[Discussion] Who is more open to your beliefs? [Religious and Non-religious people needed]

ShiningStar

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I never knew that you were Atheist! That is cool.

Well, it is hard to explain, but I do fit in more with the Atheist group than the Non-Atheist (Religious) group. Do I believe the Universe was created by something? Yes. Do I think it was a person or a spiritual being such as a deity? No. I'm more of a "How can I gather enough empirical data to explain this phenomena to me?" or "Allow me to check what theory correlates with this event?" or a "I want to find answers. I need to research these questions and find something. Anything I can work with." kind of person.
 

Penguin

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That is cool. Just too add to the topic, I also think Atheists are really good debaters. They are just gifted. xD
 

3 Tomoe Rinnegan

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Atheism is truth. Religion is ignorance. *tips fedora*

Just kidding, I'm no neckbeard. Believe what you want to believe in, I don't care.
 

Untamed

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This is un-called for.

how is that uncalled for? It is most likely the truth. People are clouded by reality through religion and are actually afraid of characters from books. People actually beg characters from books for help. Some people do get into religion for research or for the experience ,but overall it isn't important enough to be consumed over.
 

ShishaMastah420

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Well, it is hard to explain, but I do fit in more with the Atheist group than the Non-Atheist (Religious) group. Do I believe the Universe was created by something? Yes. Do I think it was a person or a spiritual being such as a deity? No. I'm more of a "How can I gather enough empirical data to explain this phenomena to me?" or "Allow me to check what theory correlates with this event?" or a "I want to find answers. I need to research these questions and find something. Anything I can work with." kind of person.

The word you are looking for is Agnostic, not Athiest.
 

Tingun

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how is that uncalled for? It is most likely the truth. People are clouded by reality through religion and are actually afraid of characters from books. People actually beg characters from books for help. Some people do get into religion for research or for the experience ,but overall it isn't important enough to be consumed over.

It's uncalled for because the thread wasn't asking you which perspective is correct.
Maybe if you read the OP before commenting you would have collected that.
 

Javaweb

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how is that uncalled for? It is most likely the truth. People are clouded by reality through religion and are actually afraid of characters from books. People actually beg characters from books for help. Some people do get into religion for research or for the experience ,but overall it isn't important enough to be consumed over.

Honey I believe in my religion but I'm also a human being. I don't know the "truth" but I know the truth. Get what I'm saying
 

ShishaMastah420

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Thank you so much. I knew it was called something different. I just never knew the specific word. :sweat:
Hmm, do not thank me, I simply placed you a category based on what you wrote; Disgusting, I know.

There are many different theological beliefs, find your own and be content, do not be swayed by the masses. Many beliefs stem from a rather simplistic ideal anyway, whether you choose the easy way or the hard way is up to you.

To keep it simple; Be Good, Do Good.
 

FitzChivalry Farseer

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Forcing isn't the word because this is the internet and nobody on NB can force someone to do something. They do it by choice. I'll love to preach about Jesus Christ to atheists but some of them convert and most of them do not. Some try to mix religion with science

But anyways I would always try to convert someone to Christianity but if they don't want to that's alright. But when thry need me to help them I'll always be there
Can I ask why you preach?
 

Professor Finesser

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I'm an atheist, honestly I don't care what you believe as long as someone doesn't try to force their religion down my throat then we have a problem.

Btw the term you may be speaking of may be agnostic :)
 

Souji

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I think a lot of people here are making good points, but there's something that should really be addressed.

When I hear phrases like "shoving it down our throats" or "ignorance" it really gets me thinking.

We can preach tolerance... We can accept others' beliefs. Yes, that is all wonderful, and ideally, that's a world we should live in.

But what about Christians, or people of religion in general, who believe in Evangelization? In winning new converts for their faith group? How can we allow them to do as such without us coming off as "ignorant", "uncaring", and such? After all, if we allow them to believe what they want... They should be able to talk to a nonbeliever without the fear of being judged... Right?

