TOTALLY GEEKED!

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

RE: Just....WHY????

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

It's the kids NOT being brought up in a Christian home. The ones in which they just don't talk about it. The ones where the attitude of "I don't bother the devil and he doesn't bother me" is the standard.

Seeking those he may devour.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Lawyerlady wrote:
My issue with it is that I do not see the point. I don't understand WHY they (the atheist group) feel the need to attack beliefs. Christians are commanded to spread the word of God - atheists have no such commandment by anyone and why do they care if others believe. This type of thing just strikes me as selfishly arrogant.

Think about it. Who does it serve? What purpose does it serve?

It is meant to confuse and to divide.

And who is the selfish one?

These kinds of things use to be spoken in private. Now, it's out in the open.

The Devil isn't lurking in the shadows any longer. He's coming into our cars, our homes and our lives and setting up housekeeping.

Ohfour · Hooker

Lindley wrote:
As a Christian a billboard is not going to diminish my faith in anyway. Also if you raise your children up as believers and encourage them in their faith, they would not be swayed by any billboard.

Do I like what the billboards say? no I don't, but we still have free speech in this country and that goes for those who do not believe as well as those who do. I do think it can open up debate with not only believers but also nonbelievers about the Gospel.

I'm not saying it should be removed. I just like to point out the hypocrisy of non-believers. In KY, on I-65 there is about a mile where every billboard has a commandment on it. They have sued multiple times to have them taken down. They keep coming up with new reasons each year.

Totally hypocritical.

Lindley · Guru

Ohfour wrote:
Lindley wrote:
As a Christian a billboard is not going to diminish my faith in anyway. Also if you raise your children up as believers and encourage them in their faith, they would not be swayed by any billboard.

Do I like what the billboards say? no I don't, but we still have free speech in this country and that goes for those who do not believe as well as those who do. I do think it can open up debate with not only believers but also nonbelievers about the Gospel.
I'm not saying it should be removed. I just like to point out the hypocrisy of non-believers. In KY, on I-65 there is about a mile where every billboard has a commandment on it. They have sued multiple times to have them taken down. They keep coming up with new reasons each year.
Totally hypocritical.

I do agree they (those who call for Christian billboards/or anything Christian to be taken down) are hypocrites.. I like to think we as Christians can be better then that. I do believe that what ever the devil throws against us we can use it for Gods Glory. People see the signs and it opens up a discussion to where we can share our faith.

To me why are they so offended by something that they feel is not real?

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lindley wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
Lindley wrote:
As a Christian a billboard is not going to diminish my faith in anyway. Also if you raise your children up as believers and encourage them in their faith, they would not be swayed by any billboard.

Do I like what the billboards say? no I don't, but we still have free speech in this country and that goes for those who do not believe as well as those who do. I do think it can open up debate with not only believers but also nonbelievers about the Gospel.
I'm not saying it should be removed. I just like to point out the hypocrisy of non-believers. In KY, on I-65 there is about a mile where every billboard has a commandment on it. They have sued multiple times to have them taken down. They keep coming up with new reasons each year.
Totally hypocritical.
I do agree they (those who call for Christian billboards/or anything Christian to be taken down) are hypocrites.. I like to think we as Christians can be better then that. I do believe that what ever the devil throws against us we can use it for Gods Glory. People see the signs and it opens up a discussion to where we can share our faith.
To me why are they so offended by something that they feel is not real?

To me, when atheists attack beliefs, it just seems so hateful. There is no good reason for it. When a Christian shares their faith - they are trying to save souls. Atheists who try to dispel beliefs are doing that because?????

Lindley · Guru

Because they are convicted and they don't like it.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Because they think they're right?

I mean, why does anyone argue?

flan

Lindley · Guru

Different to argue then to mock and insult. I know they have a right to express their opinion but they can express it better without mocking and insulting.

WYSIWYG · Guru

Having read the OP only: My feeling is that as long as Christians are ok with billboards and ads that are some variation of "Put the Christ back in Christmas" or "Christ is the reason for the Season", they should be accepting of atheists basically taking the Christ back out or saying "No, He's not".

I'm not saying they should like it. But they should accept it as equal and fair. If they get to spread their message, then others should have that same right or ability.

