Atheist Q&A

I like these tag games when theyre nice and short

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?
Lack of belief in any form of deity. It doesnt mean you wont fall for a pyramid scheme. It doesnt mean you dont believe in ghosts or astrology or Tom Cruise.

It just means you dont believe in a deity.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?
My mom is ‘Jewish’ and my dad is ‘Catholic.’ I have cousins who are ‘Southern Baptist’, ‘Mormon’, ‘Lutheran’, ‘Pagan’, ‘Deist’…

So no. I wasnt raised in a religious household.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?
2g1c… nsfw.

Q4. What scientific endeavor really excites you?
…

…… viruses?

hehehe No, Im really excited about how we are sequencing every genome we can get our hands on, and looking at the ERVs we find. And sequencing all the genomes we can find in our mouths and on our butts and in the clouds and in volcanoes and in the mud of the rain forest– just to see what kinds of viruses are out there to further elucidate the impact they have had on the evolution of life on this planet.

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?
I know a lot of people in the ‘atheist community’ go through a ‘rebellious’ stage. I didnt have to go through it myself, but I completely understand how its a necessary stage in some peoples deconversion process… but its just so cliche, it always makes me wince. Especially when some appear not to mature beyond it.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?
“And thats why we dont let 8 year olds drink whiskey, honey.”

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?
Theist: “God is so beautiful! God is love! God is a rainbow on a sunny summer day!”
Me: “I study babies who are rotting in their own skins.”

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?
I dont think I have any? Maybe my stance on Israel/Palestine is controversial. I think everyone 12 years of age or younger (or anyone who doesnt give a crap) should be taken from the country. Everyone left gets one six-inch knife. Whoever is left standing, Jew or Muslim or Christian, gets THE HOLY LAND.
I really dont know why anyone didnt think of this solution before.

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?
Id drink with any of them.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?
The next president of the US.

Who do I tag? ALL THE ATHEISTS IN MY BLAGROLL* BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

* Technically, the blagroll isnt set up yet because Im spazzing at work… just answer if you want to

Comments

#1 JustaTech
June 16, 2008

Ooh, I love your suggestion on the “Holy Land” problem. I always suggested that the whole place be evacuated and then cobalt bomb it. Go find somewhere else to fight about. My classmates didn’t think much of that one.
#2 Coturnix
June 16, 2008

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?

Lack of the emotional need to believe in any kind of God, spirits or supernatural phenomena.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?

No. Growing up in an atheist family in an atheist society it was OK to swear to God, sing in the church choir, or cross yourself while cutting the cake for your family’s Saint’s Day – it was understood by all involved that this was part of preserving local and family tradition and had nothing to do with any kind of beliefs.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

Democracy requires educated, informed citizens. ID is a political movement designed to prevent this from happening so they can dupe people into accepting and voting for an anti-democratic, authoritarian regime.

Q4. What scientific endeavor really excites you?

Animal behavior. I always want to know why animals do what they do, how they do it, where they do it, and, most interesting to me, when they do it.

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

I would like to see an understanding that the two ‘factions’ are sub-teams on the same team, not enemies. The gentle hand-holders in the trenches cannot spread reason and rationality without the vocal atheists moving the Overton Window and making atheism an accepted topic of conversation. Likewise, the vocal atheists cannot be effective without the work of gentle hand-holders in the trenches.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

I’d laugh. Then I’d check the calendar to see if it is April First. If serious, I’d remind my child that just like the entry into the world of organized religion is easy and free, so is the exit out of it, as soon as s/he gets disgusted with the hypocrisy that rules inside that world.

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

My response to any theistic argument is “What century is this? You STILL believe that crap? We can talk once you get real”, then walk away. I have long lost patience for theological arguments….

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

1) I do not think that conservative ideology is a (valid) worldview, but a dangerous psychopathology induced developmentaly through parenting, upbringing and early childhood development in a harsh, dog-eat-dog world. Watching your Dad beat up your Mom helps a lot. As such, it is a treatable condition and a reasonable society would devote resources to treating it.

