It's a common misconception (not to mention a sweeping generalization) that all atheists hate everything about religion.  I for one can say that that isn't so.  So in hopes of building bridges--and being less of the "negative nancy" I seem to have been lately--I thought I'd write a list of things that I do like about various religions, and I encourage commenters to do the same.  After all, we're all sharing this tiny pale blue dot together.

 

• I like…

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I found an online acquaintance in a roundabout way on LiveJournal (yes, that dinosaur) and sent her a friend request.  I'd have been fine with the first part of her explanation for declining (it's only my RL face-to-face circle of friends, nothing personal).  But what stung was what she went on to say:

We're all pagans, Dionysians, Kemetics, polydiests, or combination of the four. Oh, and one very open minded Christian. So, it's not your gang of folks and subject…

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First thing first: How are we doing on the smitings?

 

I had given ample opportunity for smitage: I flew from Portland ME to Columbus OH in January, then drove back across New York (during a Lake Effect snowstorm I'll add!) and didn't even have anything that can remotely be construed as a smiting.  Not a…

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Exciting news has rocked the world of astrology today.  This is sure to be the biggest thing to happen to astrology since, like, it was discovered that the earth orbits the sun.

 

There's a new zodiac sign, folks.  It's Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer (or snake charmer, depending on whom you ask).

 

You see, when the original zodiac was…

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It's taken a while to find the words to write this blog post.  It's been a hard week, reading the news, and thinking of the lows to which humanity has sunk.  I've felt the awful ice-in-my-heart feeling of depression creeping in, gripping hold.

 

And suddenly, I got it.

 

I really, truly, without question, understood in my heart just what it is that makes people need religion so desperately.  The pain of realizing that so much evil can exist is beyond the measure…

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All right.  As you can see, I still have not been at the business end of a smiting.

 

I've discussed with some fellow non-believers about the possibility that there's a bit of a game of prayer-hockey going…

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I can only assume a few things at this point.

1. Someone's praying against my smiting.
2. I'm being set up for a last-minute, unexpected…

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Smite…

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A lot of believers, at least those with whom I've interacted, seem to feel that if I would just give their faith a try, I'd be sure to "come around" to their way of believing (namely, Christianity) and be happier, at peace, etc. I want to try to dispel some of that as honestly and compassionately as I know how; and I'm hopefull that those of you who run into the same situation may find something of use in it as well.



First--I'll make this as clear as I know how--I have… Continue

I've got an online friend who's been having it rough lately. Dialysis, loss of work, bills piling up, you get the idea. As a friend it's hard to see someone having a hard time, knowing that you can't fix it for them.… Continue