Father Weston preach here (con't)

[Brandon]

All I said was that the multiple suggestions that you offer your "services" as a woman in place of something of value is probably not what Jesus had in mind. I was mostly kidding around since I knew you weren't taking them seriously either, but apparently the very mention of Jesus in a Christmas thread was horribly offensive to the atheists and could not be tolerated. :rolleyes:

No one that posted after you was "offended" that you mentioned Jesus. You came in preaching, as always which instigated a debate, as always. :rolleyes:

[jackmode9316]

:rofl: at thread title. I take it that this isnt the first time huh?
It wasnt the mention of jesus that offended me, it was the " I dont think thats what jesus had in mind" which assumes that "what jesus had in mind" actually matters to me. Of course I will retort with something expressing my disbelief. I guess the part of my sig didnt help either.

[Weston-work]

If you think that's preaching, then it's because you were looking for a reason to be offended. A bunch of people basically told her to prostitute herself as a gift for Christmas, so I laughed and said something to the effect of "yeah, I don't think that's quite what Jesus had in mind". If that offends you, then that's you're problem, not mine.

By starting this thread, you're the one that's trying to instigate a debate. I'm not going to bother reading it any further. Good bye.

[jackmode9316]

Bye Weston!

[Brandon]

:rofl: at thread title. I take it that this isnt the first time huh?
It wasnt the mention of jesus that offended me, it was the " I dont think thats what jesus had in mind" which assumes that "what jesus had in mind" actually matters to me. Of course I will retort with something expressing my disbelief. I guess the part of my sig didnt help either.

First time today....maybe.....

Weston:

Yes, preaching is an exaggeration, a joke of sorts.

What part of NOT offended didn't you read? This "being offended" thing has been taken to a whole new level. First, a bunch of pussies started claiming they were offended at everything. Now it's a game to be the first to say, "you were offended!" Well ya got me, I was surely offended by something posted on the internet. Would the rolling eyes smiley for the third time be too much here?

By reposting what you said the first time that started the debate wasn't necessary for the topic of the xmas thread. Then you took a jab to all the athiests by insulting that they were offended. I took that as you wanted to start a debate all over again. If I'm wrong, then you could've just stated your suggestion of DVDs and left it at that. I figured this thread is what you wanted.

on that note: YOU WERE OFFENDED, HA!

[Brandon]

Bye Weston!

He may not post but he will surely read....

[STIBungy]

Conrad sucks at debates.

[M@]

I bet Weston replies in here at least 3 more times.

[Kickass_d16z6]

I agree with weston though, the concept of christmas has been lost. It's about buying spoiled kids ipods, giving and togetherness is just a cliche. I mean, I was at walmart with a friend the other day and they said they hated the beggars at the front of the store. The season of giving? Yeah right.

thats not to say there aren't exceptions though...

[Brandon]

Meh I'm on the fence with your post. Beggers? FUCK THEM. I work hard for what I have. There's plenty of programs out there for people that go through unfortunate times. There's no excuse for down right begging in front of stores or on street corners.

I think Christmas is changing in that there's a lot less people these days that are religious. However, there's nothing wrong with us non-believers getting together once/year and exchanging gifts.

[Kickass_d16z6]

I'm talking about the salvation army guys. They volunteer to stand out in the cold all day to collect money for the poor...how someone could be annoyed by something like is pretty damn selfish.

[STIBungy]

So where's the thread that sprouted this one?

[Brandon]

ah those. My bad. Those people were paid as of a few years ago.

[Brandon]

So where's the thread that sprouted this one?

Shopping for men for xmas FTL or something like that.

[Eric]

I'm talking about the salvation army guys. They volunteer to stand out in the cold all day to collect money for the poor...how someone could be annoyed by something like is pretty damn selfish.


$7.00 an hour, Craigslist "bell ringers" in "all jobs"

[STIBungy]

Hell, every drunk that stands on the corner begging for money could get that job. All they'd need is a santa outfit, which I'm sure the Salvation Army supplies and maybe clean up a little bit.

I'm guessing the street corner panderer gets paid more so they stick to what works.

$7.00 an hour, Craigslist "bell ringers" in "all jobs"

[Eric]

Actually, you have to pass a background check. No sex/violent crimes or any sort of thefts. :P

[Conrad]

Conrad sucks at debates.

Your face sucks...

[M@]

$50K!

[Eric]

^^ lol. Too bad not everyone will get that.

[Minotaur]

It's my thread and I don't give a fuck what any of you hosers have to say to me, joke or not, about my sexual offerings. I'm grounded in my beliefs, I won't force them onto you, LET ALONE even depict them. I know well enough not to take anyone on the in3rn3ts seriously. If you're ever offended by me, you can ask me to appologize, but I am not that controversial of a person to begin with. No religious debates, no defending me, no censorship.

At least not in my threads.

[jackmode9316]

Can we have flak sessions about other things besides Religion in your threads??

[Brian]

Jesus and santa have a lot in common...

Both are fake.

Both are stories told to make children behave.

Both are fake.

wait, I already said that one. I plan on telling my son that god and santa are both lies told by parents here in the next year or so.

[Minotaur]

Can we have flak sessions about other things besides Religion in your threads??
Flak away, that's what they're there for. No drug conversations either.

Chortle...snort.

[jackmode9316]

Your post Brian actually made me think about how I am going to approach the situation with my own children and at what age. I certainly do appreciate the idea of Santa and God though.

[Spoon92]

If you think that's preaching, then it's because you were looking for a reason to be offended. A bunch of people basically told her to prostitute herself as a gift for Christmas, so I laughed and said something to the effect of "yeah, I don't think that's quite what Jesus had in mind". If that offends you, then that's you're problem, not mine.

By starting this thread, you're the one that's trying to instigate a debate. I'm not going to bother reading it any further. Good bye.

The biggest problem with this...is you believe you know what Jesus had in mind, as though he invented Xmas, and had an intention with it at all. bwahahahahaha. Also, no one said she should charge for performing her Xmas act, it should be done for free. Prostitution requires some sort of payment.

[Conrad]

Jesus and santa have a lot in common...

Both are fake.

Both are stories told to make children behave.

Both are fake.

wait, I already said that one. I plan on telling my son that god and santa are both lies told by parents here in the next year or so.

Not that I am disagreeing with you but what good does telling him that?
Why take an American tradition if anything away from a little boy?

Not trying to start an e-fight...

The Santa thing I think should just happen like everyother kid... learn it at school from friends.

Jesus well.... I say leave it out if you dont believe it and let him learn on his own... As much and you know that he was fake... you dont know if it was true....