2) I think that Animal Rights movement, although it historically originated on the political Left is now a Right-wing movement, with exactly the same motivation, psychology and tactics as the abortion-clinic-bombers. I also think that IACUC’s are evil and act as executive branches of the Animal Rights movement, doing their job for them by decimating animal research.

3) I think that everyone who ever worked on the foreign policy team under Clinton is a war criminal who should be in jail, not re-entering the White House next January.

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

Dawkins – we disagree on a LOT of basic biology, but he appears to be the most reasonable in his approach to religion and the most pleasant person to chat with. Dennett drives me nuts with his willful ignorance about evolution, and the other two are just hacks.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

The Pope – as long as I also get him to say it publicly!
#3 Gobaskof
June 16, 2008

Ok, I considered my self tagged.

Here are my answers if anyone is interested.
#4 John
June 16, 2008

“2g1c… nsfw.”

Is it bad that I knew what that was right away without having to look it up?
#5 Yoo
June 17, 2008

just answer if you want to

This is all your fault! If you hadn’t mutated the meme to become open-ended, my blog wouldn’t have become infected!
#6 Yoo
June 17, 2008

Theist: “God is so beautiful! God is love! God is a rainbow on a sunny summer day!”

Me: “I study babies who are rotting in their own skins.”

And then I back away slowly when the theist says, “Yeah, isn’t that so beautiful?”
#7 mgarelick
June 17, 2008

Your mother is Jewish?!?

Allow me to introduce you to my son. He’s very smart. Please marry him.
#8 efrique
June 17, 2008

Who do I tag? ALL THE ATHEISTS IN MY BLAGROLL* BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

* Technically, the blagroll isnt set up yet because Im spazzing at work… just answer if you want to

Nah, you don’t get off that easy. If you do the blagroll (and I also happen to be on it), I’ll consider myself tagged.
#9 scooter
June 17, 2008

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?
Rejection of spiritual ideologies

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?
I rejected protestant christianity at 7 years old, but didn’t bother to bring it up

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?
Ludicrous

Q4. What scientific endeavor really excites you?
Currently I’m fascinated by the unravelling of human history through DNA research.

My favorite science writer is Jay Gould. Favorite spokesperson, Michio Kaku, and favorite discovery by Albert Hoffman wooo hoooo !!

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

I don’t think there IS an atheist ‘community’, but if this is a reference to what is being called, “New Atheism” it is unfortunate that it is overwhelmingly dominated by the Scientific community, as in hard science.

Much of what is said about geopolitics and History is uninformed and inaccurate. I’d recommend Middle Eastern correspondent Robert Fisk to understand Middle Eastern politics, which is often the focus in discussions of religious forces in action. There are reasons why fundie maniacs are able to wrest political control, and it is not related to religious indoctrination.

Hopefully the movement will attract a broader base and self correct.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

I would introduce him to some gay people who were secular.

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

God forgives

Who gives a shit?

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

Nationalism makes people more stupid than reiigion.

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

Dawkins, no competition, he impresses me as guileless, and also the wittiest of the bunch. I’d never drink with Hitchens it would certainly end in a fist fight.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

a fellow local broadcaster who is absolutly brilliant but is Nation of Islam.
#10 foxfire
June 17, 2008

Abby sayed

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?
I dont think I have any? Maybe my stance on Israel/Palestine is controversial. I think everyone 12 years of age or younger (or anyone who doesnt give a crap) should be taken from the country. Everyone left gets one six-inch knife. Whoever is left standing, Jew or Muslim or Christian, gets THE HOLY LAND.
I really dont know why anyone didnt think of this solution before.

I thought of the same solution to a similar problem back when we dived under our desks in school, the scream of sirens drilling us for the day when “Commie” missiles would strike America.

