I wrote this earlier.
Then I figured out that I need to clarify the intended audience.
It’s Christians.
(Atheists, you are welcome to comment and, as always…
…your comments will be irrelevant.)
A lot of Christians have gotten the idea that Christianity is supposed to include everyone.
All over the internet, you can read stuff like this, or this, or this.
And you start believing that the primary function of the Church is uniting mankind.
Well, relax.
Because you’re dead wrong.
The church is exclusive.
Embrace that truth!
Give it a hug.
Feel the warmth?
That’s the warmth of freedom.
You can stop feeling guilty because you haven’t ‘reached’ everyone with the gospel.
You won’t reach everyone.
Jesus didn’t reach everyone.
“And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. – John 6:36
There was no strategy meeting with the remaining disciples.
Jesus: “Wow! A lot of people are feeling excluded. What should we do?”
Peter: “Well, you should preach more inclusive sermons.”
Jesus: “Hmmm. I hear what you’re saying. Go on.”
Peter: “Make it easier to follow you. Quit saying weird stuff.”
Jesus: “What weird stuff?”
Peter: “Eat my flesh. Drink my blood. That stuff freaks people out.”
Jesus: “But I am the way, the Truth and the life. I’m the only way to God!”
Peter: “Yeah. That’s pretty outrageous too.”
Jesus: “Church growth is hard…”
Christianity is conditional.
Jesus clearly indicated that discipleship is optional.
Nobody HAS to be part of the church.
The church includes everyone who is redeemed.
It can’t be ‘more inclusive’ than that.
160 Responses
Wow. All I can say is all these comments have been very enlightening. Can I recommend one thing? Can we move all the mindless back and forth over to YouTube where we might be able to at least make some money 😉 if we’re going to tangle with atheists let’s make them work for us 🙂 Great article John
Arkenaten here are some scriptures for you… Jude 1:22, Psalm 14:1, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, and there are many more if you would like them please let me know. But i am assuming you won’t.
God bless all the people here. Especially Ark. He and all of us need it.
Ark, I hope and pray God will surprise you a ridiculous amount this Christmas, so much so, that he befuddles your already befuddled intellect. Maybe a free coffee in your AM journey, a free toll on your commute, many little things to bless you on this season of Jesus birthday. Maybe a call from an old friend. Maybe someone takes care of one of your bills. Just the things that will touch your heart and remind YOU that God cares for you.
Undeniably.
Even if you don’t care for Him. He still loves you.
Defend your truth statement that the theistic God (super natural creator of all things natural–our reality) is nothing but a created narrative.
You will have to use logic and philosophy because you will be unable to cite the author(s) of a narrative based on what you belive are 100% lies. You also must believe objective truth exists.
@BbBennet
Ask a deconverted fundamentalist about their childhood and ask how their life was prior to their deconversion.
There are plent here in blogland. Try Neil Carter’s blog.
Ask any Catholic woman who fell pregnant out of wedlock, (many because of rape) who had her child removed and was sent to a churc- run workhouse.
Ask the millions who have been denied contraception.
Ask the children who have been abused and brutally raped by church clergy.
That’s a good start.
Let me know the answers. it will make for an interesting discussion.
I imagine their stories would be no different than the stories of the hundreds of millions of other people who were victimized by the millions of people who had no moral standards by which to guide their lives. Anyone (religious or not) who places themselves in their own truth or reality that allows them to harm or murder others, is no closer to God than you are.
In other words, if anyone who says they believe God created us, somehow justifies murdering His creation (other people) then they are by definition, not believers in God. They are, in fact, elevating themselves to gods. They think they’re smarter than God.
Take George Bernard Shaw. He came up with the nifty idea that everyone should be questioned and required to give an answer before a tribunal of sorts, as to what their contributions to society are. IF they were not acceptable, then he believed they should be humanely killed. He is credited with giving the Germans the idea of using Cyclon B to gas the Jews (and other undesirables) efficiently.
Believers in the God of the Bible, know why harming and killing other people is morally wrong. Atheists have no objective basis to believe in moral absolutes. Actually… in order to claim that millions of religious people have committed acts of EVIL… you have to steal the natural laws created by God.
Now THERE is a piece of irony for you!
And which god would this be and what verifiable evidence do you have for it?
Scientifically speaking, what physical evidence would you expect me to present to verify the existence of the supernatural creator of all things physical (natural), including the natural laws that govern our natural existence?
If you are intellectually, philosophically and logically honest, it is not possible to define the supernatural in natural terms. IOW, God the creator is not God if He is part of the creation.
Your namesake, idol, avatar believed the sun was god. But we both know the sun was and is just the sun. He probably didn’t put much faith in that light disc himself, but he sure got a lot of mileage forcing others to worship and sacrifice to his god.
Hitler was no different. He eventually convinced a majority of Germans to renounce Christ and put him (Hitler) as the head of the church.
