News-Record.com

Well said, Nancy. And on that note, Happy Year of the Rooster!

Hey, Nancy! I've been very interested in many of the items you've posted here. As you said, you haven't been sticking exclusively to Christian material, and I've enjoyed posting my responses when I had something to contribute.

I'm wondering... have you thought about going out and visiting gatherings of other religious groups, just to get a feel for them? Naturally, we wouldn't expect to see you in my group. We're atheists, mostly. But it might be interesting to visit the Islamic Center or a Jewish Temple every once in a while. And don't forget the Unitarians or the B'hais.

It's just a thought... might be a good opportunity to expand your horizons.

Good advice, Eric. I've already got a lot of those places on my schedule. I've also been to just about everywhere you've mentioned except the Unitarian church. And yes, please invite me to an atheist gathering. It's not about conversion it's about conversation. How else am I going to learn anything? Thanks!

Hmm.. sorry if you took it as a "gentle smackdown" *laugh*. I truly think that you're doing a very good job when it comes to western beliefs.

Just pointing out some things that "I" didn't see. IMHO, most things that you found universal, were more "western" universal. You also have to realize that 1) I'm Chinese, 2) culturally, Chinese have a very different perspective when they took in Christianity since it is basically opposite of everything culture speaks of. *grin* Which is strange that I find myself closer to being Christian than any other religion, save a few things I have issues with. Inner turmoil? Maybe. *laugh* I'll sort it out.

and 3)... atheists have gatherings? wow. that's news to me. I thought atheism was that you don't believe in God, but never thought that there were gatherings of atheists.

Oh, and just a disclaimer. When it comes to Christianity, I defer to others since I'm not an expert. I have been to an AMC Church in Greensboro though! Very very very very cool.

Ben, one needs to recall that the biblical word for "church" means "community." I can't see why it would be hard to understand why atheists might want to form a community, the same as other groups of people with similar views. Sure, we don't believe in any gods, but we do have other beliefs that we enjoy discussing. Wonders never cease, eh?

You ask what is ones take on religion.
Well Lets look at what Thomas Einstein said

Albert Einstein
QUOTATION: My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble minds

Actually, the word "church" is Greek for congregation or assembly.

And don't get me wrong, gatherings of atheists doesn't surprise me one bit. It's just the fact that Christians go to church for worship. Atheists go to to drink beer? dance? have a good time? cuz it's definitely not to worship there is "no" God. *laugh* See where I'm coming from?

But in any case, I get what you mean.

Ben, I think I see what you mean. But even an "assembly" doesn't need to gather solely for the purpose of "worship." We have a good time in that we discuss philosophy, ask each other for advice on everyday life... it's indeed very much like an assembly of believers, except we don't have a sermon and we don't sing songs. Though we might in the future. There are "Churches of Freethought" down in Texas.

http://www.churchoffreethought.org/

Cheers!

Why visit an atheist gathering for a religious comparison?
This is a discussion of faith and religion.
ATHEIST have no religion. NUFSAID

There are many MANY wonderful expressions of faith in our community. There are Buddhist groups (Soka Gakkai), there are Unitarians, there are Hindus, there are Quakers, there are Bahai's.

I would suggest getting out and attending some of their gatherings and learn something about each group. That way you could make connections and diversify your coverage.

Its not just you, Nancy. Oft times I pick up the News and Record and think I have mistakenly picked up a copy of Christianity Today.

One other thing...Christians come in all shapes and sizes. There are those of us who are liberal Christians who bristle when our faith is totally represented by the fundamentalist faction. It seems that in most (if not all) of the News and Record's references, Christianity is equated with the evangelical/fundamentalist wing. We liberal Christian are here and we continue to uphold a faith where reason and faith are not in opposition.

Why, the way F. Reid talks, you'd think that us atheists have nothing worth while to say regarding religion. I guess all the time and effort I've spent studying religion, psychology, sociology, history and so forth was all for nought. Darn! {;-)

Eric and others who are atheists have much to teach all of us about religion. I have many atheist friends and I would consider them very thoughtful and ethical folks. Even moreso than many of my evangelical Christian friends.

I applaud Eric for what he has written. God...er, goodness knows it is not easy being an athiest in today's fundamentalist thinking world. I've heard for many years now how Christians are persecuted in the US. That persecution can't hold a candle to the discrimination atheists face every day. Go Eric! This Christian welcomes your voice.

Thankee kindy, Craig. I have to say that today's world is much easier to get along with than what my parents had to live with. Things are far better, and I hope it stays that way. We can always hope so anyway.

Actually F Reid, an argument could be made for atheism as a religion. It's certainly a faith.

Like Rusty said... but with more definition. Atheism: Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.

One definition of religion is: A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Definitely falls into line.

Eric - while we were debating the origins of the word "church" I realized something. The origin use is more of an archaic form. I'm pretty sure modern interpretation is tied to Christianity.

And as far as Texas goes, they've been wanting to do something so they could breakaway from the U.S. for years. *laugh*

Oh.. another thought.. don't listen to "It's a Small World" while you blog. :p