You know why it won’t work (yeah, that was a ‘phe just as I do. The scum sucking cowards are too cautionary to settle the issue by actually attacking one another (see evolutionary biology – sea lions for example).

Easier to beat up on the herd than to do actual battle.

Oh Yazzah! Ain’t we teh godz nytemahr.

P.S. Abbie, I feel dumber than dirt, what is:
“2g1c… nsfw.?
#11 Fitz
June 17, 2008

Foxfire: You don’t want to know. Trust me. Seriously.
#12 clinteas
June 17, 2008

Then again foxfire,for an artistic perspective on 2g1c,you could look here :
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m302/ammonj/2girls1cup-review.jpg
#13 Felstatsu
June 17, 2008

And how would your answer to 6 change if it were “The Clergy” a heavy metal band dedicated to science and spreading the good word on all it has done for us?
#14 br0k3nglass
June 17, 2008

For those wondering about 2g1c: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=2g1c
#15 Bayesian Bouffant, FCD
June 17, 2008

Technically, when you get your blogroll set up, maybe you could save a spot for a newcomer:
The Black Atheist
#16 foxfire
June 17, 2008

Fritz@ #11: Well, the 2g1c thing settled (thanks to the br0k3nglass link), your take absolutely correct (I can visualize how the meme morphs in its evolution…gotta laugh at the guy with the pudding and barbie doll.)

Being retired, nsfw is a meaningless meme……. heh.
#17 Felstatsu
June 17, 2008

The questions look interesting even though I don’t have a blog. Will just be using the numbers and short answers to keep it short though.

Q1. Not believing in a divine being or beings being responsible for existence, the way the world works, or anything else. Paranormal things are separate from religion and so whatever else out there they want to believe exists does not make one religious.

Q2. Mormon with some various Christian relatives.

Q3. Idiodastically, combining fantastically and idiotic.

Q4. Dang near everything. Studying the mind, our world, how our bodies work, how our bodies work, new technology. If not for my job I’d probably spend up to 14 hours a day just reading this stuff.

Q5. I have to agree, the vocal rebel doesn’t really do much but detract from the atheist community, generally acting immature and little better than some of the ID/christian fanatics side.

Q6. “Here’s some science books for you to read. Talk to me again when you’re old enough to move out of the house and we’ll see if you really do want to spend your life doing that.”

Q7. Oddly enough, I don’t really have one.

Q8. Probably that I’m still somewhat of a theist (though I had an excellent philosophical conversation with an atheist last Thursday, mainly about where our world views overlapped), but still support the atheist side 100% when other theists throw science out the window for their beliefs. I have real problems accepting what a guy in a tent writes down after looking at the sky X thousand years ago compared to what a scientist tells me today with the technology to actually know what’s going on.

Q9. I’d drink with any of them too, but I’ll drink with just about anybody till they give me a reason not to.

Q10. Gonna have to steal the Pope as mentioned above, wouldn’t even need him to do any public announcement though. Heck, being able to mess with the entire church by it not being public could be just as much fun.
#18 Greg
June 17, 2008

Yay! ERV acknowledged my existence! I’m now one step closer to world domination than before! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
#19 Kristjan Wager
June 17, 2008

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

Democracy requires educated, informed citizens. ID is a political movement designed to prevent this from happening so they can dupe people into accepting and voting for an anti-democratic, authoritarian regime.

Coturnix, that’s rather verbose for just one word. Are you sure you’re not Orac?
#20 Paul Lundgren
June 17, 2008

@ mgarelick:

Allow me to introduce you to my son. He’s very smart. Please marry him.