That, ideally, is what should happen.

It works on the other side as well. People who follow different sets of beliefs, primarily non religious, also seem to have this "mission" to try and convert people to their own set of beliefs.

The more important questions for debate are:

1. How important is it to spread one's beliefs and try and debate with the intention of convincing/converting?

2. Where do we draw the line between complacency and the need to spread knowledge/beliefs/morals/etc?
 

Prime Rib

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look im not a religious person but i believe in god and accept jesus christ as my lord and savior. idc what people think of my belief.
 

Disquiet

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OP I think that is more of a mentality inherent in human beings rather than a characteristic exclusive to a religious/non-religious spectrum. For example, video games. Someone who is not into video games at all may not be as oppressive in their opinion toward a gamer's personal taste. While two fellow gamers may fight and bicker over whose choice of games is more 'mature', has the better story, etc. This applies to interest such as anime, movies, and even politics. What I'm trying to say is I don't think your observation is a representation of how 'cool' atheist are, but depicts more of how humans generally behave when possessing apathetic or disdainful views toward a subject/view/taste vs humans who have a positive and legit interest in that particular predilection.


Don't misunderstand though, I'm not saying those people you met aren't cool people. I'm glad you found others that are more welcoming of your beliefs.
 
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Tingun

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OP I think that is more of a mentality inherent in human beings rather than a characteristic exclusive to a religious/non-religious spectrum. For example, video games. Someone who is not into video games at all may not be as oppressive in their opinion toward a gamer's personal taste. While two fellow gamers may fight and bicker over whose choice of games is more 'mature', has the better story, etc. This applies to interest such as anime, movies, and even politics. What I'm trying to say is I don't think your observation is a representation of how 'cool' atheist are, but depicts more of how humans generally behave when possessing apathetic or disdainful views toward a subject/view/taste vs humans who have a positive and legit interest in that particular predilection.


Don't misunderstand though, I'm not saying those people you met aren't cool people. I'm glad you found others that are more welcoming of your beliefs.

His observation didn't imply that atheists in general are cool. His opening post and further posts imply his escalated level on intrigue in the beliefs of different persons.

And yes, people are naturally empathic to those who are similar to them, it isn't a human trait though, it is common to all sentient life.

OT: Something that needs to be realized is that in the Old Testament, the centerpiece of holy texts in both Christianity and Judaism, and in some cases even Islam, there is a call to crusade against pagans. This is the reason there where times in history where people where persecuted for being such. Though times have changed it is still the goal of ALL Christians under common denominations to convert as many people as they can. This is a common commandment at the core of most monotheist beliefs.

This being stated, it should not come to anyone's surprise that a person of theological belief attempts to bring you under their religion, as It is part of their belief system to do so.

That being said, a Christian who does not except your personal orientation may have only wish the best for you, as was stated earlier in the thread, yet in some cases, hypocritical persons may pass judgment on you instead of acting properly under the dictation of the very system of beliefs they are judging you by. This contradiction is most likely the main reason why those who enjoy different beliefs may see religious people in a skewed perspective. Since I commonly see Christians grouped together as a mass instead of individual occurrences being noted, it is most common that those who view them in such a light will generalize the entire populous (Christian); it is only human nature.


As my personal opinion goes, I don't believe either of the groups can be clearly defined as you described. Both groups have members who are black, white and various shades of gray as far as the subject goes. I don't believe the matter is something that any person can adjudge.
 
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Disquiet

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His observation didn't imply that atheists in general are cool. His opening post and further posts imply his escalated level on intrigue in the beliefs of different persons.

And yes, people are naturally empathic to those who are similar to them, it isn't a human trait though, it is common to all sentient life.

OT: Something that needs to be realized is that in the Old Testament, the centerpiece of holy texts in both Christianity and Judaism, and in some cases even Islam, there is a call to crusade against pagans. This is the reason there where times in history where people where persecuted for being such. Though times have changed it is still the goal of ALL Christians under common denominations to convert as many people as they can. This is a common commandment at the core of most monotheist beliefs.

