New forum member

[Taff Lafferty]

just thought I would introduce myself, as a new member, i will undoubtedly upset some and support others.

I will analyse, interrogate and challenge posters beliefs, opinions, words and religious bias. I expect the same in return, although i unlike some, wont get upset or offended.

If i offend your beliefs, religion and hard held views, it will probably be intentional but i will do it as polite and reasonable as possible. I intend to push people to their limits in such a way as to present my own bias and disgust clearly.

Also i want to put out there information and supported factual evidence that explores the possibility that some religions are just plain wrong.

i bid you all good fortunes to a point, and a favorable conclusion for me.

I will take any questions on me, but reserve the right to ignore stupid ones.

[OnceConvinced]

Welcome Taff. Hope to see you in the forums. Do be careful about how much you show your disgust. The forum has strict rules about civility.

Have fun!

[Divine Insight]

Looking forward to seeing your perspective on things. Welcome to the forums.

[Cinderella Man]

New member here. Haven't read enough to know a lot about the people here yet; still just learning may way around the forum. I'm an atheist with a very conservative Christian upbringing. I tend to rely on logical arguments and strongly support scientific concepts but I'm not opposed to the idea of spirituality. In fact I embrace it myself, just not the same way as Christians typically do. I don't despise religions but I do find them extremely conflicted and often dangerous.

[Divine Insight]

Welcome to the forums Cinderella Man.

Your intro reflects my views as well. I too was raised as a Christian, although our specific church was quite liberal actually. In any case, I had to reject the religion of Christianity overall as being obviously false.

But like you I also am not opposed to the idea of spiritual or a possible mystical essence to reality. I see the basic idea behind pantheism as having some plausibility. And just as a matter of personal "spirituality" I practice various pagan traditions that have recently been associated with a concept of solitary eclectic "Wicca". I cast circles and perform various rituals that I consider to be "Shamanic Journeys". But I don't hold these up as being anything more than a personal hobby.

I think it's fun to pretend that there are higher spirits to commune with. I also think it can be a practical psychological tool even knowing that it's a totally made-up tradition.

And like you, since I leave open the possibility of a potential higher mystical essence to reality, then there's always the possibility that some higher consciousness might actually recognize my attempt to commune with it.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share that to let you know that there are others here who feel similar. Non-theistic, but open to the possibility. Science certainly hasn't ruled that possibility out to be sure. And I totally support all of confirmed science including evolution which I personally feel has been confirmed.

I hope you enjoy your forum experience.

[OnceConvinced]

Welcome Cinderella man. I too was brought up in a Christian home, a dedicated Christian for may years. Now an atheist, even though I never wanted to be.