Nothing wrong with getting hundreds of thousands of people to renounce their faith in Christ, is there, Ark? Right up your alley.
Defend your truth statement that the theistic God (super natural creator of all things natural–our reality) is nothing but a created narrative.
You will have to use logic and philosophy because you will be unable to cite the author(s) of a narrative based on what you belive are 100% lies. You also must believe objective truth exists.
What an excellllllent Fabian Socialist G. B. Shaw turned out to be. What an intellectual! What a great champion of social order, justice and equality for all but the lowest of classes (those unable, unwilling or too genetically mutated by the fickle fates of the degrading gene pool).
His only beef with Hitler (a fundamental follower of Christ by your estimation) was that he didn’t use the right criteria for killing people. (Moral failing, perhaps?)
It appears Hitler’s god was at odds with the atheistic philosophical God of Shaw.
Of course… their gods/philosophical ideas were fictional constructs, weren’t they?
Not to change the subject away from Ark’s brilliance but it occurred to my moronic mind that Ark the atheist chooses to manifest the image and invoke the name of the marginal pharaoh, Arkenaten, for his avatar. This seems to me, to be inconsist with the doctrine of atheism.
Arkenaten is fictional. Akhenaten is the name he was shooting for but misspelled it.
Well that’s awkward. The avatar photo is right though.
Interesting tidbit of history… assuming it wasn’t all made up:
In 1352 BC. Akhenaten ascended the throne, succeeding his father Amenhotep III who had died. Akhenaten was just a teenager at the time, but it was the desire of Queen Tiye that he rule.
Akhenaten’s reign lasted 16 years. This was a difficult time in Egyptian history. Many scholars maintain that Akhenaten was responsible for this decline, but evidence suggests that it had already started.
Akhenaten is principally famous for his religious reforms, where the polytheism of Egypt was to be supplanted by monotheism centered around Aten, the god of the solar disc. This was possibly a move to lessen the political power of the Priests. Now the Pharaoh, not the priesthood, was the sole link between the people and Aten which effectively ended the power of the various temples.
Akhenaten built a temple to his god Aten immediately outside the east gate of the temple of Amun at Karnak, but clearly the coexistence of the two cults could not last. He therefore proscribed the cult of Amun, closed the god’s temples, took over the revenues. He then sent his officials around to destroy Amun’s statues and to desecrate the worship sites.
I guess I find it ironic that an atheist would identify with an Egyptian sun god worshiper. :-/
Apparently anything but Yaweh Ark would likely be at peace with. Fictional characters are of course, not a threat.
Excellent point! If God in Jesus are fictional characters that never existed, why are atheists so bent on arguing over the fact that someone believes those characters to be true (real)?
Bb, good luck with that question. I have been hanging around for ages waiting for somebody to answer it.
@BbBennett
Perhaps it didn’t cross your ”moronic” mind that I used the Akhenaten Gravitar on purpose because I too, appreciated the irony?
I guess not. Perhaps you can elucidate and help us understand how nuanced you are.
https://scontent.fhsv1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12804744_10207834418551953_1437824309245065756_n.jpg?oh=6196d29400441df30b0a327cf7b6d0c1&oe=58F66D61
Experimenting here. If it works – then we’ll know how Ark really appears when he’s smiling – perhaps when taking photos of school children on their way to school OR the backsides of black female police officers (perhaps “Sir Arks-a-Lot” is a good nickname for the Chimp Descendent/Ark Garfunkle?). Maybe he likes big butts and he cannot lie?
Anyway – if the experiment doesn’t work – then you’ll have to trust me Sweet Cheeks – you don’t want Ark watching your kids. He looks like he just ate a kid with some fava beans and a nice chianti. Not saying that he did. Just saying that he looks like he did.
Meanwhile – do I understand correctly that Sir Arks-a-Lot wants a contemporary witness of Jesus’ resurrection other than the contemporary witnesses that did witness it? Perhaps someone that witnessed it – but did not believe they witnessed it – so they never wrote about their witnessing of it? Seems backwards.
And Sir Arks-a-Lot says the Gospel accounts differ from one another? What? This is news to me. Different witnesses recounting the same events differently? That would be similar to different witnesses in a criminal case recounting the same events differently. He makes a good point – as most normal people (as Ark might say) know that witness accounts in criminal cases are always identical (except that they are not).
But darn it all – at the same time – Sir Arks-a-Lot also says the Gospel accounts are identical on many fronts (copied from one another).
Identical but different. Genius.
Anyway – it’s been fun sitting back and watching the Chimp Descendent chase the laser. He can’t resist JB’s cooking.
~CQW
For the holidays, the Crap sandwiches come with a pinecone on the side.