WYSIWYG · Guru

"Atheists in general as GROUP tend to be highly annoying, yes." - Lady Gaga Snerd

The same could be said of any group that has differing beliefs than the one saying it does.

WYSIWYG · Guru

"Does anyone else appreciate the irony of writing this letter to Santa and calling God a fairy tale? LOL." - Lawyerlady

I don't know if "irony" is quite the right term, but I do agree that it's a bit of a paradox or failed metaphor.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

flan327 wrote:
Because they think they're right?

I mean, why does anyone argue?

flan

For fun and the sheer joy of it?

WYSIWYG · Guru

"I'd love to know why they're so offended by someone they don't believe in." - chef

I don't think they are offended by someone they don't believe in. I believe that they are trying to save people from what they see as false belief. Sort of an "intervention" of sorts. A "believe in the provable" one, if you will.

I could be completely wrong however. This is just my opinion.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I've met quite a few atheists who are very very angry at God whom they say doesn't exist. Pretty bizarre.

WYSIWYG · Guru

"We are talking about kids, not rational adults. It's blatently attacking Christianity and insulting it - calling our God a fairy tale." - Lawyerlady

And how is the way Christians treat other's beliefs any less insulting? "My unprovable way is right, and your unprovable way isn't" is insulting no matter who is saying it.

WYSIWYG · Guru

"Think about it. Who does it serve? What purpose does it serve?

It is meant to confuse and to divide.

And who is the selfish one?

These kinds of things use to be spoken in private. Now, it's out in the open." - lilyofcourse

The same can be said or asked about every belief, Christianity included.

WYSIWYG · Guru

"I've met quite a few atheists who are very very angry at God whom they say doesn't exist. Pretty bizarre." - Lady Gaga Snerd

If they are angry at God, then they must believe in His existence, thus making them not actually atheists. Not really bizarre, just confused Christians.

chef · Guru

WYSIWYG wrote:
"I'd love to know why they're so offended by someone they don't believe in." - chef

I don't think they are offended by someone they don't believe in. I believe that they are trying to save people from what they see as false belief. Sort of an "intervention" of sorts. A "believe in the provable" one, if you will.

I could be completely wrong however. This is just my opinion.

A previous pastor at my Church once said - (paraphrased) 'I would rather believe in a God that doesn't exist than not believe in one who does.'

This has always stuck with me. I firmly believe in God. However, what's the worst that's going to happen? I die and that's it? The greater stake is NOT believing and burning in Hell for eternity.

If one firmly doesn't believe in God, fine. It's impossible to "save" someone from something that doesn't exist anyway. So, again, I would love to know why they're so offended by Jesus. They don't believe in Him. It doesn't hurt them one bit for others to go to Church. The fact that they call Christianity a fairy tale shows they're offended by it.

WYSIWYG · Guru

"If one firmly doesn't believe in God, fine. It's impossible to "save" someone from something that doesn't exist anyway. So, again, I would love to know why they're so offended by Jesus. They don't believe in Him. It doesn't hurt them one bit for others to go to Church. The fact that they call Christianity a fairy tale shows they're offended by it." - chef

I don't think that they are offended by Jesus. I think they are offended (if they even are) by the belief in the something that they don't or can't believe in.

As to why they they try to "save" Christians from Christianity, the first possibility that comes to mind is that they are trying to save them from what they see as such a waste of time and emotional investment, as well as the financial support towards the Church that they perceive as being thrown away. I think they see it as helping. The same way that Christians see it. That's just a guess though, I'm not an atheist, so I don't know.

Tinydancer · Guru

Obviously this billboard did exactly what they intended. So much disgust on both sides and each side blaming all for what a few have done.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

WYSIWYG wrote:
"We are talking about kids, not rational adults. It's blatently attacking Christianity and insulting it - calling our God a fairy tale." - Lawyerlady

And how is the way Christians treat other's beliefs any less insulting? "My unprovable way is right, and your unprovable way isn't" is insulting no matter who is saying it.

Believing one faith is right is tantamount to FAITH. But, regardless, that is not even remotely the same as calling God a fairy tale. We don't put up billboards insulting other Gods. Saying MY God is the only God is not the same as saying something like "Buddha was a moron" (that's an example - NOT my feelings, btw).