[Spoon92]

That doesn't work though. Christians don't raise their children without instilling their own personal belief's, so why not the same benefit for atheists?

[jackmode9316]

Im not going to tell someone that they are right/wrong when it comes to raising THEIR child, but I plan to basically just let my kid decide. If he/she asks, I will tell them what I believe in, but allow them to make the decision for themselves.

[Evil_SpeedRacer]

In B-4 the Weston response...if it comes anyway! :D

My supervisor put this into a new perspective for me the other day... He said that Jesus says "Santa, you are just another clown at my birthday party."

[Dave_L]

IMO, it's kinda whack to tell your kid that God doesn't exist. I think you should let him decide on his own. Maybe tell him your beliefs on the situation if the question arises but to flat out tell him God is fake, seems odd to me. That's like saying, "Go do whatever you want. You're 10 years old now so I feel like you're responsible enough to have no guidance or moral compass" (I know that sounds like Weston). But I feel like even if you don't believe in God, it's a good thing for kids to believe in. It's not going to hurt them. If anything, it'll keep them on the straight path.

You can already see the decline in society tied to religion. We're trying to remove religion from every area in our life. Yet we wonder why our youth seems to be getting earlier and earlier starts at having sex and doing drugs. That's just my $.02.

[Conrad]

Im not going to tell someone that they are right/wrong when it comes to raising THEIR child, but I plan to basically just let my kid decide. If he/she asks, I will tell them what I believe in, but allow them to make the decision for themselves.

Thats the difference in parenting a child and watching a child grow up.

[Spoon92]

IMO, it's kinda whack to tell your kid that God doesn't exist. I think you should let him decide on his own. Maybe tell him your beliefs on the situation if the question arises but to flat out tell him God is fake, seems odd to me. That's like saying, "Go do whatever you want. You're 10 years old now so I feel like you're responsible enough to have no guidance or moral compass" (I know that sounds like Weston). But I feel like even if you don't believe in God, it's a good thing for kids to believe in. It's not going to hurt them. If anything, it'll keep them on the straight path.

You can already see the decline in society tied to religion. We're trying to remove religion from every area in our life. Yet we wonder why our youth seems to be getting earlier and earlier starts at having sex and doing drugs. That's just my $.02.

How does religion create the moral compass for your children? It's the parents who do that. If you leave that(not you specifically) up to the church, you've already failed as a parent.

[jackmode9316]

Thats the difference in parenting a child and watching a child grow up.
What is? Letting them decide what they believe in? Please explain.


Its not like morals are thrown out the window or anything(as several other have mentioned already). I didnt say they get to make their own decisions, but they do get to choose what to believe in or not to believe in(Santa, Tooth Fairy, and good ole GEE WIZ). I dont think its right for me or anyone else to cram some Jesus B/S down their throat because thats what I believe in. However I do agree that its a good moral base and I will let my child believe in that if they so choose. Good morals and doing the right thing will always be of utmost importance when raising my kids. Either way I won't even have to worry about it until SEVERAL years after their born anyways.

[Dave_L]

How does religion create the moral compass for your children? It's the parents who do that. If you leave that(not you specifically) up to the church, you've already failed as a parent.

Religion just reinforces what most parents should be teaching their children anyways. I'm not saying that you leave it up to the church to make sure your child has a good raising or that by leaving religion out, your kid will be a demon child. All i'm saying is if my parents (the people I look up to most) told me that religion was just a bunch of crap then I would have probably done a lot more bad things in my growing up. Not to say it's true for everyone but it made me think twice before doing some things back in the day. Especially when I was going through the "rebellion" stage. It's like a third parent.

My point is why would you go out of your way to tell your kid that santa and God is a bunch of bullshit. You might as well just stab him in the heart. If my kid asks, I'll tell him about santa and my thoughts on God. I feel like life will take its natural course and when the kid is ready to question things like this, he's ready for the answers. But if he's not asking, it's not my position to ruin it for him.

[stu]

I'm going to have to agree with Dave on this one. My girlfriend is pretty religious, and I plan on letting her roll that over to the baby. I'm confident that my daughter will be plenty intelligent to change her mind if she doesn't feel like her beliefs align with her mother's. I know I was as a child. Going and telling a kid that God doesn't exist is just showing them that you don't think they are smart enough to figure it out on their own. Give your kid some credit.

[Loud_Scott]

Religion just reinforces what most parents should be teaching their children anyways. I'm not saying that you leave it up to the church to make sure your child has a good raising or that by leaving religion out, your kid will be a demon child. All i'm saying is if my parents (the people I look up to most) told me that religion was just a bunch of crap then I would have probably done a lot more bad things in my growing up. Not to say it's true for everyone but it made me think twice before doing some things back in the day. Especially when I was going through the "rebellion" stage. It's like a third parent.

HUH? you think that parents should teach that anyone that believes in a different god than (insert your god here) is a heathen and should be killed/burned/tied to a cross and nailed to it? You should teach that the reason you should not do something bad in this life is because you should be concerned with the next life?? You should not steal/kill/drink etc etc etc because some guy on a mountain said so?

Wow... I think i'm going to teach my kid that he should accept everyone no matter what they believe in (jesus supposedly preached this, maybe, but religion is the cause of the most bloody wars in history... religions/religous ppl are the biggest hypocrits the world over) I'll tell my kid "if your gay, that's fine... if you have gay friends, thats fine" I'm not going to tell my kid "NO! it's 'adam and eve!' see this part right here? you're a sinner and a bad kid"

I'm going to teach my kid no to do something bad in THIS life because it can fuck up THIS life... not "shoot for a better reincarnation or to make sure you goto heaven and not hell" I'm going to teach my kid that stealing and killing is bad because we live in a SOCIETY where that is agreed upon to be "bad."

If my kid has a choice between paying for a candybar and stealing it and thinks "Jesus is watching and will be dissappointed" then i have failed. My kid should think "this is wrong. and if my dad finds out he is going to be dissappointed, that's not worth the chance...i'll pay"



My point is why would you go out of your way to tell your kid that santa and God is a bunch of bullshit. You might as well just stab him in the heart. If my kid asks, I'll tell him about santa and my thoughts on God. I feel like life will take its natural course and when the kid is ready to question things like this, he's ready for the answers. But if he's not asking, it's not my position to ruin it for him.

I dont think it's necessarily stabbing the kid in the heart (that's a little harsh) -- but I won't go out of my way to tell him *what* to think...

Hopefully my kid will be intelligent and will notice (as i did) that the presents from santa always seem to be the best, but the tags always have the same handwriting as the ones from mom and dad. Hopefully he or she will think "wow every house in the world in one night?? through a chimney?"

