Hello there fellow "Republicans". Whilst surfing the metaphorical waves of information on this worldwide "web", I stumbled upon the Republic. I don't know why it's never crossed my radar before - I should be blaming the proprietors of the site for not contacting me directly. Thought I'd provide a quick welcome post as it would be uncouth to not do so.
My name's Tim. I'm 32. I sleep on the right side of the bed from the foot. I enjoy being a fervent antitheist more than most people enjoy "normal" things by societal standards. I'm outspoken about my openly combative nature towards theism. That's not to say I can't exist in peace with theists (so many wrongly conflate hating religion to hating the religious), I just can't sign on with their belief structures. Well, that's at least a bit disingenuous... Anyone that believes in immaculate conception, vicarious redemption, resurrection, or any of the other ridiculousness associated with religion is probably not playing with a full deck and those that cherry-pick which portions of their religion to adhere to aren't being honest even with themselves.
I speak and write critically of religion, religious beliefs and the horrific atrocities committed in the name of religion. I feel that this is the topic of conversation we should all be contributing to (theists and atheists alike) because it affects all of us daily. No topic should be above discussion or ridicule, least of all something so highly "revered" as religion seems to be. I can't guarantee I'll be partaking in the forums actively, but I'll at least non-creepily creep and if something tickles my fancy I'm sure I'll be unable to resist posting or replying.
Ending on a quote from my personal hero, Christopher Hitchens, "tear down that wall". http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2010/03/t...
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Howdy, Tim, welcome to AR.
I sleep on the left side, well, actually, I sleep on which ever side is closest to the door.
welcome to the forum, and yes we need to "tear down that wall" for the good of humanity and progress.
CyberLN - Well, it's nice to know that we could be compatible bedmates. Ha!
Jeff - Tear it down!
Cha! You're the same age as my youngest kiddo! I'm an old bat. :-)
If there was one bed left in the world and we had to share it, I wouldn't be concerning myself with age. Just saying.
Hmm. Odd that there isn't an introduction thread. I think I'll hijack this one since it's posted by a fellow Hitchite.
Hi, I'm Christian and I'm a funkaholic. I mean my name is Christian, not the other thing. Call me Xian if you like, but I no longer insist upon it.
I like the OP's comment, "I speak and write critically of religion, religious beliefs and the horrific atrocities committed in the name of religion. I feel that this is the topic of conversation we should all be contributing to (theists and atheists alike) because it affects all of us daily." As a combat veteran (Afghanistan) I have unfortunately empirical data on said atrocities and their effects (and affects).
I also like, "No topic should be above discussion or ridicule, least of all something so highly "revered" as religion seems to be." I was just watching "The Unbelievers" and toward the end Dawkins said something like, "Religion makes specific claims about the universe, which need to be substantiated and need to be challenged and, if necessary need to be ridiculed with contempt. Thank you very much." [Crowd roars with approval and overall awe of Dawkin's awesomeness]
So I hope you welcome me with open arms and open skulls. Later.
Hi, X, welcome! Jump in with both feet :-)
Welcome to the forum and you can start your own welcome topic if you wish.
I give you a darkmatter2525 video which really does nail down the religion depends on country argument.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0A_iF1B3k0
Thanx, I am an admirer of DM's animation; he is a dark comic genius..
That was a fun video.
I left the thread to gestate for a little bit and am glad that a few more have piped in. I got immediately sidetracked by the mention of "funkaholic" and "Christian". It brought me to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TeUvQdfHfk You'll thank me after. HA!
Anyone willing to have these important discussions (theist or atheist) is welcome in my books. We don't have to agree but if we can't at least meet in the middle to talk about it, we've all lost.
Ha! That clip almost made me accept Jesus as my personal lord and savior!
Hi and welcome :)