Atheist & Agnostic Family

[7 tyranitars]

Sure welcome

[Profesco]

Alrighty, if I may ask you guys, what are your opinions on the idea of memetic evolution? Richard Dawkins initiated the theory that memes (ideas) serve as a sort of immaterial analogue to genes, and like genes, undergo replication, alteration and nonrandom selection, thereby competing for survival in the environment of human minds. For example, Dawkins suggests religious faith is a particularly competent and virulent meme, which once having gotten a grip on a human mind resists its demise by undermining the effective use of reason and evidence to shape and/or correct the collection of beliefs and ideas in that human mind.

I'm not sure I endorse the theory. It does seem to accurately describe at least some qualities of thoughts and memes (in the traditional sense), but after reading some other authors on the subject there is a convincing case that memes don't really analogize to genes well, nor cultural/memetic evolution to the process of biological natural selection.



If that's a bit too obscure (it sure took me a while thinking about it @_@), then may I ask what kinds of science, politics, or philosophy books/articles/blogs you folks have read recently? =)

[7 tyranitars]

Alrighty, if I may ask you guys, what are your opinions on the idea of memetic evolution? Richard Dawkins initiated the theory that memes (ideas) serve as a sort of immaterial analogue to genes, and like genes, undergo replication, alteration and nonrandom selection, thereby competing for survival in the environment of human minds. For example, Dawkins suggests religious faith is a particularly competent and virulent meme, which once having gotten a grip on a human mind resists its demise by undermining the effective use of reason and evidence to shape and/or correct the collection of beliefs and ideas in that human mind.

I'm not sure I endorse the theory. It does seem to accurately describe at least some qualities of thoughts and memes (in the traditional sense), but after reading some other authors on the subject there is a convincing case that memes don't really analogize to genes well, nor cultural/memetic evolution to the process of biological natural selection.



If that's a bit too obscure (it sure took me a while thinking about it @_@), then may I ask what kinds of science, politics, or philosophy books/articles/blogs you folks have read recently? =)

I have read a philosophic book about Emotions and several theories about it. Quite facinating!

[EmeraldLeafBlade]

Hello, everyone. I would like to join this club. I am an atheist, I suppose, though I haven't always been. I was raised to be a Christian, though we didn't really go to church or anything. I only did a few times with my dad, then I went to a Sunday school type thing for a while, not because my parents made me (they didn't) but because I wanted to. After a while that church said something I was uncomfortable with and I left. My parents were understanding about it and agreed with me. Basically the church tried to force me to get saved and had me fill out a card or something and that bothered me.

I stayed a Christian for years after, but when I was 12-13 I started questioning it. This scared me because I did not want to go to Hell. What's more was that I started feeling like I might be bisexual. When I found out The Bible was against homosexuality I freaked out and worried a lot about Hell. I finally was able to let go of that and it felt like a huge weight was lifted.

After that I kind of went back and forth between atheism and other beliefs. Some of those beliefs were just regular religions like Christianity and Paganism, but others were just plain idiotic. To give you a hint of just how idiotic, there's a four year old thread on these very forums that I posted in called "Pokémon Are Real!". *Headdesk*

I've had some very bad experiences with beliefs, especially Christianity. My most recent trial of that particular religion was an absolute nightmare. I'm so glad I'm free from it now.

That said, I do find religion interesting and like some Christian and New Age Music. I recognize that it can be good for some people, just not everyone. I just don't like it when people force their beliefs on others and make me feel like I'm "wrong" for not believing. Ceremonies that involve religion can feel rather awkward for me. Like at my step-grandmother's funeral, when the pastor started going on about how there are probably people in the room who don't believe and that it's bad and blah blah blah. I found it disrespectful and unnecessary for the funeral service.

[7 tyranitars]

Glad to have you!

[Profesco]

I have read a philosophic book about Emotions and several theories about it. Quite facinating!

Hey, that's pretty cool! Learning about how emotions work is interesting, I've gotten to read a bit about them in some of my psych classes. Do you remember what book it was? I might like to check it out. ^_^

Hello, everyone. I would like to join this club. I am an atheist, I suppose, though I haven't always been. I was raised to be a Christian, though we didn't really go to church or anything. I only did a few times with my dad, then I went to a Sunday school type thing for a while, not because my parents made me (they didn't) but because I wanted to. After a while that church said something I was uncomfortable with and I left. My parents were understanding about it and agreed with me. Basically the church tried to force me to get saved and had me fill out a card or something and that bothered me.

I stayed a Christian for years after, but when I was 12-13 I started questioning it. This scared me because I did not want to go to Hell. What's more was that I started feeling like I might be bisexual. When I found out The Bible was against homosexuality I freaked out and worried a lot about Hell. I finally was able to let go of that and it felt like a huge weight was lifted.

