If atheism is a religion, I quit.

It's not. At all.

As previously stated by a bunch of other people on page three, it's a system of belief. However, I believe anyone that considers it a religion is mistaken. It's a belief that relates to religion, yes, but it could hardly be compared to an organized religion.

I preferto be thought of as a person with no relgion, rather than an atheist. It's such a label these days.

It's because your a super duper non-conforming, non label wearing poopy head, isn't it Gabe?!

There is a difference between not adhering to a religion and being atheist, you know.

You could always just be totally nihilistic about the existence of a higher power, but if you do not believe in any deities, like it or not, you're an atheist. I mean, it's not so much a label... it's just what it's called.

Okay, but that's nonspecific. A person with no religion could also believe in God, or be unsure of God's existence or nonexistence. An athiest does not believe in the presence of a higher being.

Edit: Damnit SeaRex!

Not where I'm from. To be an atheist is to be a satanist. I'm sick of it. Hopefully I'll be moving soon. It doesn't matter what the definitions or terms are of the word. Pople around here are too stupid an arrogant to wan't to be correct and sensible.

Ah. I see what you mean now. Ignorant people. Gotcha.

Well, in that case, just pretend my last post wasn't directed at you and is merely there for informative purposes. :p

In the context of a thread, you must remember that the atheists have just as much power to destroy it as the religionists by posting (as many have) that religion is evil and should be destroyed.

Hear, hear.

Hmm... I'm not too sure about this one. I think in many cases the same wars would have happened even if religion didn't exist. Sometimes Religion is just the excuse for doing what people already want to do.

One example would be the wars between England, France and Spain in the middle ages. They really were about territorialism and colonisation but the excuse was difference in religion.

Another example would be Israel vs Palestinians. When you look closer at the situation, the religious differences between the groups have not come into play at all. It's all about two nations claiming rights to one parcel of land. It's territorialism, not religionism.

Frankly, I believe that all wars are fought over money or power, which leads to money. The "holiness" of these events has only been acover story. people were just to stupid to see behind the sham.

Now about Wicca, what exactly is it about, can anyone give me insight, I know someone here is Wiccan. What is the belief system
and while were at it, Buddhism and Hindi. I know nothing about those religions except that the Dalai Lama came within 100 miles of where I live. And some other stuff. but I'd really like to learn more

It's a neo pagan religion. From what I know, it has NOTHIGN to do with Satan. I hope I am not wrong, but it also shares relationship with Buddhism, everyone being equal, what goes aorund comes aorund. Look it up on Wikipedia.

Lol. WICCA on WIKIpedia, I'm sorry but I found that funny
I just might try that though

It doesn't explain the belief system, but for a look at the historical basis (ahem) of modern Wicca, look here: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a991029.html.

What I've noticed about uber Christians (Not you, assorted OWF religious folks) is that they laugh at other religions for being 'stupid'.

"Hindu/Buddhism? AHAHAHAHA!! Why the **** would someone worship a cow/fat guy?! LOOL"

I just don't like that outlook. I've heard these kinds of statements on many occasions, particularly from silly ignorant infantiles at schools and such.

Abeguy, Wiccan is a religion based around Nature and Old Gods. It is related to Paganism, Witchcraft, and other forms of Earth Religion. I can't recall off-hand whether it deals with Angels like other "occult" religions do, but it has nothing to do with Satan or Evil. It is very... down-to-earth, while {obviously} dealing with the "beyond" physical.

I was surprised to hear about the Celtic Deity of Brighid within (Or "Bridgid"), who {if you read the right media} is believed to have been warped by the catholic church into "St. Bridgid", a well-known saint in Ireland.

I have found lots of this "tradition assimilation" by the Catholic church in Ireland. A story as old as "The Children of LÃ*r" has a reference to St. Patrick's coming 900 years before he came to Ireland. This would not have happened when people first talked about Na Tutha De Dannan.


Budism... well, it's interesting.

Some people believe Buhda was a god, or "higher being", since he wouldn't answer any questions on the subject. Of course, this led others to believe that he was implying there was no "higher powers".
It is easy to find basic information on these things... at least, over here it is. I had to study religion in school, which meant I got a basic knowledge of Muslim, Cahtolic, Protestant, Buhdist and Islam beliefs and ideas. I could recommend text-books if you want, Abeguy.

Just getting people off the quarreling. and Thanks for the Info Guys. Now, what do all you guys know about Judaism in its many forms? except you Nate, let's see if these people get it right or totally butcher it

Judaism could be described (crudely) as "Christiantiy before Christ".

It's the same God, but Jews see Jesus as a massia (rather than The Saviour)... at least that's as much as I can remember.

I was very surprised to find out from my friend Ahmed that Muslims believe in the same God as both, but again not Jesus... and there's a bit more on Muhammad.

Jews do not believe that Jesus is a massia. They also don't believe he was a messiah. They know that he lived but will give him nothing more than that.

I like Budism, because its (by my count) the only religion where there wasn't an award for if you followed it, or a punishment if you didn't.

Well... if you consider becoming one with everything a reward, there is.
But I know what you mean. With Budism, there's no "hell"... although there is Suffering and Death.

good definitions, now, from the top of your heads, name the Jewish Holy days (holidays)
and give a small defintion. If you can

I have a better idea. Reach your hands into my pants and guess whether or not I'm circumsized.

*reaches in OANST pants*

Ah, I see why you weren't circumsised.

Anyways, from all of the "common" Religions (even tho I'm against it), I think Buddism is the most peaceful. So if there had to be one religion, I'd have to choose that.

If you guessed becaused it's so freakin' ginormous than you are correct. But I only offered this to Abeguy. Expect to receive your sexual harassment suit in the mail in the next 3-5 business days.

It would be a sexual abuse suit, actually.

I'll kill you.

lol, I'd never reach down your pants anyway, I got something called a sexual orientation, and I'm keeping my current one, which is straight

OK. Topic type discussion now, peeps. If there is any more hot, male-on-male flirting action, it needs to be done via PM.

XD

Back on the Buddhism discussion, I do find it an interesting religion but I think most people don't really understand what it's about. They think it's a nice philosophy but an easy way of life. WRONG!

These are all things the Dalai Lama has said:
-Told a press conference in 1997 that man-man and woman-woman sex is sexual misconduct (San Franciso Chronicle 11/06/97)
-Said that sexual organs were created for the reproduction between the male element and the female element and anything that deviates from this is not acceptable (Dimanche Magazine Jan 2001)
-Offered his endorsement to an anti-abortion lobby group "Consistent Life" (Reuters 22/01/01)
-Published a set of religious teachings Beyond Dogma (1996) that claims

*That masturbation is forbidden

*Both oral and anal sex is forbidden, even between a husband and a wife

*Having sex during the day is sexual misconduct

All research here stolen directly from John Safran vs God.