Someone Explain Sam's Sig Line to Me

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_marg

Post by _marg »

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?
_Sam Harris
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Post by _Sam Harris »

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 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!

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.

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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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.
Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances. -Ghandi
_Angus McAwesome
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Post by _Angus McAwesome »

Sam Harris wrote: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?


You painted yourself into a corner. You rant about how mean and confrontational these "fundamentalist" atheists are, yet you engage in the same behavior.

Sam Harris wrote: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!


Your posts have the same tone as a fundamentalist christian, overly defensive, shrill, and fond of arguments with flaws wider then the grand canyon.

Walks like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks like a duck... Most likely a duck.


Sam Harris wrote: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.


Being an obnoxious ass doesn't make someone a fundamentalist, it just makes them an ass. So once again I'll ask what are these "fundamentals" of atheism that would be the "fundamental" basis for the beliefs of a "fundamental" atheist?


Sam Harris wrote: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.


Ok, so where are some of these theists you speak of at? Because you're obviously not one of them.


Sam Harris wrote: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.


Why should I have to play guessing games with your beliefs? Just be upfront and tell us and then we can apply the proper label after "fundamentalist". You arer aware that there can be such a thing as a fundamentalist theist, right?
I was afraid of the dark when I was young. "Don't be afraid, my son," my mother would always say. "The child-eating night goblins can smell fear." Bitch... - Kreepy Kat
_marg

Post by _marg »

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?
_Moniker
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Post by _Moniker »

There is one individual (on this board) that said a theist should die because of his beliefs in a deity. That would be a fundamentalist atheist in my book. Those that view all theists as one large group and can't separate between denominations, religions, and beliefs would appear, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that blame theists for actions in the past by those that had a belief in a deity would seem, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that believe all religious practices, beliefs, etc... should be eradicated appear, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that state theists shouldn't be allowed to participate in the political process would suggest, to me, that they are fundamentalists.

Now, there are some of these sentiments seen on this board, at times, and on the net. I think that we can disagree with the beliefs and attempt to change them, yet, as soon as you approach someone telling them that they are deluded, are dangerous, stupid, etc... the conversation shuts down.

I'd rather use the term "rabid atheist"...
_Angus McAwesome
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Post by _Angus McAwesome »

No, seriously... Can someone explain to me what these "fundamentals" of atheism are and where they are written? All I'm seeing is a bunch of "well, my opinion is" or "to me" or "I think" and nothing of any real substance. I mean, you want to know what the fundamentals of Christianity are you've got the Bible, it's all right there. So where's the Bog Book Of Atheist Fundamentals at?
I was afraid of the dark when I was young. "Don't be afraid, my son," my mother would always say. "The child-eating night goblins can smell fear." Bitch... - Kreepy Kat
_Moniker
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Post by _Moniker »

Angus McAwesome wrote:No, seriously... Can someone explain to me what these "fundamentals" of atheism are and where they are written? All I'm seeing is a bunch of "well, my opinion is" or "to me" or "I think" and nothing of any real substance. I mean, you want to know what the fundamentals of Christianity are you've got the Bible, it's all right there. So where's the Bog Book Of Atheist Fundamentals at?


I think fundamentalist, in this instance, is referring to someone very intolerant of other beliefs and quite militant. I wouldn't use that term, yet, I think that is the way Sam was using it so I carried on with her term.
_marg

Post by _marg »

Moniker wrote:There is one individual (on this board) that said a theist should die because of his beliefs in a deity. That would be a fundamentalist atheist in my book. Those that view all theists as one large group and can't separate between denominations, religions, and beliefs would appear, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that blame theists for actions in the past by those that had a belief in a deity would seem, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that believe all religious practices, beliefs, etc... should be eradicated appear, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that state theists shouldn't be allowed to participate in the political process would suggest, to me, that they are fundamentalists.

Now, there are some of these sentiments seen on this board, at times, and on the net. I think that we can disagree with the beliefs and attempt to change them, yet, as soon as you approach someone telling them that they are deluded, are dangerous, stupid, etc... the conversation shuts down.

I'd rather use the term "rabid atheist"...


What is the difference between a fundamentalist Christian and a non fundamentalist Christian. Sam Harris (shade's brd) doesn't seem to accept or be tolerant of fundamentalist Christians, do you also not accept and respect Fund. Christians? Do you think there is a problem with the beliefs of Fundamentalist Christians. If so what is the problem? Do you think that all beliefs of everyone in this world should be tolerated, respected and not criticized.
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Post by _Jersey Girl »

In the context of this thread, would it be more effective to replace "fundamentalist" with "fanatical"?
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_Moniker
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Post by _Moniker »

marg wrote:
Moniker wrote:There is one individual (on this board) that said a theist should die because of his beliefs in a deity. That would be a fundamentalist atheist in my book. Those that view all theists as one large group and can't separate between denominations, religions, and beliefs would appear, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that blame theists for actions in the past by those that had a belief in a deity would seem, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that believe all religious practices, beliefs, etc... should be eradicated appear, to me, to be a fundamentalist atheist. Those that state theists shouldn't be allowed to participate in the political process would suggest, to me, that they are fundamentalists.

Now, there are some of these sentiments seen on this board, at times, and on the net. I think that we can disagree with the beliefs and attempt to change them, yet, as soon as you approach someone telling them that they are deluded, are dangerous, stupid, etc... the conversation shuts down.

I'd rather use the term "rabid atheist"...


What is the difference between a fundamentalist Christian and a non fundamentalist Christian. Sam Harris (shade's brd) doesn't seem to accept or be tolerant of fundamentalist Christians, do you also not accept and respect Fund. Christians? Do you think there is a problem with the beliefs of Fundamentalist Christians. If so what is the problem? Do you think that all beliefs of everyone in this world should be tolerated, respected and not criticized.


I repeatedly said beliefs should be challenged, marg. I certainly don't think I spoke to respect of beliefs. Matter of fact I am not fond of the belief that we should eradicate all religious beliefs or theists should not be allowed to participate in the political process, as well. I would have no problem debating with the individuals that held these views and try to sway them.

Jersey Girl mentioned it and I'm more comfortable with the term fanatic. I don't know why Sam chose the word fundamentalist to refer to people that I sense she sees as fanatics. I'm not defending that website or the sentiments there. I was just pointing out that there are those that paint all theists with a broad brush -- and the same can be seen with theists painting atheists with a broad brush (as in the website) or those of a different religion/denomination.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
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