Hey,
Growing up I was raised in the church. As a kid I always questioned things; I had an extensive curiosity and knack for giving my Sunday school teacher a hard time. But nevertheless I believed whole heartily that because of Jesus, when I died, I would ascend into the heavens and live infinitely with God and all the angels and etc. This changed when I was about twelve or thirteen and could really read the Bible and draw my own connections and conclusions. Even after I realized how I felt, I wanted to deny it. You see, I grew up in the in middle of the bible belt: Georgia. If I were to express my doubts to anyone, I would have most likely been ostracized. But as I matured, and the people around me matured, I was able to discuss my beliefs with less fear of being persecuted, matter of fact my fiance is very Christian. As you may have guessed, I am an atheist. I fully believe in coexistence and acceptance. I believe that it is not only illogical, but ridiculous to judge and persecute individuals because of personal beliefs. That being typed, I enjoy debating. I love to hear others opinions and offer my own. Debating is a type of art which has been lost to the substandard culture today that breeds ignorance and stupidity. Any world where Paris Hilton is a hero disgusts me. Sorry, let me get off my soap-box. I am very enlightened to have found this site. It is very hard to discuss these matters with people that reside in the bible belt. Not everyone here in the South can be prejudice against a man of my faith (yes, faith. I have faith that the laws of science hold true and that I will not spontaneously start drifting off into space or that tomorrow matter will still not have a destructive nature and the list goes on. Nothing is absolute. Anything is possible, only somethings are highly improbable.), but sadly, many people are prejudice. It is a wonderful thing to be able to speak ones mind with out fear. To the the creators of this site and others like it, and to the people who keep it going, I thank you. I look forward to having great discussion with you all. Thank you.
“There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier.� -Charles F. Kettering
Hi! I'm new here!
Moderator: Moderators
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otseng
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- Location: Atlanta, GA
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Post #2
Welcome to the forum. You're in Georgia? You don't sound Southern to me. 
Actually, I live in Georgia too, close to Atlanta. And from my perspective, I think it's pretty diverse in terms of belief.
Hope to see you around on the forums. And if you're ever in the Atlanta area, perhaps in person too!
Actually, I live in Georgia too, close to Atlanta. And from my perspective, I think it's pretty diverse in terms of belief.
Hope to see you around on the forums. And if you're ever in the Atlanta area, perhaps in person too!
Post #3
Hey that's so cool! I live kinda near Atlanta, about 45 min. south-west in Carrollton. Atlanta is much more diverse than the more rural areas like Roopville, where I grew up, and the out-skirts of Carrollton, where I am now. I love Atlanta, matter of fact I was there today at the Masquerade on North ave. 99x was trying to break the record for the biggest water balloon fight in the world. It was a blast! Anyway, thanks for welcoming me here. I've never been apart of a forum or a chat room before, but I really like it! This is something I'm curious and passionate about, so its a lot of fun! You take care! Hey, and maybe one day our path will cross. Thanks again!
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OnceConvinced
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Post #4
Hello and welcome!
Society and its morals evolve and will continue to evolve. The bible however remains the same and just requires more and more apologetics and claims of "metaphors" and "symbolism" to justify it.
Prayer is like rubbing an old bottle and hoping that a genie will pop out and grant you three wishes.
There is much about this world that is mind boggling and impressive, but I see no need whatsoever to put it down to magical super powered beings.
Check out my website: Recker's World
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justifyothers
- Site Supporter
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Post #6
I have very much enjoyed the discussions! Thank You! It's so much fun to meet all these new people! I have to watch out though, I could stay up all night talking about random things! It's that much fun! Thanks again!
Oh and thank you OnceConvinced for the welcome too. I see you're from New Zealand. I've always wanted to go. I've heard its so beautiful there. Its the best of both worlds in one place, the mountains and the beach! awesome!
Oh and thank you OnceConvinced for the welcome too. I see you're from New Zealand. I've always wanted to go. I've heard its so beautiful there. Its the best of both worlds in one place, the mountains and the beach! awesome!
"Laws alone can not secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be a spirit of tolerance in the entire population." ~ Albert Einstein
Post #7
Welcome to the forum.
What we do for ourselves dies with us,
What we do for others and the world remains
and is immortal.
-Albert Pine
Never be bullied into silence.
Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one persons definition of your life; define yourself.
-Harvey Fierstein
What we do for others and the world remains
and is immortal.
-Albert Pine
Never be bullied into silence.
Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one persons definition of your life; define yourself.
-Harvey Fierstein