[jackmode9316]

Hopefully my kid will be intelligent and will notice (as i did) that the presents from santa always seem to be the best, but the tags always have the same handwriting as the ones from mom and dad. Hopefully he or she will think "wow every house in the world in one night?? through a chimney?"
Or sometimes even the same wrapping paper!!! My granpa would always have christmas at his house when I was young, and I remember saying "Hey Santa has the same wrapping paper as you!"

[Street_Kings]

That doesn't work though. Christians don't raise their children without instilling their own personal belief's, so why not the same benefit for atheists?

Not completely true. I grew up with a ton of different religions around me. You should see the mantle at my grandma's house, few other places will you see the 3 (Chinese) wise men, Buddha, the virgin Mary, a crucifix, the bible, and a Tao te ching in one area.

Everyone in my family follows their own religion and we were taught all of them growing up, and as we got older made decisions to what we felt right.

As a result, my family consists of athiests, Catholics, buddhists, taoists, and I believe some baptists.

My grandparents are awesome, though they're personally catholic I believe (they don't outright say what they are) they attend church, and the Buddhist temple every week, and during family prayer sessions observe both vietnamese catholic and buhddist traditions in respect of everones different beliefs.

Makes it kind of a bitch when you wanna just eat and gotta wait for 2 sets of prayer though.

[Spoon92]

Not completely true. I grew up with a ton of different religions around me. You should see the mantle at my grandma's house, few other places will you see the 3 (Chinese) wise men, Buddha, the virgin Mary, a crucifix, the bible, and a Tao te ching in one area.

Everyone in my family follows their own religion and we were taught all of them growing up, and as we got older made decisions to what we felt right.

As a result, my family consists of athiests, Catholics, buddhists, taoists, and I believe some baptists.

My grandparents are awesome, though they're personally catholic I believe (they don't outright say what they are) they attend church, and the Buddhist temple every week, and during family prayer sessions observe both vietnamese catholic and buhddist traditions in respect of everones different beliefs.

Makes it kind of a bitch when you wanna just eat and gotta wait for 2 sets of prayer though.


That's extrememly commendable, but like I highlighted. You admit yourself how rare an occurance that is.

[M@]

Thsthrdsux.

[Conrad]

What is? Letting them decide what they believe in? Please explain.


Its not like morals are thrown out the window or anything(as several other have mentioned already). I didnt say they get to make their own decisions, but they do get to choose what to believe in or not to believe in(Santa, Tooth Fairy, and good ole GEE WIZ). I dont think its right for me or anyone else to cram some Jesus B/S down their throat because thats what I believe in. However I do agree that its a good moral base and I will let my child believe in that if they so choose. Good morals and doing the right thing will always be of utmost importance when raising my kids. Either way I won't even have to worry about it until SEVERAL years after their born anyways.

For one I wont have this discussion with anyone less than oh 25 years old. I can say that I was probably worse than most kids... But eitherway I didnt have a real religous upbringing. But letting your kids decide everything for themselves is just plain stupid... I cant count how many things my parents told me to do that I didnt and it came back to kick me in the ass. If I have learned anything its that I need to learn from those who have walked further down the path of life and take heed to what they say.

I also have more kids than most... shit I have a kid who is almost as old as most of you.. Not shooting you down but I think that by going out on a limb to make sure your kid doesnt believe in Jesus or Santa sets them up early to reject those that do. Fundamently religous families instill morals more heavily than non religous families, Religion also brings communities together more than most other activities... Not to say there isnt exceptions.

[Conrad]

I'm going to have to agree with Dave on this one. My girlfriend is pretty religious, and I plan on letting her roll that over to the baby. I'm confident that my daughter will be plenty intelligent to change her mind if she doesn't feel like her beliefs align with her mother's. I know I was as a child. Going and telling a kid that God doesn't exist is just showing them that you don't think they are smart enough to figure it out on their own. Give your kid some credit.

Totally agreed my wife is catholic and I am not... I dont believe that she is going to ruin my child by sharing her beliefs. Especially when she is strong enough in her convictions to still be with someone who isnt catholic (me). My child will be able to make the informed decision.

[Conrad]

HUH? you think that parents should teach that anyone that believes in a different god than (insert your god here) is a heathen and should be killed/burned/tied to a cross and nailed to it? You should teach that the reason you should not do something bad in this life is because you should be concerned with the next life?? You should not steal/kill/drink etc etc etc because some guy on a mountain said so?

Wow... I think i'm going to teach my kid that he should accept everyone no matter what they believe in (jesus supposedly preached this, maybe, but religion is the cause of the most bloody wars in history... religions/religous ppl are the biggest hypocrits the world over) I'll tell my kid "if your gay, that's fine... if you have gay friends, thats fine" I'm not going to tell my kid "NO! it's 'adam and eve!' see this part right here? you're a sinner and a bad kid"

I'm going to teach my kid no to do something bad in THIS life because it can fuck up THIS life... not "shoot for a better reincarnation or to make sure you goto heaven and not hell" I'm going to teach my kid that stealing and killing is bad because we live in a SOCIETY where that is agreed upon to be "bad."

If my kid has a choice between paying for a candybar and stealing it and thinks "Jesus is watching and will be dissappointed" then i have failed. My kid should think "this is wrong. and if my dad finds out he is going to be dissappointed, that's not worth the chance...i'll pay"




I dont think it's necessarily stabbing the kid in the heart (that's a little harsh) -- but I won't go out of my way to tell him *what* to think...

Hopefully my kid will be intelligent and will notice (as i did) that the presents from santa always seem to be the best, but the tags always have the same handwriting as the ones from mom and dad. Hopefully he or she will think "wow every house in the world in one night?? through a chimney?"

Starting with the presents part... At the point they can realize that I think its ok to say yeah there isnt a santa claus... Did it break your heart when you found out... NO you lived. But it adds to a childs imagination to believe in something as GOOD as Santa!

On the rest. You went to the extreme opposite of what Dave said. Just because you share a belief that there is a God and his son. Doesnt mean you are telling them all others are going to burn in hell. You can support your child morally on top of teachings of the bible or koran or whatever else. But to go out and purposefully tell a child who isnt old enough or emotionally old enough to make good decisions on their own just stereotypes you the same as those you say "you will burn in hell if you hang out with those atheists" to a child.

[jackmode9316]

For one I wont have this discussion with anyone less than oh 25 years old. I can say that I was probably worse than most kids... But eitherway I didnt have a real religous upbringing. But letting your kids decide everything for themselves is just plain stupid... I cant count how many things my parents told me to do that I didnt and it came back to kick me in the ass. If I have learned anything its that I need to learn from those who have walked further down the path of life and take heed to what they say.