After that I kind of went back and forth between atheism and other beliefs. Some of those beliefs were just regular religions like Christianity and Paganism, but others were just plain idiotic. To give you a hint of just how idiotic, there's a four year old thread on these very forums that I posted in called "Pokémon Are Real!". *Headdesk*

I've had some very bad experiences with beliefs, especially Christianity. My most recent trial of that particular religion was an absolute nightmare. I'm so glad I'm free from it now.

That said, I do find religion interesting and like some Christian and New Age Music. I recognize that it can be good for some people, just not everyone. I just don't like it when people force their beliefs on others and make me feel like I'm "wrong" for not believing. Ceremonies that involve religion can feel rather awkward for me. Like at my step-grandmother's funeral, when the pastor started going on about how there are probably people in the room who don't believe and that it's bad and blah blah blah. I found it disrespectful and unnecessary for the funeral service.

Welcome, EmeraldLeafBlade. I'm sorry to hear that some of your experiences with Christianity were upsetting for you, but it sounds like you have some great parents! Looking from the outside in, you'll be able to recognize how a moral system that uses intimidation and threats of eternal suffering to coerce people into believing its metaphysical claims can thereafter claim neither moral authority nor an autonomously faithful following. =P

[Darato]

Well shit has hit the fan with Chick-Fil-A

L.F.D.

[FlyShyGuy]

That said, I do find religion interesting and like some Christian and New Age Music. I recognize that it can be good for some people, just not everyone. I just don't like it when people force their beliefs on others and make me feel like I'm "wrong" for not believing. Ceremonies that involve religion can feel rather awkward for me. Like at my step-grandmother's funeral, when the pastor started going on about how there are probably people in the room who don't believe and that it's bad and blah blah blah. I found it disrespectful and unnecessary for the funeral service.

Welcome
I find overly religious ceremonies awkward too. Both my grandparent's funerals were heavily religious and they pretty much went on about how god loves everyone and that non-believers will one day see the light etc etc. But like you, there are some religious aspects I like (especially the music side); I just don't choose to believe or follow any of it. If I ever get married (if ever), there prolly won't be any references to god :P

This whole Chick-a-fil thing (whatever it's called, we don't ahve them over here) is dissappointing. I couldn't care less what the manager's views on gay marriage were but the whole motivation behind the "appreciation" day (at least, people who were supporting C-A-F for it's stance on gay rights) is sickening. It's like some people were taking pride in being homophobic. That's my perspective anyway

[Profesco]

Since I'm doubtful there's a useful point mid-discussion to post this in the Debate forum, I'll instead bring you guys a link to a very appreciable article concerning the relationship between Christian ideology and conservative politics in the US. It's a safe bet that most of the American (and probably some non-American) atheists here are also interested in politics as part of their worldviews.

Imo it's always pleasant to be reminded of the better characteristics of the person of Jesus.

[7 tyranitars]

Hey, that's pretty cool! Learning about how emotions work is interesting, I've gotten to read a bit about them in some of my psych classes. Do you remember what book it was? I might like to check it out. ^_^



Welcome, EmeraldLeafBlade. I'm sorry to hear that some of your experiences with Christianity were upsetting for you, but it sounds like you have some great parents! Looking from the outside in, you'll be able to recognize how a moral system that uses intimidation and threats of eternal suffering to coerce people into believing its metaphysical claims can thereafter claim neither moral authority nor an autonomously faithful following. =P

It is a Dutch book So I could tell you it's name but I doubt you would understand it!

Well shit has hit the fan with Chick-Fil-A

L.F.D.

KFC is better tbh.

Since I'm doubtful there's a useful point mid-discussion to post this in the Debate forum, I'll instead bring you guys a link to a very appreciable article concerning the relationship between Christian ideology and conservative politics in the US. It's a safe bet that most of the American (and probably some non-American) atheists here are also interested in politics as part of their worldviews.

Imo it's always pleasant to be reminded of the better characteristics of the person of Jesus.

Interesting read, I also read some of the comments posted, some people are really butthurt about it. But she is right, most Europeans are astonished with the way Americans deal with healthcare and gun controll.

[Darato]

KFC is better tbh.

This charity event I do every year where we take little kids who don't have a lot of money Christmas shopping, part of it is we get breakfast; last year Chick-Fil-A gave it to us. I hate to say it, but the breakfast sandwich was good, it was even better than when I got laid on that new years by a girl I wanted to bone since we were in JR. High, but lost touch with after I was expelled. Still not sure what it was over. Could have been the time we were watching Napoleon Dynamite and the teacher said Kip is ugly, and I said he still gets more ass than you, the time we all went down on the kid who call my friend the nigger, the time I said one teacher was better than another and made a kid have a freak out fit, the time I wouldn't give the 500 pound girl my pudding, the time in 7th grade when I beat up 4 9th graders, the time I kept on telling dumb blond jokes till one kid had enough and bit me on the head, the time I ran in the middle of the freeway on a filed trip and danced, or many more thing.