Who’s the bigger fool? The fool who knows they’re a fool, or the fool who is unaware that they are fool and refuse to entertain the notion? (albeit they do entertain the rest of the fools on this comment thread)
I really do love coming here. My daily dose of irony is always so well satisfied. Apparently only fools click on John Branyan’s blog, and yet Ark refuses to ever leave it and calls me the fool. Honestly, it makes my day.
The Comedy Sojourn: You Can’t Click Just Once. 😉
Put that on the business card. 😀
Oh, dear John-boy,’fraid one of your thousands of acolytes is going to get chewed a little?
Tsk Tsk.
Though I will grant you that there is definitely a measure of foolishness pressing the link that says The Comedy Sojourn.
And, John, you really ought to consider a new blog title;one that is more fitting.. This one just isn’t working at all.
I guess you’ll be leaving us then. Moving on to some space worthy of your time. It’s been fun, Ark.
So long!
There we go! Now you can look forward to another lengthy round of vacuous posts with only your daughter and Wally for company.
Oh,and let’s not forget all those thousands and thousands and thou … of followers reading along munching their popcorn, right?
*Smile *
Go well, Branyan.
And try to look after yourself ‘cos in truth, Jesus of Nazareth doesn’t love you at all,and Yahweh is a prick. ( read the OT, you’ll see.)
T’ra.
Ark, even a fool is considered wise if he keeps his mouth shut and says nothing. Obviously the thousands of readers are content to watch, eat popcorn and laugh heartily at these proceedings and appear smart to boot. It’s a win-win. Why comment and interrupt the entertainment?
Indeed, so why did you comment?
Now you have interrupted the entertainment. Oh, dear.
You are obviously not one who of the thousands upon thousands who wishes to appear smart … to boot.
Hoisted by your own petard it seems.
I’m willing to look the fool in defense of others. It beats looking like a fool all by myself.
And you do it so well!
Arkey doesn’t actually recognize foolishness when he sees it. If he did, he wouldn’t be able to comment at all.
Hi John
As a mouth dragging mouth breather, it is entirely possible I may have entirely missed the point here. Or, maybe the bazillions of unrelated comments may have clouded my brain, already dim, even more. Because I am stupid, I can’t really say.
First, I believe absolutely in the importance of the local church as the centerpoint of God’s work. It was formed by Jesus, and that is good enough for me. What else is there that can provide what it provides? Solid Biblical teaching, preaching, and the forming of unity among believers are just a few of the things. Oh, and that pesky thing about becoming more Christlike by leaning what He expects and striving to be like that. You know, turning away from sin, rejecting lies, and embracing truth.
Local churches, however, are not there to serve themselves. We aren’t there to grow or become bigger, even though that is quite awesome. It’s not the purpose. A building full of fake believers does nothing for the Kingdom of God.
We aren’t even there to get people in so they can be saved. That’s pretty great too, when it happens. But, if the bulk of our evangelism takes place in our walls, that’s bogus. For evangelism, the world outside our walls is the audience. Inside the walls we primarily teach and disciple those who already believe.
Yessir.
Turning from sin is another thing that’s going to exclude some folks. Good point.
Yeah, it’s quite bothersome LOL.
Note for the Christians:
Whenever Ark asks “Do you want to see a link?” say YES!
HAHAHAHA!
Ark, you ask for sources. I recognize that you are not truly interested in learning the truth behind Christianity, and in the end, you will not look further into the biological, astronomical, physical, historical, philosophical, quantum, etc. proofs for Christianity. However, I will indulge you with just a few sources, simply so that you quit asking:
Josephus, Tacitus, Thallus, Phlegon, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Emperor Trajan, Emperor Hadrian, and the Talmud.
These are all very real, affirmed people that existed in the time of Christ and the early church. They make references to people mentioned within the Bible, and almost all of these people hated/killed Christians in their time, so they weren’t “conspiring” with writers in the Bible. Despite their religion or beliefs, no legitimate historian would deny the existence of a man named Jesus from Nazareth. There are some facts that are undisputed. If you would like, I could enlighten you to these; however, if you are uninterested (like I’m guessing), I will not.
All existed in the time of Christ?
That is the funniest thing I have read in ages, Branyan.
Please, you must tell, you local pastor, he will be amazed at your insight.
I didn’t say that they all existed in the time of Christ; I said Christ and the early church. And if you think fact and truth are funny, then that, good sir, is the root of the problem here and this conversation need not continue any further, unless you desire to continue imposing your circular thinking and ad hominem upon us.
…my money is on Ark continuing the circular thinking and ad hominem.
You want to bet against me?
None of them existed at the time of Christ.
Stop trying to be clever Branyan, it doesn’t suit you.
I didn’t write those comments.
You out to try being clever.
Maybe JZ taught Ark how to determine a person’s IP Address.
They both seem to think they’re privy to some sort of avatar, conspiracy-theory that isn’t actually happening.