I also have more kids than most... shit I have a kid who is almost as old as most of you.. Not shooting you down but I think that by going out on a limb to make sure your kid doesnt believe in Jesus or Santa sets them up early to reject those that do. Fundamently religous families instill morals more heavily than non religous families, Religion also brings communities together more than most other activities... Not to say there isnt exceptions.
I agree with you fully conrad. I figured there was good reason you said that. Of course letting kids make all of their own decisions is not a bright idea. I plan to provide guidence, and to let them know the difference between right and wrong at an early age. When my kid(s) ask me about God or Jesus, I will be as informative as possible and basically give them the religion 411, and not just christianity either. From there I dont know... I may not even tell them my own opinion (depending on how old they are). I guess I would actually encourage them to learn more about whatever religion they thought to be most appealing. Either way, I do realize that there are very few things that I should let them decide on their own. But with those few things I will make sure to also teach them to respect other people and their decisions, no matter how different they may be. I don't have a kid of my own yet, but My GF's kid is just over 2yrs old, and well this is a reality that is very quickly approaching. I have so many questions on parenting its not even funny, so any help from the experts is always appreciated. Althoug Im 2 years shy of your discussion age requirement:), I still appreciate the time you took to explain. The last thing I want to do is "watch" my kids grow up. I would much rather be a parent.

[HondasTrail]

This thread is full of the most retarded statements I've ever seen on hai. Close it, I'm sick of looking at it.

[jackmode9316]

Isnt there a way to make a certain thread not show up under new posts? That way people wouldnt be "forced" :rolleyes: to open and read certain threads.

[HondasTrail]

Who said anything about being forced to look at it. I just looked at it and became sick of looking at all the retarded statements. :rolleyes:

[jackmode9316]

No one said that actually. I was being a smart ass. But seriously isnt there a way?

Not to be a dicl but why would the thread be closed just because your sick of looking at it? Now of course you were just stating your opinion and all but it would be much easier for you to simply ignore the thread. I honesly dont think you actually expect to have the thread closed, but who knows maybe it wont. Either way....Matters none to me. My opinion wouldnt be my own, if it was like everyone elses'

[HondasTrail]

Yea, I suppose there is a way to ignore it, but I want to be grouchy.

[jackmode9316]

Touche :)
Grouch on!
I have just had a pretty stressfull week, so I know what you mean.

Hopefully you have a better weekend!

[Conrad]

God pWn5 your fucking faces!

[M@]

pwnt!!1!

[Loud_Scott]

Starting with the presents part... At the point they can realize that I think its ok to say yeah there isnt a santa claus... Did it break your heart when you found out... NO you lived. But it adds to a childs imagination to believe in something as GOOD as Santa!

On the rest. You went to the extreme opposite of what Dave said. Just because you share a belief that there is a God and his son. Doesnt mean you are telling them all others are going to burn in hell. You can support your child morally on top of teachings of the bible or koran or whatever else. But to go out and purposefully tell a child who isnt old enough or emotionally old enough to make good decisions on their own just stereotypes you the same as those you say "you will burn in hell if you hang out with those atheists" to a child.


I am confused... :confused:
Dave said that religion gives a moral compass as to what parents should already be teaching their children. I gave a few basic "morales" that religion teaches and I am the complete opposite?

Ok... burning someone who doesn't agree with you/believe in your god isn't a norm (in some religions) but very few religions don't profess that what you do in this life is important because of what comes next. I'm not an expert on all religions, in fact I'm not an expert on any of them... but i do know that they all have afterlives, and all the afterlives are "great" and "wonderful" and thats what you shoot for, IF you are a good follower.

I, for one, dont think that's how you should raise a kid. I don't really care how others raise their kids. most of you are going to do it wrong; most of you are the reason that people like B hate kids -- cuz you won't parent your kids and your kids will turn into pieces of shit -- they will be running around the fucking movie theater, mall, school, library, etc etc and yelling and being idiots because you WONT or dont know how to parent them...

and for everyone of you that comes back and says "thats cuz they parents dont instill the fear of god (and yes, thats what religion is; fear of what COULD happen if you're not good) in their children because they are heathen atheists" i'll show you a preacher's daughter who got knocked up at 15 while she was on 2 or 3 drugs.

Just because you found jesus, and you show your kid jesus doesn't make you a parent... nor does it make you above anyone else.

I'll leave you with this... Michael Vick is religous -- goto bed thinkin about him mouthing "oh jesus god, oh jesus god" while he's being "cuddled" with by Bubba...

[myshtern]

I think this thread has a good debate going on. I kind of agree with Stu on this. When I was little, I was in sunday school and went to synagogue for high holidays, and all of that. I never really thought about god at all. My parents didnt mention god. It all just worked out in the end.

[stu]

I like the movie theater example. A lot. The "moral compass" that people speak about in reference to religion is usually, in my opinion, geared toward the 'mortal sins' and decisions that could be life changing. Being an obnoxious little asshole in public isn't life changing. That is something that religion is never going to be able to teach a kid.

Children need parents because children don't think like adults. No kid is going to say to himself, "Would Jesus throw popcorn and talk to his friends while watching a movie?" The kids who do think that way have already been ruined by their parents anyway.

Has anyone ever seen the episode of Futurama where Bender has a chance to play God? When he tries to help one person, he ends up having to help everyone, and can't do it. Then when he decides not to help anyone, every complains. Anyway, the point is, the character at the end, who is supposed to be God, tells Bender something a long the lines of "You can't do too much, and you can't do too little. If you've done your job just right, no one will know you've done anything at all."

This is the same thing as parenting. Parenting is both bold, and subtle. As a parent you have a serious balancing act going on. You have to step in and smack your kid's stupid ass when they fuck up enough. On the other hand, you have to back off enough to let your kids make most decisions on their own, and make those minor mistakes on their own. It's quite the dance, and no one is ever going to be perfect at it. If parenting were easy, it wouldn't be such a hot topic. There wouldn't be magazines, books, programs, and constant discussion about it. In my personal opinion, it is the parent's greatest responsibility to make sure they are making an appropriate effort with their children. If you are in over your head, get help.

It's important to be a good role model for your kids as far as social behavior, and most other things, goes. If you are a loud and obnoxious asshole, then your kids probably will be as well. If you go to the store and always buy whatever you want, and just sing, "Charge it" to the cashier while you're putting it on a credit card, then your kids will likely face financial problems as well. That is, assuming that they emulate you, rather than despise you for making their life so difficult that they do everything in their power to be different than you are.

