n00b alert!

[pwsoldier]

I've already posted in a few topics, but I figured it'd be good manners to introduce myself formally. I'm an atheist, a socialist, and to some extent a punk-rocker (the responsibilities of growing up tend to put a damper on that last one). I'm in the Army Reserves and am currently working as an assistant postal supervisor in Kuwait. Before I came here I was working as a cook at a seafood restaraunt in San Antonio. I've thought about continuing that line of work as a career, but I haven't yet made up my mind.

I was raised in a very devout Mormon family. My own personal faith was never very strong and I broke away from the Church shortly after joining the military. Since then I've developed a very basic understanding of the scientific and philosophical ideas associated with atheism. I am a firm advocate of Evolution, though I confess that I still have a lot to learn about the scientific theories behind it as I don't possess the math skills required to fully understand the more intricate laws and theories of science. I'm very eager to learn though. I am already convinced that there is no God, now I just have to fill in some knowledge gaps.

While I do not personally believe in God, I always do my best to be respecful towards those who do. I know many people whose lives have been greatly enriched by their faith, and I don't feel that it's my place to take that away from them.

[wrekk]

Welcome to the forum. Very interesting back story. Look forward to reading your posts.

[otseng]

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for sharing your story.

[Fallibleone]

Welcome, pwsoldier.

[Zzyzx]

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Hi PWSoldier,

I have seen a couple of your previous posts and have sent you a PM (to retrieve, click on “you have __ new messages” on top of this page).

Your desire to learn is admirable. Don’t let lack of mathematics skills hold you back because those skills can be learned – even through free on-line courses. MIT offers many of their courses on the web free of charge -- and there are many other courses available elsewhere. http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm

My wife escaped from the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints cult of Warren Jeffs – and has made a remarkable recovery in twenty-five years. The FLDS is evidently more heavily indoctrinating than LDS. I will start a thread on the topic one of these days.

When one sets aside supernatural beliefs they need not become atheistic (denial of gods), but can become agnostic (non-acceptance of gods). There is quite a difference. I prefer the term “Non-Theist” because it is directly oppositional to Theist and because it does not connote any “degree of non-acceptance”. There is a user group by that name which you are welcome to join.

How long have you been in Kuwait? Do you prefer your duty as assistant postal supervisor to your previous cook / chef position?

I am now reaping some benefits from serving in the Army half a century ago (after Korea and before Vietnam). My health care is provided 100% by the VA. Many veterans are unaware that they need not have been injured or in combat to receive care. ALL it takes is a DD 214.

I look forward to your posts.


Zzyzx

[pwsoldier]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome!

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Your desire to learn is admirable. Don’t let lack of mathematics skills hold you back because those skills can be learned – even through free on-line courses. MIT offers many of their courses on the web free of charge -- and there are many other courses available elsewhere. http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm

Hmm, I'll have to look into that. It'll be a long learning process though as I'm currently not even qualified to take college-level math without first taking the equivelent of high school level Algebra II. I'll definately see what MIT has to offer though. Thanks!

My wife escaped from the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints cult of Warren Jeffs – and has made a remarkable recovery in twenty-five years. The FLDS is evidently more heavily indoctrinating than LDS. I will start a thread on the topic one of these days.

I'm not familiar with the FLDS. The only branch-off that I'm familiar with is the RLDS church, which has since denounced the Book of Mormon and changed its name from what I've heard. I'll have to look into that other branch. I'm curious now.

When one sets aside supernatural beliefs they need not become atheistic (denial of gods), but can become agnostic (non-acceptance of gods). There is quite a difference. I prefer the term “Non-Theist” because it is directly oppositional to Theist and because it does not connote any “degree of non-acceptance”. There is a user group by that name which you are welcome to join.

Quite right. I myself went through a brief agnostic phase while I tried to sort out my beliefs after leaving the LDS church. I apologize for misusing the atheist terminology.

How long have you been in Kuwait? Do you prefer your duty as assistant postal supervisor to your previous cook / chef position?

To be quite honest, my current assignment is very dull. I enjoy working as a cook, but I can't shake the feeling that I can do better than that. I may look into working for USPS as a civilian once I get back to the states, just to keep myself on my feet while I work out some goals.

I look forward to your posts.

And I yours.

[Lionspoint]

Hello,

Your message was really great and one that I can relate with. I was raised Baptist and eventually Four-Square Evangelical so I know what it is to be fundamental. Like you, I also began to have my doubts about god but didn't really feel a need to bar him from reality until September 11. Shortly thereafter, I found that not only was the idea of god irrelevant but actually dangerous. It was then that I began to slowly become an atheist.

I am well aware that America, like almost the entire planet, does not readily welcome atheism. I currently live in the Los Angeles area and I can tell you for certain that there is a church less than half a mile from my house. And there are about 30 churches within a five mile radius. The overwhelming majority of those are Baptist, Four Square or non-denominational Christian. If a Christian needs resources they are profoundly available in America.

So I decided to provide you with a short list of online resources to help you understand the world through logic and reason. This is what I have discovered through my interest in religion and atheism...

richarddawkins.net - This is the be-all end-all of resources that I have found that is literally full of information and easily navigated. Go to archives and select video from the drop down menu to begin true knowledge!

rationalresponders.com - This is the site mostly led by Sapient (Brian) and Kelly - Fairly militant but I have yet found or heard or seen anything from them that does not mesh with logic - They are the youth of atheism and a good group.

lionspoint.com - my website. Truly amatuer. Don't visit except to laugh. You know I posted this just to get you to visit just to laugh...so don't not visit.

People...

Richard Dawkins - Far and away the most intelligent person I have ever heard and likely on par with Socrates.
Sam Harris
Christopher Hitchens - He is profoundly humorous and barbed.
Dan Dennett
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Bill Moyer - His observational ability is unrivaled.
George Carlin - Its George Carlin...need I say more?
Carl Sagan

[Cathar1950]

My grandfather was a pastor of the RLDS and I was rasied on my father's side as a RLDS while my mom's side was Baptist and such. I remember going to a family reunion when half my relatives seperated because they allowed women to become Elders RLDS restored is what they caled themselves but I think things have changed since then as it has been awhile.
Hey Zz as another 100% retired and disabled vet we should start our own user group.