I think Ark is software written by JZ who is software written by Carmen who is written by Tildeb who understands everything about reality…
Hmmmm….
Oops!
JB, how dare you insinuate that Ahk has anything to do with JZ? While his posts tend to contain some measure of literary and grammatical merit, they never have the sublime substance that JZ provides-or any substance for that matter. Ahk claims to desire conversation, but his dictionary defines that term: “a podium, stage, or soap box upon which one spouts one’s opinion, typically including (in order to give the illusion of a two-way discussion) fauxly-inquiring questions designed to lead a response to which may be retorted more scripted opinions ad nauseum.”
On the other hand, JZ’s life mission is to use his self-enlightened interest for the reduction of the cosmos’ suffering. Infinitely more noble! He listens in order to patiently respond with his own self-gotten yet universally-applying wisdom. Carmen just happens to chime in with her version of wit when she happens to agree with anyone. How awkward. And if Tildeb is in any way connected, he is merely a splinter of JZ’s self-enlightened interest made manifest. You’ve formed your pyramid upside-down (just like your thinking), JB. Ahk is as his namesake, buried beneath the monumental accomplishments of more useful men.
How embarrassing.
-whoosh
“‘My fingers are long and beautiful, as, it has been well documented, are various other parts of my body.’ -Donald Trump” -John Zande
Poor Ark and Tildeb…
They would do well with a couple of fans (“Blark” and “Blideb,” perhaps?), who are as devoted as you are, John Blande. 🙂
Geez.
Awkward…
You forgot to mention Yhwh though.
You are right. Everyone isn’t welcome in the church. Jesus frequently marked out one particular group for his most vituperative comments. You know. The ones like you. Self righteous exclusivists.
Do you disagree with my thesis or are you jumping on the self righteous bandwagon with me?
Christians:
When Ark says he forms his point of view based on “evidence,” he means “YouTube Videos.” (But he won’t tell us which ones.)
Just wanted to clarify that…
So, not fruit then? How about a cracker?
“Christianity is conditional.
Jesus clearly indicated that discipleship is optional.
Nobody HAS to be part of the church.
The church includes everyone who is redeemed.
It can’t be ‘more inclusive’ than that.”
(In case anyone forgets what the conversation is supposed to be about…)
Are you addressing moi?
The biblical character, Jesus of Nazareth, is a narrative construct and we have no way of knowing what the character ”said”, only what some anonymous individuals wrote at least one to two generations after the supposed crucifixion of this character.
(In case anyone forgot the truth of the issue)
No, I’m not addressing you.
I’m trying to comment AFTER you, so that readers don’t get distracted by your off-topic opinions.
(Christians: Ark has been asked repeatedly to provide sources of his opinions on early Christianity, and he only named one, Richard Carrier. Then he recommended I “read the Bible.” lol. If there are any CHRISTIANS who would like to discuss Jesus’ message and the spread of the Gospel in early Church history, let me know.)
So, not a cracker either?
Ooooh, I’m interested in Jesus’s message and the spread of the Gospel.
Please tell me all about it.
You already told us all about it. You said “anonymous individuals wrote” it “at least 1-2 generations after the supposed crucifixion.”
I’m SURE you won’t cite a source, so Christians will just have to take your word for it. But, Christians who are interested in something scholarly can ask me.
Okay, so maybe I am misinformed.
Please tell me the source that demonstrates unequivocally that these documents ( gospels) are not only accurate accounts of historical events but also written by the individuals whose names adorn the text.
No.
You’re not a Christian.
And if you don’t have to divulge your sources, I don’t either.
Sorry.
My sources are:
Tomato source, Horse Radish source, Bar- B -Que source and Mustard source.
So, your sources, please?
This entire conversation has got me smiling. Just found your blog thanks to Mike Wazowski!
Just published a new one over there about five minutes ago. 🙂
Oh and that Bear you had coffee with the other day. Technically, he led me here.
I told you he gets wild.
Wait, is this comment for John? Or for me?
I don’t remember coffee with a bear…
Sounds like something he would do. 🙂
Yeah it was John. Sorry! Just trying to maneuver. Your comment was the only one that said “reply”.
Ha, no problem. He’ll see your comment in the morning!
thanks, and now I just found out what “READER” is. lol
mrsmcmommy liked your comment on Everyone Isn’t Welcome In Church.
“thanks, and now I just found out what “READER” is. lol”
View Comment
You might want to go see what they’re up to! Perhaps you will like their blog as much as they liked your comment!
thank you! You have opened up my world. 🙂
Welcome.
Feel free to dive into the conversation.
You’ll notice that KIA and ARK use many words while saying nothing. Don’t feel obliged to treat them like actual people. We think they’re probably software.
lol. They got heart, somewhere. It is just buried under a mass of dung.
And, Is KIA truly a pastor? Scary, if so.
