Re: "Blessed be Your Name is Holly."

God's name is Holly??? Wow. Who knew? *shrugging shoulders*

@ Freak

Well I learned something from you..."Blessed be Your Name is Holly." Really? I shall bring that up a lot now. *smothered laughter*

Jesus freak,

"My mind has questions and things I don't understand but in my heart I know God is real, I know God is here with me."

The biblical deity is Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews and the God of the armies. If you are not a Hebrew he doesn't want you in his congregation. http://www.bricktestament.com/the_law/racial%20tolerance/dt23_03a.html 5 pictures

The Yeshua (Jesus) character said that he had only been sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. So how do you expect to pass through one of the twelve gates reserved for the Israelites into the golden cube called New Jerusalem?

@Montegutman Re: "Sooo what was accomplished in all of these postings?"

Greetings, Monte. Welcome to the AR. Since you have not been around here much, I can rather understand your question. LOL Hang around here long enough, though, and you will discover threads like this started by what we refer to as "drive-by" theists are a rather common occurrence. *chuckle* As for what they may or may not accomplish, however, my guess is that would vary according to each individual on here. Personally, I know the discussions give me a chance to see various "theist" views/opinions and - in most cases - confirm for me how fortunate I am to have been able to escape from the trappings of religion. So many times here I have seen some of the excuses and "arguments" used by the theists and think to myself, "Holy shit. I was once one of those folks who used those same flimsy and ludicrous statements in defense of God/Jesus/Faith. What in the world was I thinking?"

At the same time, threads like this give me the opportunity to express myself and my reasoning to others in a public format in such a way that I like to think puzzles most of the theists. Most often they arrive here expecting us (atheists) to be a bunch of ignorant and undisciplined malcontents who lack civility and have no moral groundings. Therefore, when I respond to their questions in an honest, polite, and genuine manner and indicate I am quite happy in life, many (most) of them are uncertain how to react. And since I have a rather warped sense of humor, I find their confusion quite amusing most of the time. More importantly, however, since there are many people who are members that read the threads but rarely (if ever) post or engage in discussions, I like to think there may be some things I say that will help inspire them to examine their beliefs more closely and start asking important questions that will maybe guide them in the direction that is right for their life.

In a more general benefit, over the past few months I have been a member here, I have made a few good friends and have come to think of this site as a second "home". There are many regulars on here, and we interact very much like a strange little family. It is comforting and a great deal of fun. Plus, I have learned a great deal to help me along my way since joining. Many, many smart and experienced people on here with an incredible variety of backgrounds. Therefore, unless somebody arrives here being an obvious and intentional belligerent ass, why not extend them the courtesy of answering questions to help clear up any misconceptions they may have about atheists/atheism? After all, this IS a debate forum made to have discussions and such. What harm could it do?

You mentioned, "Atheism is a Lonely place. I bet many as me wish we could believe in god as life would be so much more enjoyable here in the good old USA." Well, if you are lonely, you have come to the right place to help cure that. We are always happy to have new folks join our merry little band of misfits. That second sentence is a bit more interesting, however. Can't speak for everybody, but I know I cannot even remotely imagine going back into that pit of delusion, especially knowing all of the things I have learned during the past several months. It is a wonder I was ever able to escape in the first place. I honestly never felt comfortable with the Christian beliefs and I do not recall that it ever gave me any real joy. In all actuality, the most prominent feelings I recall from my years of belief were dread and uncertainty. Thankfully, I now live my life with a wonderful peace of mind knowing I am the one in control of my life and I am the one to be held responsible for my actions whether they be good or bad. Therefore, I cannot say that believing in a god would make my life enjoyable in any way.

Anyway, I've rambled enough. I'm sure others will be around soon enough to greet you in their own way. Meanwhile, settle in and make yourself at home. You don't have to be lonely here.