He might have a long wait in line, Abbie’s got lots of admirers.
#21 William Cowan
June 17, 2008

http://noreckoning.blogspot.com/2008/06/atheist-q-meme.html

Cheers Abbie!
#22 Richbank
June 17, 2008

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?
Having no belief in a supernatural god
Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?
I was raised Jewish Modern Orthodox. My family has split into two distinct beliefs: Atheists/Agnostics like myself and two of my siblings, or more devout, like may parents and my other two siblings.
Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?
Indefensible.
Q4. What scientific endeavor really excites you?
The work being done in cancer research, to try and ID and shut down the oncogenes which cause certain tumors to form is incredibly exciting for me.
Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?
I wish that there would be more outreach, especially for people questioning there faith and looking for something else. It took me 5 years to mostly define my core beliefs, without any kind of guidance. I still have difficult questions that I can’t answer alone, and it would be nice to have a community with which to discuss such matters.
Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?
I would try and dissuade him/her from taking such a course. I’d point to some examples from my own past of abuses of power made by members of the clergy, and I’d try and give him/her a view into my own reasoned rejection of religion and faith.
Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?
Argument: “What created the Universe if not god?”
Response: “What created god?”
Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?
I believe in Israel’s Right to defend herself against aggressors in the manner that she sees fit. That’s not to say I haven’t taken issue with some of the things Israel has done, but I think that on the whole Israel acts as a mature and civilized country. Israel has one of the best Human Rights records in its hemisphere outside of Europe.
Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?
Definitely Dawkins. I like his approach to debating and discussion more than Hitchens, who acts rather oafish and inflammatory when engaged. Dawkins uses a calmer more rational approach which almost invariably works to his advantage, displaying for all to see the failures of his opponents arguments.
Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?
Ayatollah Khameini, provided that he take a more cautious approach in introducing his new ideology to his fellow countrymen. I would say King Abdullah of Saud’i Arabia but I don’t think he particularly cares what religion he or his constituents are, just that he stays rich and in power. Now if I could bestow a conscience
#23 Paul Lundgren
June 17, 2008

Back atcha, Abbie.
#24 Sili
June 17, 2008

I hate the destruction of culture, but I honestly have to admit that in the case of Jerusalem and environs, I do sometimes feel like making an exception.

If it wasn’t so sad, I would find the hypocrisy of the place hilarious. Iran might be building nukes? SOMG we must invade! – Irael? Nukes? These are not the nukes you’re looking for.

The Lebensraum and apartheid policies get my goat too. Honking big blind spot there. Didn’t someone have something to say about that? Something about splinters vs. beams?
#25 themadlolscientist FCD
June 17, 2008

“2g1c” GAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!! I just barfed my last three days’ meals all over my keyboard (and splashed some on my monitor)! (No, I’d never heard of that one before.) It is 100% appropriate for that question.
#26 ERV
June 17, 2008

@#7 and #20–
Im single! *points to ‘Contact’ tab right next to ‘RSS’ tab*
#27 Trevor Clements
June 18, 2008

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?
Not having a belief in a conscious being that created or interferes with the universe with a strong propensity to try to base ideas about the existance of the univese on scientific fact, on reason, and logic.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? No. I was never taken to church of any kind, or fed any propaganda either for or against, though I do suspect my parents were believers. It really just didn’t seem to be an issue one way or the other. I was aware however that my father was apparently brought up protestant, and my mother catholic. But I had no real knowledge of what the difference was as we didn’t attend church as a family one way or the other. My father has since become quite religious, one of those I used to be messed up on booze and now I’m just messed up on the Lord types, and my brother is going to divinity school now though.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?
Dishonesta-manipu-crazy-sad-pseudo-sci-fi-tific-religio-frankenstinian-bullshit-athon (oops, cheated and made up my own compound word)

Q4. What scientific endeavor really excites you?
Use of the scientific method to update our knowledge, and more precisely to jettison that which we find no longer fits with evidence, in short the ability to evolve. Does this count as an endeavour?

For specific things evolutionary biology interests me, and due to the fact I sometimes like to scuba dive there is an inventor, Alan Bodner, who is working on something kind of cool. Here’s a few quotes and some links at the end

“An Israeli Inventor has developed a breathing apparatus that will allow breathing underwater without the assistance of compressed air tanks. This new invention will use the relatively small amounts of air that already exist in water to supply oxygen to both scuba divers and submarines” . . . and from an interview

“Question: What about the scientific community, have you yourself been approached by scientists and so forth?

