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How do I offend an atheist?

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  • DoctorArchDoctorArch Curmudgeon Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Doc wrote: »
    Murago wrote: »
    Don't be the guy who belittles another decent person b/c your beliefs are proven. Its kind of douchey.

    I hardly ever do that in real interactions with people. I'll step in, for example, if a Catholic is making fun of Mormonism, and ask them how their religion is any less ridiculous. That's mostly to show that they should be more tolerant rather than to make fun of their beliefs, though.

    To be fair, Doc, the Mormon brand of crazy is a lot finer crazy than the Catholic brand. Like an Everclear 180-proof purity of crazy compared to a Bud Light.

    As a Christian-leaning agnostic, I think it's hard to offend atheists other than by things which are offensive to anybody. Calling anyone a child-raping puppy killer is offensive, and sometimes "because you're an atheist" is tacked onto the end of that sentence for added effect.

    DoctorArch on
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  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited March 2008
    Archgarth wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    Murago wrote: »
    Don't be the guy who belittles another decent person b/c your beliefs are proven. Its kind of douchey.

    I hardly ever do that in real interactions with people. I'll step in, for example, if a Catholic is making fun of Mormonism, and ask them how their religion is any less ridiculous. That's mostly to show that they should be more tolerant rather than to make fun of their beliefs, though.

    To be fair, Doc, the Mormon brand of crazy is a lot finer crazy than the Catholic brand. Like an Everclear 180-proof purity of crazy compared to a Bud Light.

    Why is it more crazy? Because they claim that miracles and prophets were around more recently?

    I guess this thread isn't the place for it, but consider every Mormon belief, then compare it to a belief of Catholicism. I think you'll find that they are very much on par with each other, but Catholicism claimed stuff happened a long time ago, which does nothing to lend the claims credibility.

    Doc on
  • SithDrummerSithDrummer Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    12gauge wrote: »
    Atheists shouldn't be trusted. I don't think you can trust people who claim to believe in nothing.

    That's Nihilsm though, isn't it?
    That must be exhausting.

    SithDrummer on
  • FencingsaxFencingsax It is difficult to get a man to understand, when his salary depends upon his not understanding GNU Terry PratchettRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    12gauge wrote: »
    Atheists shouldn't be trusted. I don't think you can trust people who claim to believe in nothing.

    That's Nihilsm though, isn't it?
    That must be exhausting.
    Frankly, I find their lack of faith disturbing.

    Fencingsax on
  • Satan.Satan. __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?
    Typically the only reason I go is for a funeral or wedding. I recognize that the people being honored are religious and it's rather silly of me to refuse to go on the basis that they're holding the event at a religious site.

    Satan. on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited March 2008
    Satan. wrote: »
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?
    Typically the only reason I go is for a funeral or wedding. I recognize that the people being honored are religious and it's rather silly of me to refuse to go on the basis that they're holding the event at a religious site.

    Not only that, but when your grandmother wants the family to go to church with her once a year, you go.

    Doc on
  • Satan.Satan. __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    Doc wrote: »
    Satan. wrote: »
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?
    Typically the only reason I go is for a funeral or wedding. I recognize that the people being honored are religious and it's rather silly of me to refuse to go on the basis that they're holding the event at a religious site.

    Not only that, but when your grandmother wants the family to go to church with her once a year, you go.

    I could see that if I lived near the rest of my family and if that was an issue with us (I haven't "outted" myself as an atheist to my extended family but I don't take them for morons).

    Satan. on
  • MerovingiMerovingi regular
    edited March 2008
    Heh, fun topic. I can't speak for all atheists, but I really don't get offended-- just frustrated. Unfortunately, I live in the southern part of the U.S., but a little more South of where the real bible-thumpin' good ol' Americanese Christian super-people live. Ugh, they get on my nerves.

    I would hate to have that rule here, though: don't offend Christians. I enjoy offending Christians. I guess that makes me a bad person, but it makes me feel better after the frustrating 'burn in hell' and 'devil-worshipper' charges. Boy, those are fun.

    Merovingi on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • reVersereVerse Attack and Dethrone God Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Doc wrote: »
    Not only that, but when your grandmother wants the family to go to church with her once a year, you go.

    Why?

    reVerse on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    Not only that, but when your grandmother wants the family to go to church with her once a year, you go.

    Why?

    Because it's polite.

