My Introduction

[JohnnyJersey]

Hi, I am Johnny from New Jersey (as my screen name suggests), and I'm new here, so introducing myself as was requested in the form letter I got in my mailbox upon completing registration.

I am a Christian, and I enjoy discussions about religion as I like to understand what other people think and why and how they think that way. I'm most fascinated by atheists who seem to have an obsession with religion. Already, I have noticed that the most prolific posters in these forums are mostly virulent atheists who seem to have a real anger or bitterness towards Christianity in particular and religion in general.

In any case, I appreciate discussions with anyone who can have a rational point to make and who understand Philosophy enough to do so. Unlike so many today who go with the trend that Science (or, Scientific Method) is the arbiter of logic and reason, I tend to stick with Philosophy as the field of study through which logic and reason are understood properly. I am particularly interested in Epistemology and other "knowledge" seeking fields of Philosophy and how they match up to Science, as I see this as the biggest gap between truth and people's "knowledge" today (regardless of religious belief).

So, I hope to have an enjoyable time and to learn something, and I also hope to be able to help some others learn some things as well! Thanks for having me!

[otseng]

Welcome to the forum!

Well, I wouldn't say that the atheists here are particularly "angry or bitter". But I would say they seem to have more free time on their hands than do the Christians.

[McCulloch]

Welcome

I too am interested in Epistemology. It led me away from religion. I consider many religions as mostly harmless, but there are a number of dogmatic evangelical religious positions which, I believe, are not.

[JoeyKnothead]

Welcome to the forum!

Well, I wouldn't say that the atheists here are particularly "angry or bitter". But I would say they seem to have more free time on their hands than do the Christians.

It could well be that some of the atheists take the extra time to engage, putting other pursuits aside, as opposed to the implication they have nothing else to do.

This atheist considers it his duty to his fellow humans to challenge religious dogma and / or claims at every opportunity.

But other'n that, welcome to the site JohnnyJersey.

[Zzyzx]

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Hi JJ,

I will probably be one of your adversaries because I do not accept fanciful tales of "gods" and other "supernatural beings" (angels, devils, demons, ghosts (holy or otherwise), unicorns, centaurs, leprechauns, fairies, etc).

Do you promote or endorse any of these "beliefs"?

[Zzyzx]

.

Well, I wouldn't say that the atheists here are particularly "angry or bitter". But I would say they seem to have more free time on their hands than do the Christians.

WHY would you, of all people, ASSume that?

[otseng]

But I would say they seem to have more free time on their hands than do the Christians.

It could well be that some of the atheists take the extra time to engage, putting other pursuits aside, as opposed to the implication they have nothing else to do.

No, I'm not implying that they have nothing else to do.

WHY would you, of all people, ASSume that?

Myself, I allocate one hour per day for the forum. Yet, many people, especially non-Christians, are be able to post much more than me. How do you all do it?

[Zzyzx]

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WHY would you, of all people, ASSume that?

Myself, I allocate one hour per day for the forum. Yet, many people, especially non-Christians, are be able to post much more than me. How do you all do it?

Maybe we type faster???

Maybe we don't spend time praying for guidance, assistance or favors?????

Maybe we don't give away ten percent of our income to the preachers welfare fund or palace building funds, and therefore have to work less???

Maybe minds not cluttered with dogma and mysticism work faster or better???



Actually, in my opinion, it is far easier to debate the side that does not make claims or tell stories that cannot be verified. In final analysis, what we do in debate can be summarized by "Is what you say credible". It must take a lot of time and effort to try to present arguments that appear to be credible when there is no evidence to support claims -- only conjecture and opinion (some of which is ancient and revered, some more personal).


You have my respect for accomplishing all you do with and for the forum in only an hour per day. I would say it is downright amazing (but not "miraculous").

[otseng]

Actually, in my opinion, it is far easier to debate the side that does not make claims or tell stories that cannot be verified.

Yes, the side that does not make any claims is much easier to debate.

It must take a lot of time and effort to try to present arguments that appear to be credible when there is no evidence to support claims -- only conjecture and opinion (some of which is ancient and revered, some more personal).

That is assuming there is no evidence for it.

You have my respect for accomplishing all you do with and for the forum in only an hour per day. I would say it is downright amazing (but not "miraculous").

Some days I'm not even on the forum, some days I'm on more. But, on average, it's about an hour. The trick is I only participate in only one or two debates at a time.

[JohnnyJersey]

Welcome to the forum!

Well, I wouldn't say that the atheists here are particularly "angry or bitter". But I would say they seem to have more free time on their hands than do the Christians.

Thank you for the welcome, otseng. I certainly see that many atheists on this board do seem to have time to post here. Regardless of how they have the time, I think it is an interesting statement made through such actions, that statement being that certain atheists are indeed very focused on religion, likely to the point of obsession. Not saying that's a good or bad thing for all of them (usually it's not good) but it certainly is evident!