Bodner: Well I have, a few people do not understand the concept, they assume that I separate oxygen from the water and they say correctly that it is toxic below a depth of seven meters and then they ask some technical questions. In this case I want to say again, the device can extract air from the water. It is dissolved air which contains oxygen and nitrogen and so on. It does not extract oxygen from hydrogen.”
http://www.isracast.com/article.aspx?id=63

http://www.livescience.com/technology/050606_breathe_underwater.html

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

That’s a hard one, maybe to somehow become more organized politically to work for common goals to offset the mass organization of the religious right, and to better de-villainize the public and especially media perception of the media. For more athiests to come out, not necesarily in a confrontational manner (though I guess some have to do it that way sometimes) so that the stereo type of the crazy angry athiest isn’t the only view they see.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

I guess I’d tell him it’s their choice but try to make sure they are educated about all the different religions as well as the arguments for athiesm and agnosticism. When you say “child” I’m assuming you are talking about a young child talking about their future carreer dreams. If you are talking about a grown child, then I guess I’d tell honestly about my misgivings but be sure they know I am not going to forbid anything and that it is their choice to make, and like another poster said, mention how they have free choice to try it out, and free choice to leave the clergy whenever they want. This hits close to home as my brother is in divinity school. I’m not happy about it but it is his life. I try to keep comunications open. I don’t stifle my opinion, but try not to interfere too much. I do hope he, forgive the pun, sees the light . . . of athiesm.

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

I’m generally not that impressed with theistic arguments so it’s hard to have a favorite. But I guess the argument from design at least attempted at one point in history to use some logic. I guess I point out that the leap in human knowledge makes is kind of ridiculous now. And I really like the “you can’t disprove it” and love Russels Teapot analogy to dispute it. But really I just wish people were educated enough, and not brainwashed enough that I just didn’t have to dispute it.

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

I’m not sure.

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

It’s too hard to decide. I think they all have strengths and weaknesses. They can all be the “right” person in some situations and maybe not the “right” in others. I like Dawkins for his intelligence and Dennet for his personality which reminds me of a kind grandfather who manages to politely point out bullshit. Sometimes I think Dawkins can turn people off, but maybe sometimes that approach is needed. Maybe it’s good to be courageous enought to not try to be liked by all, not that Dennet necesarily does. I really like Hitchens sense of humour, sometimes. But sometimes I wonder if he gets off track. Harris has some good ideas too and a good level manner.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

Hmmm, the personal part of me might say my brother, but in the larger scheme of things I think someone like the Pope or the U.S. President could effect more change as they might do something to stop the propagation of religious belief. A really visual and influential person like that could maybe convince alot more others. Then again if my bro becomes a minister and regects it that could have an effect too. But the big guys like the Pope of US president seems like a good loophole of being given the restriction of being only able to convince just one person. Kind of like asking the genie for infinite wishes as your third wish. I guess weighing everything I’ll go with the Pope, rank the President second, and my brother third, and my father fourth.
#28 Brian X
June 18, 2008

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?

Lack of belief in a deity. There is also the weak vs. strong issue, but I’m not going to address this.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?

Yes. Catholic.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

Self-delusion.

Q4. What scientific endeavor really excites you?

As a layperson? Probably astronomy and agriculture. I’m a big foodie.

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

The perception that we don’t care about others. It’s a sad fact of life that atheism does not equate with humanism; we need our own Salvation Army, for starters. Along with lots of outreach for troubled youth who might not have a path to college or a real life outside of the ghetto or the trailer park.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

Well, it would really depend on the denomination. I’d likely grudgingly accept it, but never really respect it. If they went fundie on me, they very well might be dead to me.

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

“There is no morality without God.”

“On the contrary. Without God, we are all we have. We must act in each others’ best interest, not merely our own.”