Also new topic

How would you feel if your child came out to you about believing in a God

I'd really just be happy that they were happy, as long as they didn't force it.

L.F.D.

[Profesco]

How would you feel if your child came out to you about believing in a God

L.F.D.

I would try to understand. I do not mean that only in the sense of being supportive, but also largely in the literal sense. I would engage my child in frequent and pointed conversations in an effort to figure out just what arguments, experiences, or reasons he or she had to actually believe that a divine being existed. Either the reasons would not stand up to scrutiny, and I would have cause to discourage my child's folly, or they would and I would have cause to re-evaluate my own views. Either way, it would be an opportunity to engage my child's critical thinking faculties (as well as my own).


In other news: Shameless opportunism or light-hearted satire? You decide!

I'll be honest. I do not find the above particularly entertaining. =x

[Skyler 99]

I probably want to join. I am a gnostic atheist. I'll try not to sound disrespectful but I can't understand how people can believe in most religions at all.

[Dilasc]

How would you feel if your child came out to you about believing in a God

Prevention is the best solution: don't have kids!

[7 tyranitars]

I would try to understand. I do not mean that only in the sense of being supportive, but also largely in the literal sense. I would engage my child in frequent and pointed conversations in an effort to figure out just what arguments, experiences, or reasons he or she had to actually believe that a divine being existed. Either the reasons would not stand up to scrutiny, and I would have cause to discourage my child's folly, or they would and I would have cause to re-evaluate my own views. Either way, it would be an opportunity to engage my child's critical thinking faculties (as well as my own).


In other news: Shameless opportunism or light-hearted satire? You decide!

I'll be honest. I do not find the above particularly entertaining. =x

I wonder how many people tried that out :')

[Pokemon Geek]

How would you feel if your child came out to you about believing in a God

Prevention is the best solution: don't have kids!

This guy got it right.

[Darato]

Welcome all new family members, let me know if I missed anyone on the list.

Sorry I really haven't been posting in here much my loved ones. My pills really messed me up for a while, I was having hot flashes and everything.

So here's a fun little thing to discuss, not really going to be a topic, but more of an open convo.

Since religious stuff in schools goes by state to state and country to country. We're all around the same age Apart form Profesco who is like older than Jesus.

What was it like with your school. With me, we had some small Mormon stuff going on there, and students in JR. High, and High School could chose to take a class located off campus that was an LDS class, I did take this the first part of 10th grade because i got put in it, but it was just for a few weeks, then the rest of the time was me another student and her friend ditching and having sexy time fun in the bathroom.

L.F.D.

[Elysian]

We have classes of Religion and ethics in our school.
It gets funnier when you replace the word "state" with "Satan"

[katiekitten]

Hey, I'd like to join if that's alright? :3 I'm an agnostic atheist, although I make an effort to remain tolerant. x3 No stories from me - raised in an openminded household, went through the british schooling system where morning hymn practise was just the way it was (at my school at least) until secondary school and then a few years of 'religious education' classes (about a variety of religions, although christian focussed), but it was never really forced down your throat. A teacher that happened to be a reverend did end up doing my sex ed class, which was hilarious, but it was still the standard 'here's how you put a rubber on a banana' thing. xD

I believe I've read the article you linked before, Profesco, or at least something on the same subject matter - and as a british-raised american, I've certainly found the response of the state's to the idea of a way of ensuring health care for the poor, and indeed the tight ties between religion and politics, bewildering. The wedding of Conservatism with, at times, extremist christianity particularly. I shouldn't be surprised that cold war tensions are still prevalent in US politics, I know, but to hear open smear campaigns about obamacare being a battle for socialism vs capitalism is surprising. I'm not used to the overtly sensationalist nature of a lot of American news, as well - but that's a different kettle of fish. xD That said, we are certainly not 'saints' here - we have our newspaper conglomerates and tabloids, class divisions still run rife, as does homophobia and racial tensions, albeit occasionally more subtly then in American politics. All too easy to become disillusioned, haha.

[Drake Pokétrainer]

Wait, why didn't I join this version of the club? O.o

Anyways, I've pretty much always been an atheist, sometimes an anti theist. I always try to respect others but if they come up with extreme ideas or push it too far I explode. To me religion is something from old times used to explain things that people didn't understand back then. Also something to turn to during bad times or by others (mainly extremists) a medium to spread fear and terror. The last reason is why I see it as humanity's biggest curse.

So yeah, I went to a christian school because my mom's aunt is a nun, but most of my other family members are either atheists or agnostic so at least I have no problems with that. I also liked to discuss with my religion teachers, but respected their opinions. It was just fun to do.

I'm also obsessed by the prehistory since I was a little kid. It started with dinosaurs, then everything else during that age and then everything before and after then. Some years after that I also became really interested in space and how everything in nature works (ranging from evolution to spacetime and nuclear fusion)

So yeah, this was my short intro, you can count me in Darato ^^;