    Doc on
  • AldoAldo Hippo Hooray Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    Not only that, but when your grandmother wants the family to go to church with her once a year, you go.

    Why?

    Because it's your grandmother.

    Aldo on
  • reVersereVerse Attack and Dethrone God Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Those aren't very good reasons.

    reVerse on
  • AdrienAdrien Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Because you love her, and want her to be happy. Jesus.

    Adrien on
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  • reVersereVerse Attack and Dethrone God Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    That's not good enough reason for me. If she was getting married or something I'd concider going, but just because? Nah.

    reVerse on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited March 2008
    That's because you're an asshole.

    Doc on
  • AldoAldo Hippo Hooray Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    NEWSFLASH: Some people love and respect their grandparents.

    Aldo on
  • Rhan9Rhan9 Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Because some grandmothers aren't frail, and would kick your ass if you didn't oblige. (And it's a polite thing to do)

    Rhan9 on
  • SithDrummerSithDrummer Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    That's not good enough reason for me. If she was getting married or something I'd concider going, but just because? Nah.
    Yeah, it's a real chore, I'll bet.

    SithDrummer on
  • Satan.Satan. __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    Rhan9 wrote: »
    Because some grandmothers aren't frail, and would kick your ass if you didn't oblige. (And it's a polite thing to do)
    Man even the frail ones can pack a whallop. Remember that they beat your mother / father into submission and won't hesitate to do the same!

    ---

    Seriously, though. If grandmother wanted the entire family's ass in church, we'd show up. She's the head of the family and that side of the family is extremely close. What she says is law.

    Satan. on
  • MerovingiMerovingi regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    That's not good enough reason for me. If she was getting married or something I'd concider going, but just because? Nah.

    I'm with ya. Respect goes both ways: respect her as a grandparent, as an elder, and such by the way I treat her and love her.. but she should respect that I refuse to set foot in, or support any kind of, church. Luckily, no family member has forced me to go to church.... whew.

    Merovingi on
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  • corcorigancorcorigan Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Doc wrote: »
    Satan. wrote: »
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?
    Typically the only reason I go is for a funeral or wedding. I recognize that the people being honored are religious and it's rather silly of me to refuse to go on the basis that they're holding the event at a religious site.

    Not only that, but when your grandmother wants the family to go to church with her once a year, you go.

    One set of my grandparents are fiercely atheist.

    The other pair were actually missionaries at one point, but I'm still fairly sure my grandma still only goes out of boredom and for the social contact. She doesn't like family members going with her. I'm sure my (vicar) grandfather was religious though. Exhausted himself and got really ill a few times by working too hard.

    corcorigan on
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  • Not SarastroNot Sarastro __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?

    Music, ceremony, community, networking, incense, Christmas candles, Christmas carols, free wine...

    Only religious types think church has to be about God.

    Not Sarastro on
  • CommunistCowCommunistCow Abstract Metal ThingyRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?

    Music, ceremony, community, networking, incense, Christmas candles, Christmas carols, free wine...

    Only religious types think church has to be about God.

    I would think it would depend on the type of church. Unitarian churches might be ok for being an outed atheist, but southern baptist/catholic/methodist/etc. probably wouldn't.

    I would venture to guess* you would not get any enjoyment out of the music, networking, etc. because you would be too busy trying to beat off the people trying to convert you or people calling you a satanist.

    *guess based on going to a southern methodist church up until I was 18 or so.

    CommunistCow on
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  • Not SarastroNot Sarastro __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    Fair enough, perhaps not with your awful evangelical type religions, but pedigree bigotry'n'prejudice like Catholicism or Church of England has lots of pretty rituals and singing to enjoy.

    Not Sarastro on
  • CommunistCowCommunistCow Abstract Metal ThingyRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Merovingi wrote: »
    reVerse wrote: »
    That's not good enough reason for me. If she was getting married or something I'd concider going, but just because? Nah.

    I'm with ya. Respect goes both ways: respect her as a grandparent, as an elder, and such by the way I treat her and love her.. but she should respect that I refuse to set foot in, or support any kind of, church. Luckily, no family member has forced me to go to church.... whew.

    This seems like another one of those religious double standards because I doubt any of you would expect your really religious grandparents to go with you to an atheist club or some Dawkins speech once or year. As Merovingi noted, you can still respect them without having to go to church. I think the act of asking and expecting someone who is openly atheist to go to church is a bit disrespectful. To clarify, I think the asking is fine, but getting upset if they decline is disrespectful.