If you can figure out what KIA is you’ll have accomplished more than me.
I actually thought ya’ll knew him personally. ech.
Even if you think you aren’t reaching these guys, they are here. They are listening to you. Conflict is beautiful. You are stirring their thoughts and standing for the LORD. I am praying you make a big impact here. Your boldness is amazing. and they KEEP returning.
I can’t imagine that software could be so moronic..
And PS your blog post was really insightful to me.
Saw you in Milford PA. I ordered dr.squatch soap. And I feel like a dolt when reading these posts. Dang you (and your daughter) are a pro (s)!!!!
Last PPPPS.. to quote Ark…
at the start of his rants.
November 29, 2016 at 5:32 pm
“A conversation is an exchange of ideas with the goal (one would hope) of reaching a mutually satisfying conclusion.
How about it?”
I find it funny how he keeps returning to this conversation. I truly hope you both reach a mutually satisfying conclusion!!!
That would mean we could be satisfied knowing he might conclude in mutual understanding that Jesus Christ is Lord!!!!!
For there is no other satisfactory conclusion.
Can you give a few examples of sound doctrine, it’s history and how it is different from un-sound doctrine?
Any doctrine that Atheists object to is probably sound.
Such as that found in the Qu’ran then?
Interesting, I never would have pegged you for an Islamic sympathiser.
Who knew?
Christians are not sympathetic to Islamic doctrine.
Remember when I said atheists are welcome to comment but those comments will be irrelevant? I sincerely appreciate your steadfast commitment to proving me correct.
I’m sorry, you did say any>doctrine atheists object to, did you not?
Should I have guessed that your myopic interpretation would only recognize the doctrine as invented by the Catholic Church and its heretical offshoots?
Yes. You should have guessed that because I wrote this article TO CHRISTIANS.
So any CHRISTIAN doctrine to which you object is probably sound.
Amazing how all of my moronic, knuckle-dragging, theistic readers understood the context while the enlightened, intellectual atheist needed clarification.
Well, you know how it is with us moronic, knuckle-dragging folk. Polysyllabic conversation usually stumps us at the first hurdle.
So, an example of sound christian doctrine would be ….?
Apparently you’re still stumped. The knuckle-draggers are the THEISTS.
Pick a Christian doctrine that you find objectionable and you’ll have your example.
…and you’ll still be totally irrelevant.
I am more interested in which doctrine you regard as sound and for what reason, and to explore your understanding of its origin.
You are not interested in anything I say.
You are here because nobody reads your blog except for other heathen. Your ‘doctrine’ is void. You can’t comment until I offer some positive claim which you will then reject.
So, decide what aspect of Christianity you want to reject and that will probably be an example of sound doctrine.
As there are so many christian cults/denominations these days; offshoots from the original church and inventor of christian doctrine, do you consider all of it sound?
You didn’t actually specify a doctrine, Ark.
Focus that towering intellect for just a second and understand what you need to do.
Offshoots from the original church doctrine will not be sound doctrine.
Excellent! Thanks for that. So you are au fait with the original church doctrine then I take it, yes?
Yes.
Congratulations!
We are right back where we started!!!
Except, as you pointed out, it is you who is the knuckle dragging moron.
Which fits rather nicely with your belief in what is sound doctrine, does it not?
Ad hominem time!
Finally.
I was merely repeating what the theist wrote. Which makes a change from repeating something I heard an atheist say, right?
Please hurry up and get to the part where you repeat something you heard an Atheist say. We all know that’s what you’re driving at… You want to demonstrate that you know oodles and oodles of fun facts about historic Christianity.
But if you wait too long, it will get buried in the comments and no one will see it. So be quick.
Name the Catholic Church leaders who invented new doctrines out of thin air. Say, “Jesus never claimed to be God,” or say “early Christians didn’t worship Jesus as Divine until very late in Christianity’s formation” or just make WHATEVER POINT you think you know, which caused you to light up when JB used the phrase “sound doctrine.”
Quickly, what has someone told you about Christian doctrine which you are hoping to pull out of your hat like a rabbit at the right time in this conversation? The time is now! Shock and amaze everyone with your knowledge of Christian doctrine! Abracadabra!
He doesn’t know any doctrine. He needs me to offer something that he can refute. Off the top of my head I could list a dozen things he would reject and I’m not even a professional Atheist!
You said the keyword “doctrine,” and it triggered him.
He thinks he knows something about when/how Christianity developed. I’m sure of it.
Something about Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed… But no specific objections to any points of doctrine. I’m too busy to try and convince him that I’m not Catholic.
Yeah, I don’t blame you…
As I told him yesterday, it would be a lot easier if he would just TELL US the YouTube channel or blog that he subscribes to, so I can go watch/read his sources myself. I hate to ruin his magic trick–but I’ve probably heard his little Fun Facts (straight from the horses’ mouths) more than once…and the horses are usually smarter than he is.
