hd

Prayer was one of the things that confused me as a kid: If God's all knowing, why do you need to pray? Can't he just read your mind? Why go through the ritual of clapping your hands together and mumbling?

That sort of ritualism turned me off. The same thing happened with one person's speech on baptism. It didn't help that at the time, I was learning about all sorts of corrupt televangelists, faith healers who deceived their way to fame, people who used religion as a refuge for their crimes, and so on. I ended up forming a general rule: A person's morality is inversely proportional to their displays of piety. As a result, when I read Matthew 6:6, it had a large resonance with me. It still does, even as an atheist. There are better ways to display your loyalty and good character.

..Kind of reminds me of the "loyalty oaths" I read about in history, and the current slew of radical neocons wrapping themselves in the flag and carrying crosses.

I can deal with someone quietly putting their hands together in an honest expression of gratitude, so long as they aren't being disruptive or excessively demanding that everyone join in. About the worst I'd feel is mild annoyance on par with that I experience with some cell phone discourtesy.

Similar thought: Bill O'Reilly's war on Christmas. I, as an atheist, (including many of my 'blogfathers') was perfectly fine with "Merry Christmas." When I saw a store saying "Happy Holidays," I only saw a more generic form of the phrase that would include non-Christians who have something to celebrate in winter. When Bill O'Reilly and many of his similar friends started the war, acting as if a slightly more generic form of wishing someone an enjoyable celebration was horrible, I started to find many, many people saying "Merry Christmas" in a very insincere form, much like "I'll pray for you," after a heated argument. That's why I now refer to "Decemberween" in Homestar Runner fashion.

I sincerely hope that someday I'll see all the Christians who can say "Merry Christmas" with heartfelt love and generosity rise up against the venomous wingnuts who insist on using it in a bigoted fashion that reeks of entitlement.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Might return the link love soon in another post.

I am down with Satan btw, he was the good guy in Genesis.

On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 10:20 AM, Matt Oxley <revoxley501@gmail.com> wrote:
approve

One does not have to convert to a religion to understand it, despite what many may think. However I don't think it is possible to explore every avenue of religion in any single lifetime – which to me is a great evidence against god…or at the very least his goodness and worthiness.

I am an atheist because I don't believe in any god…and the burden of proof is on anyone or any god who does make the claim.

Derek

My comment about prayer is this… I truly believe prayer is what keeps the lines of communication open between a believer and GOD. I know for me, I talk to HIM all day about everything. HE is my everything.

I do believe that if a situation arises and prayer is needed (even in public) GOD will honor that heart if it is meant with true intentions. Other than that I believe we all should be in a private place to pray.

When the pastor calls for an invitation to go to the alter to pray, I usually do not. It feels to rushed, and then all those people waiting until you are done. Actually, it makes me feel uncomfortable, but there have been times when I really needed to go, but it was because my focus was on the matter at hand. (An emergency) Other than that, I stay to myself or with my fellow believers as you stated in your post.

I love GOD with all my heart and I know HE truly loves me…And you too…whether you believe or not. : )

Matt, you have always shown me great respect, I have always appreciated that. I will always show it to you as well.

Here is another Christian saying that you probably hear a lot, but I really mean it…GOD bless you!