I lost track of what I was babbling about. Honestly, this is all easy to bullshit about, because I've never done it. I thought my parents to a pretty good job raising me. My daughter is only 4 months old (as of Wednesday) and I've yet to be tested on these thing. I look forward to the challenge though.

[brokee]

Both athiests and christians take the bible way too literally these days. Fundamentalism has never worked for any country that has electricity, and it never will.

p.s. some of you athiests are just as fucking bad as christians, jesus cuntslappin christ are some athiests fucking terrible people that should be shot in the mouth

[Conrad]

Very good write, Stu!

[Spoon92]

Both athiests and christians take the bible way too literally these days. Fundamentalism has never worked for any country that has electricity, and it never will.

p.s. some of you athiests are just as fucking bad as christians, jesus cuntslappin christ are some athiests fucking terrible people that should be shot in the mouth

sounds like you have fundamentalism down, keep up the great work with your accurate assessments. :sarcasticasfuck:

[Conrad]

I am confused... :confused:
Dave said that religion gives a moral compass as to what parents should already be teaching their children. I gave a few basic "morales" that religion teaches and I am the complete opposite?

Ok... burning someone who doesn't agree with you/believe in your god isn't a norm (in some religions) but very few religions don't profess that what you do in this life is important because of what comes next. I'm not an expert on all religions, in fact I'm not an expert on any of them... but i do know that they all have afterlives, and all the afterlives are "great" and "wonderful" and thats what you shoot for, IF you are a good follower.

I, for one, dont think that's how you should raise a kid. I don't really care how others raise their kids. most of you are going to do it wrong; most of you are the reason that people like B hate kids -- cuz you won't parent your kids and your kids will turn into pieces of shit -- they will be running around the fucking movie theater, mall, school, library, etc etc and yelling and being idiots because you WONT or dont know how to parent them...

and for everyone of you that comes back and says "thats cuz they parents dont instill the fear of god (and yes, thats what religion is; fear of what COULD happen if you're not good) in their children because they are heathen atheists" i'll show you a preacher's daughter who got knocked up at 15 while she was on 2 or 3 drugs.

Just because you found jesus, and you show your kid jesus doesn't make you a parent... nor does it make you above anyone else.

I'll leave you with this... Michael Vick is religous -- goto bed thinkin about him mouthing "oh jesus god, oh jesus god" while he's being "cuddled" with by Bubba...

I think its a little less dramatic than you say... They dont preach that you will burn in hell if you do something wrong. And about a moral compass, I think its just something to help guide you. I never heard of the 10 commandments hurting anyone by following them, and they can easily be taken for what they are religous or not. And I could bring in plenty of religous figures who have problems with their kids, but like stu said thats the extreme opposite of doing nothing. You said earlier that you want your kid not to steal because his dad will be upset with him instead of God. I disagree with both... I want him to know that its WRONG, not be scared of me or God.

Now onto one of my favorite subjects.... statistics...

Now 95 percent or so of the planet believes in a single.... divine being...

Not to call people, sheeple but dont you think that there might be "some" truth to all this?

[Brandon]

Now onto one of my favorite subjects.... statistics...

Now 95 percent or so of the planet believes in a single.... divine being...

Not to call people, sheeple but dont you think that there might be "some" truth to all this?

Just because the majority of people believe in something doesn't mean it's true. What percent of the people, years ago, thought the world was flat?

[stu]

I bet if you polled people on the planet, 95% would feel that they are better than most other people on the planet. That can't possibly be true though.

I certainly think that religion is a part of human nature; which is part of the reason that I don't think it's necessary to be so against it.

[Kickass_d16z6]

Our minds have an evolutionary tick to believe in the worst or best case scenario. It's why you thought there used to be a monster under the bed, or why you went all in on blackjack and lost your money. And when you look at the framework of almost all religions, it works on the same principles. Heaven is the most pleasurable thought imaginable, and hell is the worst.

No matter how atheist you are, you still cross your fingers when you hit turbulence and pray to that invisible guy in the sky every time you hear the lotto numbers. It's built into our minds, it's human nature. Does that mean god doesn't exist? No, you could just as easily say that tick is planted there by god. Point is, when 95% of people believe in one thing, it's probably human nature instead of logic.

[jackmode9316]

I dont even think its as complicated as all of that. Its so easy to sit and think "Yep, everything I learned about god is true, even if its not, its still just as good."
How much harder is it to think "What if this religion thing isn't correct? What if god isnt real?What if I had to find my own reasons to do right?". Of course that gets followed by more and more questions,lack immediate answers. My point is that I think it is just much easier to have something to believe in. It provides answers where we otherwise might not have them. Faith is a pretty easy answer to give and to accept and I think thats why religion is as popular as it is.

Most people just need to follow something. It doesnt take much persuasion if they already want to be convinced.

[Spoon92]

Not a bit. Nearly 50% of Americans believe the Earth is less than 10,000 years old.

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/061110.html

[Conrad]

Just because the majority of people believe in something doesn't mean it's true. What percent of the people, years ago, thought the world was flat?

no.... a majority didnt know...

[Conrad]

Point is, when 95% of people believe in one thing, it's probably human nature instead of logic.

good point

[Spoon92]

No matter how atheist you are, you still cross your fingers when you hit turbulence and pray to that invisible guy in the sky every time you hear the lotto numbers.


Actually, I don't. Never have, and I've been in those scenarios before.

[Conrad]

I dont even think its as complicated as all of that. Its so easy to sit and think "Yep, everything I learned about god is true, even if its not, its still just as good."
How much harder is it to think "What if this religion thing isn't correct? What if god isnt real?What if I had to find my own reasons to do right?". Of course that gets followed by more and more questions,lack immediate answers. My point is that I think it is just much easier to have something to believe in. It provides answers where we otherwise might not have them. Faith is a pretty easy answer to give and to accept and I think thats why religion is as popular as it is.

Most people just need to follow something. It doesnt take much persuasion if they already want to be convinced.

I disagree... I think its easier to say.... There is no proof, so fuck it all.

[jackmode9316]

I disagree... I think its easier to say.... There is no proof, so fuck it all.
Of course thats easier.Thats a no brainer. DUH.
For the record, thats not what I said.Nice try though but I have no consideration for ignorant assumptions.
That is the perfect example of the same type of "assumptions" ive seen coming from both sides. Just because we dont believe in god does not mean that we have the "There is no proof, so fuck it all." attitude.That attitude is just the mindset of a moron.

Back to my point though.
But it (religion) is definently easier than finding answers for yourself now isnt?

[Kickass_d16z6]

"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."
-Albert Einstein

I hate atheism. It's just as pushy and idealistic as any other religion.

[stu]

I hate atheism. It's just as pushy and idealistic as any other religion.