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

WYSIWYG wrote:
Having read the OP only: My feeling is that as long as Christians are ok with billboards and ads that are some variation of "Put the Christ back in Christmas" or "Christ is the reason for the Season", they should be accepting of atheists basically taking the Christ back out or saying "No, He's not".

I'm not saying they should like it. But they should accept it as equal and fair. If they get to spread their message, then others should have that same right or ability.

Are you kidding? CHRISTMAS is about CHRIST. And exactly how is that even remotely the same as someone saying God is a fairy tale. If you are so strongly against God - don't flipping celebrate Christmas. Hypocrites.

And don't give me the crap about it being Pagan. It's the same time of year - not actually the pagan holiday.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

WYSIWYG wrote:
"I'd love to know why they're so offended by someone they don't believe in." - chef

I don't think they are offended by someone they don't believe in. I believe that they are trying to save people from what they see as false belief. Sort of an "intervention" of sorts. A "believe in the provable" one, if you will.

I could be completely wrong however. This is just my opinion.

SAve people? From a belief in love and salvation. No, thank you.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Well, there are lots of annoying Christians, but this thread happens to be about annoying atheists. Soo, if you want to talk about annoying Christians then start another thread! lol biggrin

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Well, there are lots of annoying Christians, but this thread happens to be about annoying atheists. Soo, if you want to talk about annoying Christians then start another thread! lol

One time on GT, we had dueling threads...Christian vs. atheist. It was actually a lot of fun!

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

The crux of this is positive vs. negative. One side is upset because of a person's POSITIVE belief - which is not an insult to others, it is what it is. But, to call it a fairy tale is a NEGATIVE insult.

Tinydancer · Guru

Each side believes the other is being negative and insulting. Which is why they put the billboard up. Nothing serves their cause better than stirring up animosity between both sides and it's working as we can see from this thread.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Tinydancer wrote:
Each side believes the other is being negative and insulting. Which is why they put the billboard up. Nothing serves their cause better than stirring up animosity between both sides and it's working as we can see from this thread.

Some people believe "Merry Christmas" is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them defensive, prickly and unreasonable.

Tinydancer · Guru

Some people think saying atheist have no moral compass is insulting. It doesn't make them right - just defensive, prickly, and unreasonable. My point is that both sides can be defensive, prickly, and unreasonable.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Tinydancer wrote:
Some people think saying atheist have no moral compass is insulting. It doesn't make them right - just defensive, prickly, and unreasonable. My point is that both sides can be defensive, prickly, and unreasonable.

Don't you DARE wish me Merry Christmas!

evileye

flan

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Well. I have yet to see a law suit that would take down an atheist's sign or stop and atheist from speaking in a public forum about being atheist or to stop any other form of atheist activity. Seems pretty one sided to me.

Tinydancer · Guru

I was talking about peoples attitudes not about suing anyone. I am a devote Christian but I can still see when other Christians are being buttwads. I think atheists can see other atheist being buttwads as well. You can believe that Christians don't ever insult or denigrate others but that is just burying your head in the sand.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Tinydancer wrote:
I was talking about peoples attitudes not about suing anyone. I am a devote Christian but I can still see when other Christians are being buttwads. I think atheists can see other atheist being buttwads as well. You can believe that Christians don't ever insult or denigrate others but that is just burying your head in the sand.

THANK YOU!

There are buttwads among believers & non-believers.

flan

JPT · Senior Member

flan327 wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Well, there are lots of annoying Christians, but this thread happens to be about annoying atheists. Soo, if you want to talk about annoying Christians then start another thread! lol
One time on GT, we had dueling threads...Christian vs. atheist. It was actually a lot of fun!
flan

Yeah, and I got bitch slapped around for it too.... smile biggrin

JPT · Senior Member

Lawyerlady wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Each side believes the other is being negative and insulting. Which is why they put the billboard up. Nothing serves their cause better than stirring up animosity between both sides and it's working as we can see from this thread.
Some people believe "Merry Christmas" is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them defensive, prickly and unreasonable.

Some people believe "Happy Holidays is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them prickly and unreasonable....

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Why can't we have a discussion about Prickly Atheists without someone screaming, well there are prickly Christians too! Wah, wah! We know!! That isn't what the thread is about!