    CommunistCow on
    No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
  • Wonder BreadWonder Bread Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    reVerse wrote: »
    Why would an atheist go to a church?

    Music, ceremony, community, networking, incense, Christmas candles, Christmas carols, free wine...

    Only religious types think church has to be about God.

    I would think it would depend on the type of church. Unitarian churches might be ok for being an outed atheist, but southern baptist/catholic/methodist/etc. probably wouldn't.

    I would venture to guess* you would not get any enjoyment out of the music, networking, etc. because you would be too busy trying to beat off the people trying to convert you or people calling you a satanist.

    *guess based on going to a southern methodist church up until I was 18 or so.

    How would they know? Sure, you're an "out" Atheists, but as long as you aren't marching down the street screaming that you don't believe in god, that shouldn't really be public knowledge.

    Wonder Bread on
  • Not SarastroNot Sarastro __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    How would they know? Sure, you're an "out" Atheists, but as long as you aren't marching down the street screaming that you don't believe in god, that shouldn't really be public knowledge.

    Surrepticiously flick holy water on them, the smoke is usually a clue.

    Not Sarastro on
  • CommunistCowCommunistCow Abstract Metal ThingyRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    How would they know? Sure, you're an "out" Atheists, but as long as you aren't marching down the street screaming that you don't believe in god, that shouldn't really be public knowledge.

    Um because the original quote under discussion was about a Unitarian church with atheists who openly admitted it.

    Edit: See reading the thread 101. http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showpost.php?p=4821221&postcount=36

    CommunistCow on
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  • AlgertmanAlgertman Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    tell then organic food is bullshit

    This works WONDERS with my Atheist friends.

    Algertman on
  • CommunistCowCommunistCow Abstract Metal ThingyRegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Algertman wrote: »
    tell then organic food is bullshit

    This works WONDERS with my Atheist friends.

    What?

    It seems like you are working under the assumption all atheists eat organic foods. This is a bad assumption.

    CommunistCow on
    No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
  • Chris WChris W Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Algertman wrote: »
    tell then organic food is bullshit

    This works WONDERS with my Atheist friends.

    What?

    It seems like you are working under the assumption all atheists eat organic foods. This is a bad assumption.


    Indeed. Plenty of them eat at Hardee's. Just sayin'.

    Chris W on
  • Satan.Satan. __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    Algertman wrote: »
    tell then organic food is bullshit

    This works WONDERS with my Atheist friends.

    I'm a fat fuck that eats meat, shits on hippie vegetarians and doesn't believe in a higher power.

    Swing and a miss!

    Satan. on
  • durandal4532durandal4532 Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Tell people to tell them that organic food is bullshit.

    durandal4532 on
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  • VThornheartVThornheart Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Aye, saying that "Science is just a belief" (as someone said above), or other such illogical nonsense, would probably offend an atheist... well, it'd offend anyone who thinks rationally, but that's another issue.

    How about "I voted for ____ because my parents did". That's enough to set any rational person to have a conniption.

    VThornheart on
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  • Wonder BreadWonder Bread Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    How would they know? Sure, you're an "out" Atheists, but as long as you aren't marching down the street screaming that you don't believe in god, that shouldn't really be public knowledge.

    Um because the original quote under discussion was about a Unitarian church with atheists who openly admitted it.

    Edit: See reading the thread 101. http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showpost.php?p=4821221&postcount=36

    Read my post. Carefully. Sound out all the big words, and if something still doesn't quite make sense to you, call an adult for help.

    Wonder Bread on
  • DrezDrez Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Insult his or her mother.

    Drez on
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  • Satan.Satan. __BANNED USERS regular
    edited March 2008
    Drez wrote: »
    Insult his or her mother.

    Thread over, Drez FTW

    Satan. on
  • Wonder BreadWonder Bread Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Drez wrote: »
    Insult his or her mother.

    You're assuming that Atheists have mothers.

    Wonder Bread on
  • KalkinoKalkino Buttons Londres Registered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Drez wrote: »
    Insult his or her mother.

    You're assuming that Atheists have mothers.

    I heard they fell from a slit in Buddha's side

    Kalkino on
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  • Ethan SmithEthan Smith Origin name: Beart4to Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited March 2008
    Drez wrote: »
    Insult his or her mother.

    Your mom doesn't exist, though I would note that if I saw evidence of her existing, I would retract this comment.

    Ethan Smith on
This discussion has been closed.