His appeal to ‘evidence’ is actually pretty funny after all his inane babbling.
Hey, it’s the organ grinder’s pet monkey come to play.
Wanna piece of fruit?
Yes, sorry, I did misread. Thanks for pointing it out.I have a document open that I am struggling with and to try and prevent me missing bits because of endless scrutiny I flip to your spot for a bit of lighthearted entertainment.
Of course.
This is so trivial it doesn’t require your full attention. I understand.
You’re doing a fantastic job of demonstrating intellectual prowess.
Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to say fantastic.
As obtuse as your writing often is it doesn’t usually require that much intellectual prowess.
You are a Christian remember?
So let’s be honest, if your writing was intellectual you probably wouldn’t be a Christian for very long, would you?
Indeed. You are my intellectual superior.
If only you could give me one specific example of Christian doctrine that is problematic for you.
Sure. Give me an example of what you consider is sound doctrine.
Any Christian doctrine that you find objectionable.
I see what’s happening. You don’t actually KNOW any Christian doctrine. You’re atheism is merely blind faith. Here’s what you should do:
Get in touch with JZ, or Tildeb or KIA or even Carmen. Ask them what Christian doctrine is objectionable to pagans. Pass on whatever they say.
Hot dang! Rumbled!
So the Apostles Creed is not considered doctrine, neither the Nicene Creed?
Neither what that person wrote in Timothy?
Sheesh, I am so glad to have a clever bloke like you to help out.
You’re welcome.
😉
So if you support the church invented doctrine, how come you became a heretic?
To confound people like you.
Oh, it doesn’t confound me at all, but rather illustrates perfectly the very human nature of the doctrine you so glibly adhere to.
Well, the particular doctrine that resonates with you as an individual.
If you say so!
I generally offer my point of view on these issues based on the evidence presented.
Of course you do.
Your point of view on this has obviously been deeply researched. The level of philosophical thought is truly astounding.
Thanks again for letting us see what Atheism has to offer.
Atheism is simply the absence of belief in gods.
It does not purport to ”be” anything else either.
Maybe your knuckles are so sore from all that moronic dragging that you are unable to think clearly on this issue?
As you believe what I have to offer on this very erudite blog of yours is irrelevant, would you like a link to someone else who can explain it to you more better that wot I can?
It will save your poor hands from having to type?
Just say the word.okay?
No.
Atheism is much more than ‘absence of belief in gods’. You show up day after day voicing your ‘views’. Views do not form in an absence of belief.
I don’t need a link to understand what you believe. I understand you better than you understand yourself.
Fascinating!
Tell me, is this due to psychic ability, your extensive medical training, or the misguided belief that because of your personal dealings with certain emotional issues close to home that anyone not a christian must fall into the same sin induced mentally unstable bracket that caused you to seek out your god?
In actuality, your understanding of atheism is simply wrong.
In actuality, my understanding of atheism is simply spot on.
It doesn’t require psychic ability or medical training. It merely requires a review of your comments.
You don’t make comments because of an absence of belief. Comments are the articulation of your beliefs.
Insisting otherwise just makes you look dumb.
My comments are in response to the drivel you post.
I find it an amusing distraction.
And your understanding of atheism is wrong.
My understanding of atheism is perfect.
You have not actually responded to ‘the drivel’ on my posts. You just throw words into the comment section.
And the ‘amusing distraction’ confounds you because you are consistently unable to engage with any competence.
We’ve established that both of us operate via faith. The difference is that Theism offers a robust and intellectually compelling point of view. Atheism is, by your own definition, a void.
At any moment you are free to cast off Atheism in favor of a better position. The choice is yours!
I always try to engage at the level you deliver your posts.
Believe me, it is quite difficult to downshift this far as I am used to discussions based on sound logic and well honed scientific principles, not faith-based silliness based on erroneous fallacious doctrine that are hung out as the be all and end all. Especially those presented by mentally and emotionally unstable individuals who are convinced everyone who does not genuflect to a narrative construct will spend eternity being tortured.
Therefore, whatever view you have of atheism it has to be far better than the insanity you adhere to.
You can’t engage at the level of my posts. Your worldview won’t allow it.
Your vague references to logic and science are meaningless. You can’t even provide an example of Christian doctrine that you disagree with. You’re evidently too lazy to even ask your fellow heathen for help!
Atheism is a useless void. It describes nothing. It helps nobody. That stands in sharp contrast to Christianity which has literally saved the lives of millions of people around the globe.
Just so’s you don’t fret too much , Branyan.
I disagree with all of it, naturally, as it is built upon a foundation of superstition & lies, and at its core, is governed by heinous threats for non compliance.