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

JPT wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Each side believes the other is being negative and insulting. Which is why they put the billboard up. Nothing serves their cause better than stirring up animosity between both sides and it's working as we can see from this thread.
Some people believe "Merry Christmas" is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them defensive, prickly and unreasonable.
Some people believe "Happy Holidays is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them prickly and unreasonable....

You can tell me Happy HOlidays, Happy Hannukah, or Happy New YEar. YOu can even tell me Happy Kwanza, and I'll take it in the spirit it is said. You can usually tell if they are being friendly or just being difficult.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Tinydancer wrote:
Some people think saying atheist have no moral compass is insulting. It doesn't make them right - just defensive, prickly, and unreasonable. My point is that both sides can be defensive, prickly, and unreasonable.

And you are providing proof that no one can complain about anything without it just being a "but you did this" argument.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Well, now, those are the only acceptable greetings. Now you can 'Happy Sparkle Season" as a way to say F U to Christians, but if Christians say Merry Christmas, then they are wrong.

JPT · Senior Member

Lawyerlady wrote:
JPT wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Each side believes the other is being negative and insulting. Which is why they put the billboard up. Nothing serves their cause better than stirring up animosity between both sides and it's working as we can see from this thread.
Some people believe "Merry Christmas" is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them defensive, prickly and unreasonable.
Some people believe "Happy Holidays is insulting. It doesn't make them right - it makes them prickly and unreasonable....
You can tell me Happy HOlidays, Happy Hannukah, or Happy New YEar. YOu can even tell me Happy Kwanza, and I'll take it in the spirit it is said. You can usually tell if they are being friendly or just being difficult.

So I take it you aren't in the cadre of folks that want to boycott stores that say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas?"

I too accept any holiday greeting, offer of a prayer, or blessing in the spirit intended.

Tinydancer · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Why can't we have a discussion about Prickly Atheists without someone screaming, well there are prickly Christians too! Wah, wah! We know!! That isn't what the thread is about!

Yes it is. The billboard was put up to further divide Christians and atheists. I'm pretty sure if someone stated bad things about Christians in a thread you'd be the first one in there saying that atheist are bad too. I've seen you do it so don't act like it doesn't happen...lol

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

And, didn't I say there were annoying Christians as well? Hellooooo.......

Ohfour · Hooker

When people tell me Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays I respond Happy Festivus. I always get a laugh... biggrin

Tinydancer · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
Tinydancer wrote:
Some people think saying atheist have no moral compass is insulting. It doesn't make them right - just defensive, prickly, and unreasonable. My point is that both sides can be defensive, prickly, and unreasonable.
And you are providing proof that no one can complain about anything without it just being a "but you did this" argument.

I don't understand what you're asking. I didn't say anyone can't complain but you can't say only one side is doing something when it is patently clear that both sides do it. I agree that it's stupid for them to be insulted by Merry Christmas. I'm not sure what proof you need when it's all right here in writing...

Tinydancer · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
And, didn't I say there were annoying Christians as well? Hellooooo.......

So we agree...Hellooooo

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Tinydancer wrote:
I was talking about peoples attitudes not about suing anyone. I am a devote Christian but I can still see when other Christians are being buttwads. I think atheists can see other atheist being buttwads as well. You can believe that Christians don't ever insult or denigrate others but that is just burying your head in the sand.

And I am talking about that wonderful thing that gets crammed down a Christians throat. Tolerance.

Seems everyone wants tolerance for everything EXCEPT the Christian and their beliefs.

Those need to be challenged, hide and kept quiet.

Again. I don't see anyone being all upset enough to take any action other than the atheist. So which is the less tolerant?

Tinydancer · Guru

Obviously no one. Christians can be just as intolerant as anyone else. Do you really believe we are better because we're Christian? I believe I am saved because I am a Christian not that I'm any more tolerant or caring or giving...Just saved.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

No.

But I do believe that the tolerance thing gets thrown at the Christian bunch a whole lot more than anyone else. Like I said, I don't see Christians bringing law suits to stop atheists from doing things. It's always the other way around.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Tinydancer wrote:
Obviously no one. Christians can be just as intolerant as anyone else. Do you really believe we are better because we're Christian? I believe I am saved because I am a Christian not that I'm any more tolerant or caring or giving...Just saved.

Who is saying that?