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

Hmmm, Abbie’s solution to the Middle East problem sounds very sensible… I don’t honestly know, though.

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

Dawkins, by a furlong. Dennett has a pole up his ass, Hitchens is too much of a bomb-thrower, and I just don’t know Harris’s work. Dawkins, on the other hand, spent years as a working scientist, and atheism is just a sideline. I can respect that.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

Hm, tough question. Probably my mother, because her beliefs are of such a knee-jerk, cookie-cutter variety. But don’t hold me to that.
#29 Stephen D. Moore
June 18, 2008

Has been asked and answered.

Over on my blag.

(just followin’ erv’s blagging advice. go, readers, go, to my blag. free coffee to all readers.*)

(*coffee to be supplied and prepared by the reader)
#30 Sili
June 18, 2008

#26,

You’re straight?!
#31 Gingerbaker
June 18, 2008

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

: “Religion”
#32 Foo
June 18, 2008

Okey doke…here I is:
http://doubtingeventhomas.blogspot.com/2008/06/atheist-thirteen.html

Took me a few minutes to figure out how 10 was 13 though…derrrdy derr!
#33 Lee Harrison
June 19, 2008

Thanks for this one, ERV – answers up at my place (click on my name).
#34 Matt
June 21, 2008

I must suggest to all Christians and Atheist to read this book “The End of Reason” by Dr. Ravi Zacharias. This book forces the reader’s mind to do the critical thinking that is so lacking in Christianity today. It should also be considered required reading for the atheist who has never really looked at a logical argument for the existence of God, or the Christian who has never really critically analyzed his own faith. Check out more information on The End of Reason here
#35 Brian X
June 21, 2008

Matt: not that there aren’t any atheists who haven’t looked at the logical pro-theism arguments, but you won’t find too many of them around here. They tend not to stand up very well unless you’re talking about a god so impotent and irrelevant that it may as well not exist at all.
#36 FtK
June 22, 2008

Quotes Abbie:

“Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

I know a lot of people in the ‘atheist community’ go through a ‘rebellious’ stage. I didnt have to go through it myself, but I completely understand how its a necessary stage in some peoples deconversion process… but its just so cliche, it always makes me wince. Especially when some appear not to mature beyond it.”

*blink*

ROTFLMAO! Youve *got* to be kidding. Hon, youre the poster child for the ‘rebellious’ immature atheist. You rarely make it through a post without hysterically screeching or ridiculously immature name calling directed at your ‘creationist’ foes.

[lack of punctuation intended...I'm being rebellious]
#37 Dustin
June 22, 2008

Keep trolling FtK. It might fill that great empty void in your heart and, if it does, then I’m happy it was able to bring some small measure of meaning into your bleak and wasted life.

Now go “pick up a carton of milk”, hon.
#38 ERV
June 22, 2008

Nononono, you dont get it, Dustin. See, I was raised in a loving, encouraging, pro-science environment. Now, if I were ‘rebellious’, I would have grown up to be a Creationist. But Im the poster child for rebellion, so Im rebelling against rebelling and behaving in such a way my parents, family, old teachers, current teachers, and mentors are proud of me.

Take THAT, establishment!!
#39 Paper Hand
July 12, 2008

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?
I dont think I have any? Maybe my stance on Israel/Palestine is controversial. I think everyone 12 years of age or younger (or anyone who doesnt give a crap) should be taken from the country. Everyone left gets one six-inch knife. Whoever is left standing, Jew or Muslim or Christian, gets THE HOLY LAND.
I really dont know why anyone didnt think of this solution before.

Heh, that would be pretty good.

My (mostly joking) proposal is this:

Move all the Turkish Cypriots to Turkey and all the Greek Cypriots to Greece, then move all the Israelis to the now-empty Cyprus, and let the Arabs keep Palestine/Israel, on the agreement that they allow pilgrims in.

Voila! Solved two territorial disputes in one fell swoop!