I truly smile from ear to ear whenever I read the febrile attempts at point scoring by indoctrinated fundamentalists such as yourself. When, because of the sheer desperate need for recognition of their untenable position, they invariably try to add a theological spin to their delusional understanding of
anyone else’s position that does not hold with their own superstitious nonsensical beliefs.
If it makes you feel all warm and cozy then go ahead, cuddle yourself and hang on to your understanding of atheism.
Every atheist will disagree of course as will every dictionary and encyclopedia.And very likely, most normal people who are informed enough.
But that’s okay, hey, Branyon, because you are no doubt working on a comedy sketch and are mining for material, I’ll bet? 😉
Just try not to dribble on the keyboard.
… at stands in sharp contrast to Christianity which has literally saved the lives of millions of people around the globe.
I nearly spat my coffee all over my laptop.
Is this apart from the millions upon millions it has directly or indirectly caused the death of?
Truly, the more of your posts I read the more I am convinced you are simply taking the piss.Surely no one can be this blatantly ignorant and callous; so moronic and utterly ignorant?
Come on, admit, it, you aren’t really a Christian, are you?
This is all part of some script you are compiling on just how fucked up religious people truly are isn’t it?
Come on, John, I’m serious. It’s all a wind-up, right?
From Merrian-Webster:
Atheism:
a : a disbelief in the existence of deity
b : the doctrine that there is no deity
Hm… “Doctrine?”
Lol.
I think Merriam-Webster misspelled “void.”
Your point?
Atheism is the absence of belief.
Doctrine.
Atheism is doctrine.
The absence of belief IN GOD results in a whole lot of other beliefs. Or, as Merriam-Webster puts it: doctrine.
Atheism is not a belief system nor is it a religion. While there are some religions that are atheistic (certain sects of Buddhism, for example), that does not mean that atheism is a religion. … The only common thread that ties all atheists together is a lack of belief in gods and supernatural beings.
Need a link?
No thanks. I already looked it up in the dictionary, like you recommended.
The dictionary says Atheism is doctrine. And that makes sense, because when you DISBELIEVE in God, then you have to believe a whole bunch of other things. (You believe everything has a natural cause. You believe that supernatural explanations are wrong, etc.)
And MOST Atheists believe that other people care what the dictionary says about Atheism. (Most people don’t care, by the way.)
The only reason I’m engaging with you on the topic is because it made me laugh. The dictionary agrees with JB–not you. The dictionary calls your Atheism a “doctrine of unbelief.”
And did you smile and cuddle yourself and thank Jesus?
How wonderful is Yahweh, the make believe liquidator of humanity.
How marvelous a heinous religion called Christianity that has raped humanity of its dignity for millennia and produced warped and emotionally damaged people like you and your father.
How uplifting that such a belief system requires you to be indoctrinated that you are worthless, sinners and have no hope in life without submission to a narrative construct.
How vile a parent that demands worship on pain of eternal torture.
What a waste of a human life.
Lol. You always leave your best comments after I make you look ridiculous.
Really? Why would you believe you make me look ridiculous?
Because you found one source that suggested there is a doctrine of atheism?
Is that all it takes to make you crow?
My goodness, how shallow you are, Amanda.
Cuddle yourself and pray to your god.
Seriously you are so delusional you need all the help you can get.
I was hoping you’d ask!
The dictionary says Atheism is doctrine. Next time, don’t tell Christians the dictionary agrees with you.
LOL!!!!
My dictionary agrees with me.Do you want a link?
Tell, me is this relentless quest to find
meaning to your life making you a more fulfilled, well-rounded person?
Do you honestly think you can exorcise your demons by attempting to convince yourself of your belief in a narrative construct?
Why don’t you rather do something constructive like read a book like Alice in Wonderland to your kids?
I am pretty sure your therapist would agree this will be much better for your health.
Certainly, based on your on-going behavior you constantly display while piggy backing on your father’s blog, Christianity is not helping you
at all as you are becoming more spiteful, more recalcitrant every time you leap into the fray with another dose of your gloating prideful arrogance.
What a rotten example of a Christian you have turned out to be.
YES! LOL! I want a link!
I want a link to a dictionary that says “Atheism has no content. It’s a void.”
This is going to be hilarious…
Lol.
Actually, my dictionary does not use the term doctrine, which is what you have incessantly been chirping on about, is this not the case?
Tell, me based on your patterns of behavior here, do you think your kids will be proud to tell their friends how ”Christian” their mum is?
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
There’s no link there, Ark!
I cannot WAIT until my kids are old enough to laugh about this stuff with me. You are a HOOT!
Yuck, you really are quite disturbing.
Oh and I must apologise. One of my dictionaries, The Reader’s Digest two volume dictionary … with illustrations, does use the word doctrine in one of its definitions.
I couldn’t actually find a link but if you use Google I am sure you will.
You can’t provide a source?
Shocking.
HILARIOUS!
And, scene.
Are you unable to read?
