What do you believe?

I was just asked to discuss what atheism is and I realized, you can't really! And "atheist" is kind of an odd term. Why label someone by what they're NOT? So let's discuss what WE ARE. I would like it if a different term to describe a non-spiritual person were to become popularized such as "realist." Religion for me is a non-issue in my life. I don't really have a reason to think about it or ponder religious issues. Unfortunately, I am forced to look at the actions of religious people and their attempts to impose their beliefs on our government and society which should remain secular. I do believe in taking responsibility for my actions in the here and now. Deed not creed! I try to consider the inherent right and wrong of any decision and judgment. I feel I have a responsibility to be a good citizen and that should be reflected in my judgments. I am responsible to myself to live the best I can. To continue the educational process my whole life and make positive choices. When I have a problem in my life, big or small, I work to resolve it. WLS was about my biggest personal issue since my weight was adversely affecting my health. I owed it to myself to do whatever was possible to make myself healthy. Live with integrity and honesty! In everything I do, do it the best I am able! I try to be polite and mannerly at all times but I have to admit, if you get on my last nerve..... The book that had the most influence on my life was (I know it's a cliche to say this) Yes, perhaps you could guess... Atlas Shrugged.

I guess my big question would be, is an atheist the same as an evolutionist? like do you believe in the Big Bang theory? I always thought i was a 'dont believe it till you prove it' person, but i guess i fall into the stereotypical religious person, in the way that all things happen for a reason etc..... i think because i grew up in a non religious house, it scared me into finding something to beleive in (isnt that a Poison song, haha).. interested to see how this thread turns out!! thanks

Yes, there is so much hard evidence we have about the origins of man and the universe! I am always amazed at what scientists have been able to discover! We have an incredible museum of natural science here in Chicago that includes the world's largest and most complete T-Rex! I'm not as well-read in the sciences as I could be. I've always been kind of an art-geek. I am most amazed by the advances in medical science that we enjoy today. It's incredible what can be cured and accomplished now. I have THREE friends who survived breast cancer. Every one of us who gets WLS is a wonder of medical science! It's hard to believe that I felt so little pain and in ONE MONTH I was off all my meds!!!

The evidence supporting evolution FAR outways any evidence that there is a God (of which there is none). Many Christians would say that is not true. I would say they are uneducated. Take a college level anthropology class. It will change your life. You cannot logically be a "'dont believe it till you prove it' person" and be a "things happen for a reason etc....." person. You really have to pick one. Christians call it faith and destiny. Atheists do not believe in either. I would never proclaim to know for sure how we originated. I have heard some amazing theories and seen evidence to support many of them. I am only convinced we evolved and are still evolving. The big bang theory and evolution are not exclusive though. They are two different theories. One is the origin of the planet and our solar system. The other is the origin of man. Uneducated people are convinced evolution teaches that we evolved from Apes. Those people need to read a book. Many are scared of not believing. My mom once asked me what will happen if we do not believe and are wrong. I am convinced I am not wrong. She said she would rather beleive and be wrong than not believe and be wrong. To me, that is like saying, "I would rather live my life brainwashed and oblivious than see the truth of reality." It kind of reminds me of the Matrix. Atheists often say that the only the bad thing about being an Atheist is not being able to tell you I told you so when we die. Atheists see the whole notion of God and religion as preposterous. Man invented God before there was science. Science has pretty much disproved God. End of story really. Regards, Terri

Terri, If you reread my post, it says I used to be a 'don't believe it till I see it person', not that I am one now, and also a things happens for a reason person. I would have hoped you would have been a bit nicer while explaining your views because it may have helped people and made them think. But in all honestly you sound very rude and I have discredited everything you have said, regardless if science proves it to be true. There is no reason for you to get so defensive unless you are having doubts yourself. have a good day, Dawn

Dawn, Terri has made clear and straight-forward statements. Your response is totally uncalled for and completely unfounded.

Thanks for the support Dona. I was pretty dumb founded at her RUDE ass response.

Yeah, I was trying to figure out how on earth she could come up with this idea that you were rude but then I decided, why bother?

I have to agree with Dona, I'm not sure what made you think Terri was being rude or defensive. To me, she was just answering the question based on her thoughts and experience.

That is very interesting as I thought I was just giving a straight forward answer with little emotion or feelings involved either way. You are the one that asked the question. My intention was never to be rude. I really am sorry you feel that way. Discredit me or not, I do not give a **** Next time ask someone else. Regards, Terri P.S. This post WAS meant to be rude.