Nope. You are definitely daving.

 

[ding]

I am actually pretty happy knowing i dont have to be a dishonest hack to spin shit to mean what i want it to mean.
I am pretty happy knowing i am comfortable not knowing the answer to everything.
I am pretty happy that i am not dishonest enough to fill in holes with a man made concept to explain existence.
Your OP is nothing more than a militant religious attack on people that think different from you. Your Jesus probably hates you. Does that make YOU happy, ding?

Don't be so hard on yourself, TN. You are more than enough dishonest to practice critical theory.

 

[ding]

I consider every day that there is a "higher power" out there.

No, you don't. You look for reasons to not believe and to be critical of religion.

By any objective measure religion has been a force for good.

 

[ding]

I am actually pretty happy knowing i dont have to be a dishonest hack to spin shit to mean what i want it to mean.
I am pretty happy knowing i am comfortable not knowing the answer to everything.
I am pretty happy that i am not dishonest enough to fill in holes with a man made concept to explain existence.
Your OP is nothing more than a militant religious attack on people that think different from you. Your Jesus probably hates you. Does that make YOU happy, ding?

And this is a great example of what exasperates me about some atheists.

1. A person can appreciate scripture without the obligation to also "spin" it. It can provide simple insights into universal everyday human issues.

2. Religion does not offer answers to everything, but it does open up new possibilities in living life.

3. Religion is not about explaining existence, it is about dealing with existence.

4. Religion helps in providing time and encouragement to rise above myself and see life and the world from different perspectives. Listening to scripture and homilies is like the advice from a good friend (or even a therapist). Since by design we are wrapped in self, it is often helpful to have the outsider assist in helping us perceive what is visible from the outside.

5. For most of us, religion is not about the afterlife, it is about self-improvement, encouragement, and a wider perspective. It makes us better everyday people which brings more happiness and joy into life.

I respectfully disagree with every point.
None of that is my experience. Of course, you are different than most. So i guess thats to be expected lol. I mean that in a high regard BTW

Thank you for proving my point.

 

[ding]

In my experience it's the people who are concerned with their everlasting life in paradise that are unhappy. The most pious people I have ever met were also the meanest assholes I ever met.

We who know that this life is all we have tend to do everything possible to make the most of it.

So while you bible thumpers piss and moan about gay marriage and other meaningless drivel we're all having fun.

We are on this rock for but a blink in time. It'a all we have so be happy and allow others to be happy. If it makes you feel better about yourself if you say you are happier than I am that's fine with me.

IOW mind your own business

That fact that you believe religion focuses on the after life instead of living life, is proof that you don't understand religion at all.

 

[ding]

some of the most bitter peeps i have met are so called christians....my grandfather claimed the title and was the most bigoted and hateful man i have ever known...when mega churches exist ...there needs to be questions..when preachers need private jets..the list just goes on and on....why were flags lowered to half mast for billy graham?

Flying the flag at half-staff is an area of flag etiquette that most people want to make sure they get right. It is also an area for which the road to error is routinely paved with good intentions. With that in mind, we offer this refresher course as the all-important intersection where knowledge meets benevolence.


FLYING THE FLAG AT HALF-STAFF: The pertinent section of the Flag Code says, "by order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possesion, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.

In the event of the death a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that state, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff." The code also includes other related details including the specific length of time during which the flag should be displayed at half-staff, in the event of the death of a "principal figure"(e.g., 30 days for the death of a sitting or former President, 10 days for the death of a sitting Vice-President,etc.).


Displaying Flag at Half-Staff

Confirm your bias much?

 

[ding]

And believers aren't violent at all, right?

If that were true, all you would be able to see in believers would be apathy. And, as a whole, we are not apathetic!

But ALL atheists are the same right?

And my experience with believers is they are the most judgmental jerks I have ever met

The ones I see posting here day in and day out? Yes.

I'm not selective in who I challenge. I challenge believers and non-believers. Can you say the same?

 

[ding]

Anarchy is the wrong word.
One can not believe in the false promise of life everlasting and still care about the quality of life.

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is within our reach, is within us, is in our midst. We enter the Kingdom right now, right here on earth, and this Kingdom extends into eternal life. Those who believe this world is a cesspool have it wrong, as are people who don't care about this world. This world is where the Kingdom begins. The hope is that we can make this world be as it is in heaven.