I just stated the source was the Readers Digest.
My version was printed in 1984 but I couldn’t fond an ISBN number.
And you really need t watch those exclamation marks.
You are beginning to come across as somewhat unstable.
I read where you wrote, “One of my dictionaries…DOES use the word doctrine.”
LOL!!!!!
Let’s review. Ark said:
Buuuuut, he just meant “every dictionary, except most of them….”
All the other dictionaries seem to agree with John’s understanding of Atheism. It has content. It’s a belief system.
BAHAHAHAHA!
Feel better now?
Good!
Now you can hold hands with daddy and gloat how you understand that atheism is just another silly ”religion”, only godless.
See how your insight has wiped the smile off my face.
Really, I know it is not nice or even proper or politically correct to mock mentally unstable people but you epitomize everything about why religion poisons everything, and why you should not have access to children.
And I shouldn’t laugh either. But what you write is simply so ridiculous that I can´t help it. And you are so easy to wind up. You are like a YEC school teacher who is determined at any cost to convince the class that dinosaurs and humans lived together. That’s how intense you are. Couple this with
your ever present mania and you are one kick ass advert for god belief.
Comes with Free plastic spoon and a lifetime supply of prozac. Optional straitjacket.
Yes you are the poster child for everything that is great about Christianity all right!
Smiling now.
Sigh.
I realise I am my own worst enemy entertaining imbeciles like you and your father but honestly, when I consider what you might do to small kids with your beliefs ….
Again–best comments after I make you look ridiculous.
Every.
Time.
Does this make you a better christian?
What a thoroughly distasteful thought.
Consider changing your therapist, Amanda.
Lol!
Laughter does the heart good, like medicine.
Who needs a therapist when I have you?
Well if it keeps you away from firearms I am content.
I love it when atheists suggest that you need to be a better Christian.
Honestly–it’s hard for me to imagine a Christian enjoying their life more than I am RIGHT NOW. An evening enjoying God’s gift of laughter…
What could be better?
Dictionary.com says Atheism is “The doctrine or belief there is no God.”
LOL!!!!!
That’s two!
How many more dictionaries should I check?
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/doctrine
Does he seem like he’s smiling from ear to ear…?
…more like typing furiously, with knit brow, as spit flies…
That’s what I thought too. But he says he smiles when he thinks of us in our indoctrinated stupor… Do you think he’s lying?
He’s smiling like this:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/36/69/39/36693999b6e24b1d06d0ee21c9ae320d.jpg
Ad hominem now.
Good!
You’ve given up trying to be intellectual. It wasn’t working so you gave it up. That’s progress!
Well I am so glad you have given up trying to be witty and humorous as plainly that has not worked at all.
Have you ever considered writing for AIG or Creation Ministries?
Your talent for the absurd and ridiculous would be a boon to such organisations.
My wit and humor has garnered me multiple thousands of readers so you’re wrong about that not working.
You’re wrong about everything, Ark.
Keep smiling from ear to ear!
Odd how these multiple thousands of readers are so glaringly and consistently absent from your blog and you or your sidekick have resorted creating little people to echo your vacuous ramblings.
I have a mere few hundred followers and never felt the need to create extra commentators.
Why do you feel so insecure?
I mean, you’ve been trying to convince the Blogworld of your bona fides for quite some time and it hasn’t worked.
Oh, and I wholeheartedly agree that I am likely wrong about many things, but wrong about you?
Not a chance in Hades!
Odd how you keep showing up as one of the thousands of readers to keep insisting that there’s nothing worth reading here.
Your prolific comments testify to my bona fides. You’re fascinated by what I write. Often, you’re the first to comment on new posts. Look at how much you’ve said today on a topic that shouldn’t interest a heathen!
Keep smiling from ear to ear!
Aside from Wally and a couple like him, ( I see BJ just left a pearler) it’s odd how none of your thousands of fellow christian readers ever bother making an appearance .
And why do you and your sidekick invent commentors by the way?
Keep smiling!
Oh, I shall. Every time I think of what’s wrong about religion and the vile things it does to people, you and your daughter are among the images that often come to mind.
You are a champion, Branyan.
I’ve always agreed. Church meetings are for Christians. They are not evangelistic events for Christians to bring unsaved people to for salvation. They are for the church to meet together.
I think this changed a long time ago but I wouldn’t be able to peg exactly when. Any ideas?
It happened rather gradually.
Church started being ‘marketed’ and ‘branded’ in order to build massive congregations. Celebrity pastors rose up and church leadership started being based on charisma rather than sound doctrine. The purpose of evangelism wasn’t to spread the gospel but to attract more people to church programs. The ‘all-inclusive’ church philosophy isn’t encumbered by difficult Biblical concepts. There is no such thing as sin. God loves everyone regardless and has no opinion on how we live our lives. This is perfect for modern America! We eat this stuff up.