Sam Harris wrote:marg wrote:Sam Harris wrote:A fundamentalist atheist as a fool who thinks that only their view is correct, just like a fundamentalist Christian is a fool who thinks only their view is correct. Simple.
Your definition makes little sense. Most people including yourself think their views or particular beliefs are correct or the best beliefs to hold, otherwise they wouldn't hold them. A fundamentalist Christian believes in a literal interpretation of the Bible.
So according to you what is the difference between a fundamentalist atheist and a non fundamentalist atheist? What does a fundamentalist atheist believe versus a non fundamentalist atheist?
I believe you say that religion can be separated from a belief in a God. Are you speaking for yourself and your religious beliefs? Do you completely ignore the Bible and all other sacred texts and believe in none of them? Do you think they are complete man created fabrications?Do you believe in an interfering with mankind sort of God, one that listens to you when you pray, who might intervene on your behalf or the behalf of others?
Once again you have to paint me into a corner to justify yourself. I do not believe that my beliefs are the best to hold. What is it you people think I believe?
I'm not aware of painting you into a corner. I am asking questions to get clarification.
I am NOT a fundamentalist Christian, and have never defined myself as one on these boards. It's amazing that you all have to perpetuate this lie in order to have an argument!
No where have I said you are a fundamentalist Christian. And in fact I don't think you are.
A fundamentalist atheist is a violent, militant individual who feels that no one is deserving of respect if they are a theist. A non-fundamentalist atheist holds the belief that there is no God, but sees no need to advocate the harm or disrespect of those who do.
Give me an example of an atheist who by virtue of their lack of God belief has been violent against theists or caused harm. Do you think Dawkins and Sam Harris are fundamentalist atheists? Have they been violent and caused harm against theists?
It would really deflate the militant atheist argument to come across a whole lot of theists who didn't look at things the way you think we do. Many theists are far FAR more open-minded than you give us credit for, but if you gave us that credit, you'd have nothing to complain about.
Since you seem to oppose Sam Harris's books have you read The End of Faith? Do you think Sam Harris is a militant atheist and if so, how or why? Do you appreciate what his main argument or point is particularly in End of Faith?
I haven't cracked open a "sacred text" in quite a while. I do not go to church, I give my money to charity or the homeless. Is that what fundie Christians do?
A fundamentalist Christian believes in a literal interpretation of the Bible and that is irrespective of how often or if ever they may read the Bible. Their fundamentalist beliefs are also irrespective of whether or not they attend Church. I'm not saying you are a fundamentalist in your Christian beliefs but I suspect that despite the fact that you don't go to Church and that you haven't read the Bible in a while that you do believe in the Christian God of the Bible, and that you do hold many beliefs typical of Christianity. So while it is true that a person can believe in a God without believing in any tenets of any organized religion, I don't think you are one of those people. That doesn't make you a fundamentalist Christian. As far as being a fundamentalist Christian what do you find wrong in being one?
YES, I am speaking for myself (and others that I have spoken with) when I say that religion can be separated from God. You can be SPIRITUAL but not RELIGIOUS. It's amazing how such a simple concept is so hard to get.
I addressed this above. You have given no indication that you hold God beliefs which are not in line with Christianity.
I do not ignore sacred texts, Marg. But I do not think them to be inerrant. I know you and your anti-theist friends here have to assume that I think God wrote the Bible with a quill pen, but I've never believed that.
You are the one assuming.
I do not believe in an interfering God, but I do not personify God, either. I'm not going into depth about WHAT I think God is here, because it is obvious that the complete and utter need to spit on religion demonstrated by many anti-theist exmos here will not accept what I say. I've posted my thoughts a few times before, but individuals like yourself, GoodKontempt, and others only see what you want to.
Do you think Intelligent Design or Creationism should be taught alongside Theory of Evolution in science classes? Do you think prayers should be allowed in public schools? I ask this because I do not perceive atheists attempting to force their lack of belief on anyone but I do see Christians attempting to force their religious beliefs on others.
Intervene on my behalf? Um, why should such a thing matter to me?
When you all can accurately tell me what I believe (and stop calling me a fundamentalist Christian) I'll stop laughing at you. Please, before I tinkle.
I've
never called you a fundamentalist Christian, you may or may not be, I don't know. But I've never called or applied that label to you.
So am I a fundamentalist atheist and if so why?