Sorry if this is too long, but it is a matter that has been bugging me all day...
This is for all atheist and theist members regarding a member who goes by the name “The Universal.” As many of you may have noticed over the past couple of days or so, “The Universal” has made several disturbing posts throughout various threads within the forums, and he does so while representing himself as an atheist. However, for anyone who has paid close attention to his posts, it should be quite obvious it is highly unlikely “The Universal” is truly an atheist as claimed. And for obvious reasons, this has caused a fair amount of disruption and animosity within the threads “The Universal” has posted. I would like to attempt to address this matter, if I may, as I find it very disturbing to have an individual such as “The Universal” claiming he represents me and/or any other atheists on this site.
For starters, there are only three conclusions I can personally draw about “The Universal” based on his posts that I have read. Either he is:
A. A deplorable little troll whose only purpose is to satisfy some sick and twisted desire only he knows. (Easy enough to handle. Simply ignore him.) Or he is:
B. A very disturbed atheist who should seriously consider seeking psychiatric counseling. Or he is:
C. Actually some type of theist who is intentionally lying and misrepresenting himself with the intent of spreading misinformation and attempting to stir unmitigated hostilities within the forums. (A considerably more serious issue than a mere troll.)
As I personally believe Option C is the most likely scenario in this particular situation – as well as the most disturbing – I will address that matter specifically. And I would like to address it by offering a very sincere apology (on behalf of “The Universal”) to all the theists who have read, or who might read, any of the posts made by “The Universal”. Why? Two reasons, actually.
1. If “The Universal” is an actual atheist, then I want to reassure any theists on here that he in no way, shape, or form represents me or any other of the atheists I know on this site. And I apologize to you for having to read any of the contemptuous bile that has been such a vast majority of his posts. And…
2. If “The Universal” does happen to be a theist who is being incredibly dishonest and deceptive in misrepresenting himself for the purpose of spreading hate and backhand insults “in the name of the Lord” (or so he must believe), then I want the theists to know I understand that individual does not in any way, shape, or form represent a majority of the theists out there. And for that, I apologize that you as theists often get unfairly tainted by the likes of individuals such as “The Universal.”
Going out on a limb here, I will venture a guess there are many of my atheist friends on here who feel the same. Just because theists and atheists do not see eye-to-eye in matters of religion, it does not mean we are enemies. And when somebody like “The Universal” comes along with the apparent intent of attempting to drive a wedge of hate between the two groups, I find that to be very unacceptable behavior, no matter which “side” he/she may represent. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to get that out off my chest.
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@ TM Well said my friend. I think "Universal" is a lying, conniving, amoral little tick with shit for brains as evidenced by his rambling, hate filled prurient posts.. Apart from that, what you said mate.
@Old Man
Thanks. It just really tweaks me the wrong way when somebody pretends to speak for me or something of which I believe and then starts spewing a bunch of ridiculous and hateful propaganda. And Sushi made a remark about Universal in one post that caught my attention, and that is what sparked my starting this thread. Paraphrasing a bit, but she basically said her biggest concern is that somebody will come along who is having doubts and wanting to ask questions, but might see one of Universal's posts first and have it scare them away before reading anything else. Therefore, for anybody who might be interested, I just wanted to set the record straight and let everybody know "The Universal" does NOT speak for me nor any other atheists on this site.
By the way, thanks, Sushi. You made a great point.
@Tin-Man
You're right. The Universal gives new meaning to the word "incoherent".
Perhaps it would be helpful to have disclaimers on the forums saying that posts by any individual do not necessarily reflect the views of the Atheist Republic or the majority of members thereof.
@Algebe Re: Disclaimers
I don't know. Maybe. Normally, though, this isn't really an issue. Those of us who are on here regularly spot guys like that easily and we are able to dismiss any retarded bullshit they say just as easily. And most trolls we get are so obvious they need no introductions (so to speak), because anybody can easily see them for what they are. What I find "unique" about Universal, however, is that he straddles the line just enough to potentially make it difficult for "outsiders" (or those people who may never actively participate and get in here only on rare occasions just to scan the posts) to determine whether or not he is "real" or "fake". I know I have been on here only a few months, but I have not yet seen anybody else quite as devious as "The Universal". And I admit it took my reading more than a couple of his posts to finally see him for what he is. So imagine how much more difficult it would be for some confused kid coming in here with no clue about what atheism truly is and then reading some of the crap "The Universal" has been posting. Disclaimer or not, what that guy is puking up reflects badly either way. (On a side note, I am about ready to take his "My fellow atheists" line and put it somewhere he would find very unpleasant.)
I also reached that conclusion a few days ago. To me, it seems impossible to consider yourself an atheist yet speak so glowingly about the bible. But then again, I do hope "the universal" responds and explains their position.
For anyone who is new to this forum, either atheist of theist, I do hope you understand this as a nasty bump in the road.
Here is my personal position, although it is very important to remember that the sole thing I have in common with other atheists is a lack of a belief in a god.
We are all human beings, with emotions, pride, ambitions, fear, love, and for most, we have family and loved ones. The difference between each camp should not be "us versus them", nor should there be any hatred between the groups. Those concepts are promulgated by theists who consider us as enemies to their faith. We atheists should not buy into such a divisive concept. If I was to run across (for example) John Breezy, I would buy him a beer, sit down with the gentleman, and hope to have a civil and friendly dialogue. Maybe even share a few jokes. John is not my enemy, we just share a difference of opinion and perception, like fans of different sports teams.
I have family, friends, and know of many people of faith who are intelligent, kind, rational, and live a gentle and loving life. It is my memory of these people that keep me in check, that I know that not all theists practice woo woo and live in a fantasy world.
And the bible is not all bad, there are some passages that are worthy of consideration and following. But there are other parts that are pure evil, preaching concepts of exclusion, slavery, brutality, intolerance, and even justifiable murder. And I warn all, I am an enemy of those concepts.
@David
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was wanting to find a way to add something like that to the OP, but you just said it better than anything else I could have written. Excellent and bravo!
@Tin-Man:
Yes I noticed he/she/it/they. He/She/It/They is definitely A, B, & C above. I have just ignored posts made by he/she/it/they after reading the first one. However, after reading your OP, I went back and read a few.
As Old Man said, "is a lying, conniving, amoral little tick with shit for brains as evidenced by his rambling, hate filled prurient posts"
And may I add, he/she/it/they definitely seems to be disturbed.
As David said, it ain't us vs them, it is their ideas suck. Mine don't. It is idea vs idea.
rmfr