Atheists on the rise in America

[kaneada]

Soriku said:

9009pc said:

Wagram said:

I believe in a god/gods/higher power. But I can't and will not put my faith into a book written by man.

same here I believe in the Christian God, churches says the bible is the word of God, that may be but it was written by man, translated countless times and controlled by different churches and powerful people. I follow it as a morale guideline and try to learn from the story's in it but I think for myself and I would never force anyone else to see things my way. I also have seen strong evidence for the big bang, I currently have very little doubt about it not being right but I would be blind if I said I was certain especially considering the scientist who have done great research into, say they don't know everything about it. All I want is for people not to knowingly hurt others, and to try and do what they see as right. I question what I know and believe every now and then and I am always open to new ideas. so what am I?

The morale of the stories in the Bible seem just like common sense to me. Honestly, I don't even have to know the stories to already understand the morales. So it's really annoying when churches repeat the morales over and over again and also the same stories we already know like we didn't already get this stuff the first or second time. Pff, like I haven't heard this stuff before...it's so ridiculously pointless.

It's easier to just stay up and then fall asleep at church. Because sitting there for hours bored out of my mind doesn't help.

@Torillian

Well maybe that too :P Though I don't really think my views will change. I don't think I cared a whole lot when I was younger either when you're more open to this stuff.

Christianity teaches pure Altruism as a means of living ones life. Give yourself to God, live in his image, sacrifice yourself for your beliefs, and that is a huge sticking point. Altruism in itself is a mis-leading statement, with a little bit of thought, one could tie any selfless act to a selfish motivation. That is a mis-leading representation of human behavior and human motivation.

True selfishness is what I believe in, I sacrifice myself not for anyone and expect no one to sacrifice for me. I only do the things I want to do and care about the people whom are within my interests. It is not my job to love everyone equally, but it is my choice to love those closest to me. If one lives according to their motivations, that is self interested behavior, but there is a type of self interest that I think is a noble and true representation of the human condition.