This being stated, it should not come to anyone's surprise that a person of theological belief attempts to bring you under their religion, as It is part of their belief system to do so.


Hmm I don't agree with the implications. His intentions however, which were innocent, were clear. I may have marred his intentions at some point in my post. That's not really the point I was making though, my post was aligned with his observations, offering a possible explanation for his experiences.

Misunderstanding. My emphasis on humans was to erase the line between humans and atheist, not to imply that it's solely a human thing. That wasn't my intentions.
 
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Tingun

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Hmm I don't agree with the implications. His intentions however, which were innocent, were clear. I may have marred his intentions at some point in my post. That's not really the point I was making though, my post was aligned with his observations, offering a possible explanation for his experiences.

Misunderstanding. My emphasis on humans was to erase the line between humans and atheist, not to imply that it's solely a human thing. That wasn't my intentions.

"I think that is more of a mentality inherent in human beings"

My reply to this statement wasn't a to pose a counter argument, but to imply optimism, stating that this is not a human trait but a trait of sentience in general. I find it far to often that humans are commonly condemned for flaws that many people view as "human traits". I simply desired to avert this perspective as it is usually counter productive.
 

cptenn94

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Neither. There are atheists, who claim others beliefs are being forced down their throats, yet they go and force their belief(adamant nonbelief) on people who may disagree. There are some religious people, who essentially do the same.

Then there is over half, that respect that others have other beliefs. They may try to change someone else beliefs, but are not overbearing, and forceful.(ex christians who have diologues, to try to convert someone, because they want that someone to be saved. They dont force it, and just engage in conversations, not being to preachy)

Then there are those, who are so stuck up in their ways that they see only their way as being the exact and only way.
(ex. some groups of Christians, will think their church, is the only path to heaven.)


Basically the point is, that nearly every religion, (and atheism) is full of essentially the same groups of people.(ex just because you are a "Christian" doesnt mean you are a good person. And just because you are a atheist, doesnt mean you are a bad person. Lets say 70% of man was good, and 30% of man was bad. IN general, that ratio, will go to all groups of people, and remain the same.(humna nature happens regardless of beliefs)


But to answer your thread. Generally, i have found from MY PERSONAL EXPERIANCE, that religious people, are generally more open to others beliefs. The theists, generally are the most open to others beliefs. I know many atheists, who get enraged, if their friend prays or something. They just get so offended. (which is really irronic, because a true atheist would just ignore it, because they believe the person is just talking to a imaginary friend.)

Generally religions, are more open to others beliefs(as in cooexisting, and not getting offended and stuff) than non religious people. Now there are plenty of religious people, who are so hardcore in their beliefs, that they do not respect other peoples beliefs.

Religious, is more open to generally others, while non religious people, are only more open to others lifestyles(see abortion and lgbt) Religious are less open to argueably moral issues, but more open to others beliefs.

Theists(people who believe in a creator/s, but dont choose any religion, or worship etc) are the most open of all. Generally most theists, i know, are more open to morale issues, and open to others beliefs.


If you want proof that atheists are the least open in general beliefs, then just look at all the people who get so offended, that they ban prayer in schools.(non manditory prayer as well. If you dont believe something, you dont have to say it)


But being open to someones beliefs, DOES NOT MEAN, you have to agree with them, or even think their beliefs is right.
For example, I think that lgbt peoples lifestyles are wrong, but i will not treat them any less respectfully, or with less dignity than a straight person. I may dislike their lifestyle, but i will not go and dislike them.I may choose not to hang out with them, but i wont treat them any different than anyone else. I will not go over to one of their couples house, and try to force my belief on them.

Im sorry if im not coherent(as im getting tired, and ready to go to bed.) but if I articulated my point well enough, a logical, neutral person should be able to agree with me.
 
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