Agreed.

[jackmode9316]

"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."
-Albert Einstein

I hate atheism. It's just as pushy and idealistic as any other religion.


Umm didnt you know its pretty inaccurate(at best) to judge a whole on the actions of a few? I agree with you slightly though(about people from both sides being pushy). But I dont have anything against "religous" people, just the few that sit on the high horse and point the "holier than thou" finger. Same goes with athiesm on the opposing scale.

I dont hate the fact that religous folks try to convince me that their way is the correct way. Im smart enough to know that evangalism and "spreading the word" is what their all about. Why hate them for trying spread the word, that they believe is correct(that goes for both religious and non religious)? What I can't stand is the people who think you are a less of a peson because you dont believe in their god(or lack there of). Which is why I don't often express my views in detail, if at all. I dont "push" my ideals on others,I just "push" back. Believe it or not, Im not closed to religion, im just not convinced.

In the end, we are all here, all alive, all doing the same shit(essentially). We are not any better than our neighbor. At best, we are better off(than our neighbor).

[brokee]

sounds like you have fundamentalism down, keep up the great work with your accurate assessments. :sarcasticasfuck:

so you dont shave the corners of your beard and you refrain from shellfish, i take it

edit: also, i dont think you understand how this arguing thing works - i make a point, you're supposed to make a counter point, you know, one that refutes my point with something other than an emoticon that doesnt exist, sweety

[Conrad]

Of course thats easier.Thats a no brainer. DUH.
For the record, thats not what I said.Nice try though but I have no consideration for ignorant assumptions.
That is the perfect example of the same type of "assumptions" ive seen coming from both sides. Just because we dont believe in god does not mean that we have the "There is no proof, so fuck it all." attitude.That attitude is just the mindset of a moron.

Back to my point though.
But it (religion) is definently easier than finding answers for yourself now isnt?


No you didnt get what I meant.... What answers would you need when you have nothing to explain.

[jackmode9316]

No you didnt get what I meant.... What answers would you need when you have nothing to explain.
Okay well that makes as much sense as your unwillingness to discuss parenting and religion with anyone under 25. :rolleyes:

Its okay I will entertain you a little. Answers to why? Why should or shouldnt I? people like to be given those answers or "Reasons" why they should do something or shouldnt do something. The concept off right or wrong, if you will. Its much easier to be told a reason than to actually put it all together yourself. Then there is the meaning of life type answers. questions like "What is my purpose here?" "What is my true goal on this earth as a human being" "When should I be satisfied in life" "How do I want to be remembered?" and things of that nature. All of these things have pretty easy answers with religion right?

Now correct me if im wrong but dont you think its a bit ignorant to assume that athiests or non believers dont have a reason to do right or wrong? Or a meaning/purpose? Maybe even goals? Or that did you mean something else by saying I have nothing to explain?

"there is no proof, so fuck it all" is basically saying....I dont believe the answers(or reasons) I was given, so why even try or consider anything else(which is about as far from my belief as possible). He who has no direction will go nowhere.

[vince]

The absence of evidence isn’t the evidence of absence. Ha ive been dying to say that since watching Boondocks. Thanks for the opportunity.

[jackmode9316]

The absence of evidence isn’t the evidence of absence. Ha ive been dying to say that since watching Boondocks. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for taking the opportunity. I can apply that to either side of the argument and im not sure what you meant exactly but mine is such. Just because my beliefs are not common or even "considerable" for most, does not mean that I dont have beliefs.
As for the other side of the arguement for that statment. Its also true. Just because I dont see proof of god, doesnt mean that he doesnt exist. And again Ill say "Im just not convinced" but I still know that there is a chance that god may actually exist. Ive been wrong before so this is no different.

[Conrad]

Okay well that makes as much sense as your unwillingness to discuss parenting and religion with anyone under 25. :rolleyes:

Its okay I will entertain you a little. Answers to why? Why should or shouldnt I? people like to be given those answers or "Reasons" why they should do something or shouldnt do something. The concept off right or wrong, if you will. Its much easier to be told a reason than to actually put it all together yourself. Then there is the meaning of life type answers. questions like "What is my purpose here?" "What is my true goal on this earth as a human being" "When should I be satisfied in life" "How do I want to be remembered?" and things of that nature. All of these things have pretty easy answers with religion right?

Now correct me if im wrong but dont you think its a bit ignorant to assume that athiests or non believers dont have a reason to do right or wrong? Or a meaning/purpose? Maybe even goals? Or that did you mean something else by saying I have nothing to explain?

"there is no proof, so fuck it all" is basically saying....I dont believe the answers(or reasons) I was given, so why even try or consider anything else(which is about as far from my belief as possible). He who has no direction will go nowhere.


Those dont have to be "religous" questions you answer to yourself. Maybe they are for you... I wasnt making any assumption, just commenting on the pretense of what Loud Scott said. If you dont believe in a "religous" reason for you being here or your purpose here, do you not just believe its a whole chain of cosmic events that miraculously led to your creation?? I dont know.... We could be a whole civilization of people living on a speck of dust like in Horton hears a Who...... If you dont believe in religion and you just arent here just "CUZ" than you have another philosophy that takes place of religion... Soooo are you saying you look for those WHY AM I HERE answers in that philosophy? Maybe look at Zacariah Stichen.... very intuitive thinking there.. Makes me say... Hmmmmmm

[jackmode9316]

Those dont have to be "religous" questions you answer to yourself. Maybe they are for you... I wasnt making any assumption, just commenting on the pretense of what Loud Scott said. If you dont believe in a "religous" reason for you being here or your purpose here, do you not just believe its a whole chain of cosmic events that miraculously led to your creation?? I dont know.... We could be a whole civilization of people living on a speck of dust like in Horton hears a Who...... If you dont believe in religion and you just arent here just "CUZ" than you have another philosophy that takes place of religion... Soooo are you saying you look for those WHY AM I HERE answers in that philosophy? Maybe look at Zacariah Stichen.... very intuitive thinking there.. Makes me say... Hmmmmmm
WoW. one exteme to the other.
How else do I say that
RELIGION IS POPULAR (In my Opinion) BECAUSE IT IS THE EASIER OF THE CHOICES OF BELIEFS.
If you dont "believe" in god then you have to consider all these other "beliefs" of sorts in order to find one that convinces you. Which is a hell of a lot harder than not looking at all(or saying fuck it all) or believing the whole "god" bit. That was my point. All of questions about a purpose in life and WHY AM I HERE and all was just examples of questions or would be questions that I would need/want answers for. I dont need help with them(but thanks anyways Conrad for suggesting Stichen), I will find them on my own or at least search on my own.

