eV

I deleted an inane, unintelligent answer of mine, and it said "Thanks! -2 Points."

Why is it happy that I lost points? Why is it happy that I am lessening my contribution to the Y!A community.

For example, did the victims of Hurricane Katrina or the recent tsunami DESERVE to haves their homes destroyed, their family killed, and their life otherwise devastated? Or does God punish innocent people? I'm sure many Christians are affected by natural disasters as well.

Don't tell me that "God works in mysterious ways" and we have no right to question him. I am an atheist, I am asking in a hypothetical sense, and am curious as to your interpretation.

If you believe hurricanes, etc., are not created by God' will - or God didn't realize what would happen - please explain.

I changed it in my 360 over 24 hours ago, and the only one that shows up is (a) a blank box or (b) my old avatar (red with white flames.)

Why?

I've seen answers from atheists accusing Christians of "not really believing."

I've seen answers from Christians accusing atheists of "actually believing, but won't admit it."

So my question to everybody is, do you actually believe in what you actually believe in, or are you just trying to psyche out/antagonize the other side?

I was just about to convert for sure, when I realized that in most depictions She is made up of what appear to be meatballs! Will my vegetarianism affect my ability to get into heaven?

Another controversial statement dropped by the R&S community in a response I read. What are your opinions on it?

Are people really that ignorant? I received this as part of a response to a previous question of mine.

Atheists, by definition, do not believe. If they did, they would not be atheists. Why can't people understand? And why, after acting like this, do they claim atheists are rude and narrow-minded?

"Philosophers agreed long ago that it is fruitless for believers and atheists to argue with each other. This is because they interpret *everything* differently. In order to argue, there must be some common ground, so that one of the participants can say 'Aha! If you concede x, then you must also concede y!' Atheists and believers never find an x they can agree upon. The argument can never begin, because each sees *everything* from his own point of view" (98).

Thomas Cathcart and Danial Klein. "Plato and a Platypus"

I think it's a good point, but I don't agree that intelligent debate is impossible - just rare. What do you think?

Both of these are visible on a comparably micro- scale (such as disappearing beach cliffs and earthquakes), but aren't proven on a macro- scale - we've never seen mountains completely disappear, or something like grand canyon get carved, or the continents be rearranged.

However, most scientists believe these things can occur.

99.85% of Earth and Life scientists think the theory of evolution is valid.

Answer me this - do you "believe" in (a) massive-scale erosion, (b) plate tectonics on the Pangaea-scale, and (c) the theroy of (macro) evolution?

Almost ever religion I've heard of, with the exception of Judaism, has absolutely no sense of humor, especially sarcasm and self-deprecating irony. If I convert to FSM, will I still be able to practice sarcasm?

Thanks.

I read that in someone else's response. I think any controversial subject can and should be debated, but that's only my view. What do you think?

Answer for yourself if you'd like.

I'm sure there's an appropriate Bible verse for this situation.

I thought that was an oxymoron, but I've seen a few people using it. I can't blame them, Jews are by far the most persecuted religion in recent history. But can one be Jewish, and not believe in god?

BTW, I an an ex-Jew, so I'm actually curious about using this term.

Since R&S is apparently for Religious people's posts only, that must mean the 'Cats' section is for cats' posts only. But unfortunately, all these pesky humans are posting there.

Maybe these sections describe the TOPIC of the questions, not a description of the askers.

So, atheists, with their differing views on religion, should have no trouble posting in this section. However, they are challenged multiple times a day for simply having a differing opinion on the topic being discussed.

Comments? Thoughts? Rebuttals?

With the exception of Christianity, it seems like most ideologies are pretty passive in their recruiting techniques. Christianity is the one that goes out, actively challenges others' faiths and suggests a new one. Then they complain that everyone else bashes on them.

My sincere apologies to Christians who do not actively recruit, you must be tired of being grouped with more extreme sects of your religion. Anyone of any faith is encouraged to offer their opinions.

Thoughts?

...what do you say?

I sure don't.

Finally, something we can all agree on! Yay!

Please help me understand how and why atheists are less moral than Christians. And why does the Bible seems to be the only source of morality? Thanks, this was confusing me.