You don't have to believe in heaven to want to make the world a better place

It's a good thing religion is about living this life and not dying then.

 

[ding]

I respectfully disagree with every point.
None of that is my experience. Of course, you are different than most. So i guess thats to be expected lol. I mean that in a high regard BTW

Well, thank you. For my part, I've always seen you as a good atheist. I am thinking we must move in very different circles, because what I listed is quite common--at least among the people and communities in which I have been involved.

I consider myself agnostic but thanks lol

Cool story, bro.

 

[ding]

seems christians tend to live for this promised afterlife...everyone wants to get to heaven but no one wants to die

That's pretty funny considering you recently faced your mortality.

 

[Skull Pilot]

Everyone does what suits them. Even though you say you're doing god's will it is what suits you. You are doing exactly what nonbelievers do.

I don't know any atheists that are trying to change the world to their view.

Personally I'm one of those leave no trace people so I plan living my life with as little impact on the planet as possible. That suits me

I am not arguing that people act in the manner they believe is best for themselves and those they love. What has me wondering is why non-believers are so angry with believers, why they mock them, call them defective, and brainwashed. This is very different behavior than I ever experienced from atheists I am close to. Atheists don't believe in God. So what. Why go on the warpath about it?

Most nonbelievers don't care what you believe.

 

[Skull Pilot]

In my experience it's the people who are concerned with their everlasting life in paradise that are unhappy. The most pious people I have ever met were also the meanest assholes I ever met.

We who know that this life is all we have tend to do everything possible to make the most of it.

So while you bible thumpers piss and moan about gay marriage and other meaningless drivel we're all having fun.

We are on this rock for but a blink in time. It'a all we have so be happy and allow others to be happy. If it makes you feel better about yourself if you say you are happier than I am that's fine with me.

IOW mind your own business

That fact that you believe religion focuses on the after life instead of living life, is proof that you don't understand religion at all.

Yeah and you're the expert

 

[ding]

In my experience it's the people who are concerned with their everlasting life in paradise that are unhappy. The most pious people I have ever met were also the meanest assholes I ever met.

We who know that this life is all we have tend to do everything possible to make the most of it.

So while you bible thumpers piss and moan about gay marriage and other meaningless drivel we're all having fun.

We are on this rock for but a blink in time. It'a all we have so be happy and allow others to be happy. If it makes you feel better about yourself if you say you are happier than I am that's fine with me.

IOW mind your own business

That fact that you believe religion focuses on the after life instead of living life, is proof that you don't understand religion at all.

Yeah and you're the expert

Well I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.

 

[ding]

Everyone does what suits them. Even though you say you're doing god's will it is what suits you. You are doing exactly what nonbelievers do.

I don't know any atheists that are trying to change the world to their view.

Personally I'm one of those leave no trace people so I plan living my life with as little impact on the planet as possible. That suits me

I am not arguing that people act in the manner they believe is best for themselves and those they love. What has me wondering is why non-believers are so angry with believers, why they mock them, call them defective, and brainwashed. This is very different behavior than I ever experienced from atheists I am close to. Atheists don't believe in God. So what. Why go on the warpath about it?

Most nonbelievers don't care what you believe.

True. But the ones who post in USMB do.

 

[TNHarley]

I consider every day that there is a "higher power" out there.

No, you don't. You look for reasons to not believe and to be critical of religion.

By any objective measure religion has been a force for good.

Yea, religion has also caused the death of millions of people.
A higher power doesnt automatically equate with religion. YOU do that. That isnt the way it is.
I clearly stated i dont believe in man made religion. What i dont doubt is the chance of a higher power.

 

[ding]

I consider every day that there is a "higher power" out there.

No, you don't. You look for reasons to not believe and to be critical of religion.

By any objective measure religion has been a force for good.

Yea, religion has also caused the death of millions of people.
A higher power doesnt automatically equate with religion. YOU do that. That isnt the way it is.
I clearly stated i dont believe in man made religion. What i dont doubt is the chance of a higher power.

Religion has caused the death of millions of people? Or man has caused the death of millions of people?

All but one religion are men seeking God, TN. They don't claim otherwise. Only one religion makes the claim of God seeking man. The question you have to ask yourself is why do they do that? The answer is that man is hardwired to worship. The only choice he gets is in choosing what he will worship.

As for the value of religion, I submit to you that you have never made an objective analysis of the good that religion provides. You only see the bad.