Not that it matters, but I dont believe UFO's either!:)

[Conrad]

WoW. one exteme to the other.
How else do I say that
RELIGION IS POPULAR (In my Opinion) BECAUSE IT IS THE EASIER OF THE CHOICES OF BELIEFS.
If you dont "believe" in god then you have to consider all these other "beliefs" of sorts in order to find one that convinces you. Which is a hell of a lot harder than not looking at all(or saying fuck it all) or believing the whole "god" bit. That was my point. All of questions about a purpose in life and WHY AM I HERE and all was just examples of questions or would be questions that I would need/want answers for. I dont need help with them(but thanks anyways Conrad for suggesting Stichen), I will find them on my own or at least search on my own.

Not that it matters, but I dont believe UFO's either!:)


I find it quite disrespectful to say its "Easier" to be part of a religion... That is a way of life not just an easy decision.

[jackmode9316]

I find it quite disrespectful to say its "Easier" to be part of a religion... That is a way of life not just an easy decision.
Once again I never said it was easy to be a part of a religion. Nor did I say it was an easy way of life. The conviction alone is enough to convince me that its not easy. What I am saying is that its easy to accept. For the most part they are generally pretty damn believable. Not to mention effective. On top of that it seems that it ss almost considered "normal" to be religious. and ON TOP OF THAT its instilled as a child. (in school and home) Well it was for me at least.

Conrad its all just opinion and perception. I think it is just as disrespectful to say its "Easier" to not be a part of a religion. Now im not offended because I see absolutly nothing wrong with you having a different look on things. Religious or not, your opinion is your own.

[Conrad]

But it (religion) is definently easier than finding answers for yourself now isnt?

This is what I am talking about...

Finding answers to "Religous" questions when you arent religous seems easier IMO... If you arent religous and arent really here for a divine purpose... Why is it harder to answer the question when its not really needing to be answered?

[Loud_Scott]

This is what I am talking about...

Finding answers to "Religous" questions when you arent religous seems easier IMO... If you arent religous and arent really here for a divine purpose... Why is it harder to answer the question when its not really needing to be answered?

Why does it need to be answered, period? Whether there IS a god or there ISN'T a god has no immediate effect (or affect) on my life. I still goto work, i still hafta pay bills, I still have responsibilities.

One faction of life believes (and would like me to believe) that this is all because some chick ate an apple, years ago.

The other faction? They're busy actually going to work, and paying bills, and having responsibilities.

I'm a pretty big atheist, I'm not the atheist equivalent of a Jevohah's witness, or Mormon on a mission (yet) but it would take quite a bit to convince me -- I'm open to hearing, and I even enjoy the debate with those who are up to it. However, never ever am I, outside of this site or other discussions, sitting around thinking, "Why am I here? How did I get here? Is there a greater being?"

None of my atheist friends do this. 100% of my 'religious' friends do this. In fact, over 90% of my religious friends spend 1/2 of at least 1 day of their week at a place built JUST FOR THESE REASONS.

One of my favorite authors is Douglas Adams. He wrote The HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy, among many others. I would encourage everyone to read that trilogy. Not only is it a great story, but it has some wonderful commentary on "religion" and how it works in the world today.

If my moral compass is not enough for my child (and quite a few, especially on this site would say "no, it's not") then so be it. But I refuse to try and make up for my shortcomings by spouting fiction and looking to fictional characters from the past.

[Conrad]

Why does it need to be answered, period? Whether there IS a god or there ISN'T a god has no immediate effect (or affect) on my life. I still goto work, i still hafta pay bills, I still have responsibilities.

One faction of life believes (and would like me to believe) that this is all because some chick ate an apple, years ago.

The other faction? They're busy actually going to work, and paying bills, and having responsibilities.

I'm a pretty big atheist, I'm not the atheist equivalent of a Jevohah's witness, or Mormon on a mission (yet) but it would take quite a bit to convince me -- I'm open to hearing, and I even enjoy the debate with those who are up to it. However, never ever am I, outside of this site or other discussions, sitting around thinking, "Why am I here? How did I get here? Is there a greater being?"

None of my atheist friends do this. 100% of my 'religious' friends do this. In fact, over 90% of my religious friends spend 1/2 of at least 1 day of their week at a place built JUST FOR THESE REASONS.

One of my favorite authors is Douglas Adams. He wrote The HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy, among many others. I would encourage everyone to read that trilogy. Not only is it a great story, but it has some wonderful commentary on "religion" and how it works in the world today.

If my moral compass is not enough for my child (and quite a few, especially on this site would say "no, it's not") then so be it. But I refuse to try and make up for my shortcomings by spouting fiction and looking to fictional characters from the past.

Not disagreeing at all... what you said is what I was trying to find out from jackmode.... "Why do you have to answer those questions?" He was saying it was easier to just find those answers in religion. And I thought that was rather strange when if you werent religous than you dont even have to come up with the answer because there is no question.

[Conrad]

Oh and just to clarify my beliefs...

I dont consider myself any one religion... I believe in a "God" or worldy being but not in the context of a master plan for us all type way.

We are here and we should just be morally good "because" its what is right. Deep down we just know that.

[jackmode9316]

My question is Conrad, why do you think there is no question? What makes those questions religious in your opinion? I dont see them as being religious questions. Is lack of a religion(athieism) a religion on its own? We really are looking at this from two different angles. You say there is no question. I say there is simply more questions. I would also like to add that the questions don't necessarily NEED to be answered, but that doesnt mean they arn't there. Like scott said, its not like im on this big journey to find the meaning of life or anything, it just doesnt apply to my everyday life.

For example: The creation of the world. It doesnt matter one way or the next how it was made, but I once believed God made the earth and all that jazz. Now that I have doubt that god exists, I still wonder how the earth was created. It doesn't really matter how or why, nor does it affect my everyday life. Nor do I even need to find an answer. Fact is though, I still wonder. Thats just an example.

I almost want to kill the discussion, because it no longer feels like im stating my opinion it feels like im trying to convince you and truth is...I know you wont be convinced. Nor do I want to convince anyone to seperate from their belief(s). Which is part of the reason I somewhat try to avoid the discussion with folks who are on the other side. Not to say your on the other side(I dont know) but you see what im getting at. Honestly this is probably the most I have ever even discussed what I believe in.

We are here and we should just be morally good "because" its what is right. Deep down we just know that.
I couldnt agree with you more.

[Conrad]

My question is Conrad, why do you think there is no question? What makes those questions religious in your opinion? I dont see them as being religious questions. Is lack of a religion(athieism) a religion on its own? We really are looking at this from two different angles. You say there is no question. I say there is simply more questions. I would also like to add that the questions don't necessarily NEED to be answered, but that doesnt mean they arn't there. Like scott said, its not like im on this big journey to find the meaning of life or anything, it just doesnt apply to my everyday life.

