Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ben on October 16, 2012 at 5:06am

Just as in religions there are people in atheism that are smug. To be an atheist doesn't mean you're smarter or dumber than those in religion. Atheism should be a place of freedom, that's how I see it anyway. Being grammatically correct doesn't make you smart. I have an IQ of 146, but when it comes to grammar I'm terrible. Worrying what people think about me goes against everything I believe in atheism. I focus more on the way I think, and as an atheist I welcome you and whatever you consider to be your short comings. I won't judge you nobody's perfect. Welcome have fun, learn, make friends, debate, and vent. Congratulations on your freedom.

P.S. If you really want to improve your grammar for self confidence. You can always take a refresher course online line somewhere.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Sauvageau on October 16, 2012 at 11:50am

My advice would be that if you have an honest interjection to a forum, post it! Maybe throw a clause in there that says, "Maybe I'm off base but..." or "I'm not very well aquainted with this topic but...". Whatever the case I hope everyone who has a genuine question or comment can post it without trepidation. Afterall, atheist are a hard lot to organize and give an all inclusive group, so let's not let that deteriorate here! :)

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Permalink Reply by paradigm_disturbance on October 16, 2012 at 8:16pm

Hi Peggy,

Like you, I rarely participate in the conversations, not due to insecurities related my grammar, but because I have never talked extensively about religion, or my opinion of it. I have always seen this as a hot button issue because I am an atheist. When I was young I was always told I would go to hell, I grew tired of people trying to convert me, etc. As a result, I guess I have been in the closet. I wonder if the fact that this is new to you, embracing the identifier of atheist, which holds you back, and not simply your possible shortcomings in communication. I have noticed some very well spoken individuals on here, which was the main reason I joined this site. I really enjoy reading the replies and blogs on here, and finally feel like there are other people out there who think (sometimes) like I do. I guess I was tired of having no voice, so even when I read a fantastic post, I feel validated.

Good luck

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Permalink Reply by Lewal on October 16, 2012 at 9:28pm

Sometimes you walk in and speak eloquently, charming the pants off of everyone. Sometimes you kick the door open and say "sup. what're you guys doin in here? talkin bout Neetch?"

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Permalink Reply by Suzanne Olson-Hyde on October 16, 2012 at 11:31pm

Question I would like to ask - I have a vague recollection about JW's and their education policy. Do JW's not like Further Education, or kids going to Uni or College, for males and females.

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Permalink Reply by Heather Spoonheim on October 16, 2012 at 11:44pm

I've only had in depth JW conversation with one JW (female) and found that they weren't nearly as fundamentalist (or nuts) as my Pentecostal family.  Post secondary education didn't seem to be an issue at all in her family, as far as their religion was concerned.

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Permalink Reply by SteveInCO on October 16, 2012 at 11:55pm

From what little I know of JWism, it seemed to hang together more logically than regular Xianity (with one exception). The alleged loving god, for instance, doesn't fry people in hell for eternity.  But of course I'll defer to any ex JWs who might be here!

The exception of course is the end times bullshit and their repeated failed predictions as to when it would be.

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Permalink Reply by Suzanne Olson-Hyde on October 19, 2012 at 6:48am

I did a bit of research and found one web site from 2005 - 

http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_defn.htm

saying they didn't, they should give their life to the lord etc. taken from Watchtower, and another from 2011 said it was a good thing.

http://defendingjehovahswitnesses.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/do-jehova...

I think they may have been afraid of the lovely xian children having sex, drinking drugging etc, and even, Mithra forbid, Atheists.

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Permalink Reply by James Cox on October 19, 2012 at 1:59pm

Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car." G.K. Chesterton.

I must add that, everything else in the garage is also included!

Several years ago, I was invited to the Buddist gathering in Portland. I was all nieve, expecting that there would be a lot of selfless meditation and insight, WRONG! This was a meeting of a group that called itself Buddist, but used meditation to bring money, power, women, cars, stuff, into thier lives. They even had a little chant, sadly I can't remember how it goes. Members said that the chant works. I quess all that work and stuff that I indulged in was a waste of time? Insight is such a begger in hindsight! 

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Permalink Reply by Michael on October 17, 2012 at 5:39am

Don't feel intimidated. People who complain about grammar all the time, grammar nazis, more often then not miss the content of the posts because they are trying to make themselves feel superior by pointing out the flaws of others.

I think it is awesome that you have freed yourself from the chains of religion. I am glad you are here. Please speak your mind and post often. If you feel you have trouble expressing yourself then the only way to change that is by expressing yourself. We all would love to hear how your new life coming out as an atheist is going. So please don't hesitate to start a thread, even if it is only a short one.

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Permalink Reply by Unseen on October 17, 2012 at 1:01pm

Hmm. It seems to me you're not dealing with people whose writing standards are unattainable but rather a case of low self-esteem.

Unless someone else wrote this piece for you, I find your writing ability above average. 

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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on October 17, 2012 at 1:17pm

Wow, if I were her, I would print that out, have it framed and hang it in a prominent place as a legacy to be handed down through the generations!

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