For example: The creation of the world. It doesnt matter one way or the next how it was made, but I once believed God made the earth and all that jazz. Now that I have doubt that god exists, I still wonder how the earth was created. It doesn't really matter how or why, nor does it affect my everyday life. Nor do I even need to find an answer. Fact is though, I still wonder. Thats just an example.

I almost want to kill the discussion, because it no longer feels like im stating my opinion it feels like im trying to convince you and truth is...I know you wont be convinced. Nor do I want to convince anyone to seperate from their belief(s). Which is part of the reason I somewhat try to avoid the discussion with folks who are on the other side. Not to say your on the other side(I dont know) but you see what im getting at. Honestly this is probably the most I have ever even discussed what I believe in.


I couldnt agree with you more.


Well I understand that... But you said its easier to answer those questions with religion. Do you still try to find a purpose to your life? or a reason?

Not trying to persuade you in anything just dont understand how religion is a easy way to find the answer to questions like, Why am I here? What is my purpose? Because like you said it doesnt effect your everyday life. Well in most religions those questions do pose a quandry in your daily life.

[Brian]

Humans are animals, no different from my dog, or the fish in my fish tank. Our purpose is to balance out the food chain. The only problem is the fact that evolution has given us these large brains which have developed the ability to question things and form rational thought. In the end our purpose is the same, but our collective minds beg for more. The people that can't accept that we are simply "intelligent primates" find comfort in religion. Morality, and such has nothing to do with us as humans, but has stemmed from human culture. You don't need religion for any of that, and certainly don't need it to be a good "person". At the end of the day, we are a pile of carbon, but that isn't enough for some people.

So then what makes us want to do good if we don't believe in religion? It's simple upbringing. The ideals your culture and family instill in you from the time you are a child. It's the same upbringing that teaches a tiger to hunt, but at a slightly more complex level.

Some of you find this to be a negative outlook or in some way lacking. I find it enlightening. I feel that my questions bring answers, and that my outlook on the world is clear and without artificial blinders. I love life and everything about it, including the feeling of helping others. At the end of the day that is all that matters.

[stu]

I'm mostly worried about you shattering your kid's idea of the world before he's ready. Even if you never said anything about your religious (or not) beliefs, chances are very good that he'll end up just like you anyway. There's no need to force him.

[jackmode9316]

Not trying to persuade you in anything just dont understand how religion is a easy way to find the answer to questions like, Why am I here? What is my purpose? Because like you said it doesnt effect your everyday life. Well in most religions those questions do pose a quandry in your daily life.
Maybe im a bit off in my facts about religion, But isnt it the common religious belief that our purpose is to serve god and others? Essentially anyways? To me that is an easy answer to live with compared to not knowing or actually having to accept the fact that maybe we have no real purpose and are in fact "intelligent primates" as brian said. Again that was just a small example.
I guess I just prefer a "clear outlook" on the world without "artificial blinders" as brian said.

I mean I basically believe that Religion essentially is a control tactic for the masses. Why? because its alot easier to get people to do "right" by following religion, than it is to get folks to do "right" just because its right. It provides that moral base which strengthens what people already know deep down. What Im trying to say is that when religious people have the conviction of god, AND there own conscience(which stems from their upbringing), it makes it harder to do wrong, (or Easier to resist temptation). As opposed to someone who just has their own conscience.

Do you see what im mean or am I still missing something?

[Brian]

I don't say a thing to my son. He is forced by his mother to go to a Catholic school where everything he does is related to religion. His spelling assignments are all biblical terms, his writing assignments are all scripture. He's a SUPER smart kid though, so he will figure it out on his own. He's very inquisitive, so there is no way that he wont questions it all at some point on his own. In the mean time I just nod and smile.

Of course, I don't see the difference between me telling him there is no god, and him being force fed the idea of god 24/7 by a church. IMO the latter is actually more devastating in the long rn for a child.

[Brian]

I mean I basically believe that Religion essentially is a control tactic for the masses. Why? because its alot easier to get people to do "right" by following religion, than it is to get folks to do "right" just because its right. It provides that moral base which strengthens what people already know deep down. What Im trying to say is that when religious people have the conviction of god, AND there own conscience(which stems from their upbringing), it makes it harder to do wrong, (or Easier to resist temptation). As opposed to someone who just has their own conscience.

Do you see what im mean or am I still missing something?

Religion is 100 percent population control. It was developed in a time when police didn't exist, so the easiest way to enforce laws became the scare tactics associated with religion. At the end of EVERY day my son has to stand up in class and recite a prayer that says what a horrible person he is, and what terrible things he does so he doesn't go to hell. What the fuck is wrong with people where they actually think that is ok for a child to go through?

[Dave_L]

At the end of EVERY day my son has to stand up in class and recite a prayer that says what a horrible person he is, and what terrible things he does so he doesn't go to hell. What the fuck is wrong with people where they actually think that is ok for a child to go through?

Now that is something that I definitely don't agree with.

[stu]

I'm starting to see why you are concerned Brian. It would have been good to know that your son was in that kind of Catholic school at the same time as you saying you were going to sit him down and tell him that both Santa and God are fake at the same time.

lol, might as well strap on some boxing gloves and have him learn to defend himself all at the same time. hahaha, that image cracks me up.

[Brian]

Yeah, sorry about that Stu, i'm really not a heartless asshole, just a concerned parent viewing things from the outside I suppose. I really don't have a problem with religion in general, but feel that anything can be harmful when taken to an extreme. I know that he will figure it all out on his own in the end, I just hope he isn't too damaged by then. I really don't have any intentions to tell him that god isn't real or that santa isn't real. When he comes to me with questions though i will do my best to answer them in a logical way so that he has the tools to go ask questions and seek his own answers. :)

[Dave_L]

Thanks for clearing that stuff up Brian. Like Stu said, your view makes alot more sense now.

[Conrad]

Yeah, sorry about that Stu, i'm really not a heartless asshole, just a concerned parent viewing things from the outside I suppose. I really don't have a problem with religion in general, but feel that anything can be harmful when taken to an extreme. I know that he will figure it all out on his own in the end, I just hope he isn't too damaged by then. I really don't have any intentions to tell him that god isn't real or that santa isn't real. When he comes to me with questions though i will do my best to answer them in a logical way so that he has the tools to go ask questions and seek his own answers. :)


Dont worry bud! Thats why the term.... "Recovering Catholic" is so popular these days... lol