ScoreQuest
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So today I saw this post about a man's battle with cancer which was posted by his family:
Because I sometimes can't help myself, I scrolled down all the way to the bad comments. This is what I saw:
Now, I'm an atheist (or at the very least an agnostic) but this is really awful. Stop taking your ideologies everywhere, there is a time and place for it. If their belief in God gave him and his family and friends strength then that's great in my book. Save your comments about atheism (or any other ideology for that matter) for actual discussions and don't pick a single line from a post like this and dismiss everything else because of it.
TL;DR: Be excellent to each other.
Link to the original post: http://imgur.com/gallery/wYuX1
Betzkrieg
The bad replies are from the same people that post racist shit on your facebook. They think they're edgy and do anything for attention.
lolz4u
Golden Rule: Don't be a Dick ...
FrigginCornflakes
I've said it a thousand times... There's a difference between atheism and anti-theism.
IShopAtSoDoSoPa
Why don't people understand 'Live and let live' anymore dammit!?
nina9063
TIL not all atheists are a-holes, thank OP
IDontWantNumbersInMyName
True. But remember to be grateful for your doctors too, they worked hard and care about you.
SisterFister69Hitler
Just because he relied on God for strength doesn't mean he wasnt greatful for his doctors.
MisterJellyBean
Everyone should be able to believe what they want, it's sad it doesn't make them better people. Atheists aren't ALL like this guys. Promise.
BloodDefender
I agree, as an atheist when someone says "bless you" or "I'll pray for you" I take it as a kind gesture, respect is key no matter what
bloomingdalera
Eh. I've also seen it weaponized though. Some members of my family use it as a tool for public shaming.
IamTheFlyKingofFlyRim
As a Christian, it bothers me when someone tries to belittle other people's beliefs. If you're atheist be an atheist but don't be an ass.
JPre35
John 14:6 (and many others)...literally says every other belief is wrong..this is the only way..you do see the irony correct?
OliverClothesoff70
I'm fairly sure one of the overriding themes of the New Testament is to not be a judgemental prick, though
JPre35
no. you cannot convert someone to your religion with out judging that their religion is wrong... its an oxymoron
OliverClothesoff70
Nope. I'm not trying to convert anyone. I live with faith in my own life, but never try to beat anyone over the head with it.
JPre35
but your religion states many times to do just that; mark 16:15-16, Matthew 24:14 among many others. so im confused?
secretingredients
You know what? I was one of the Atheists who posted there (and got downvoted into imgur hell) and you're 100% right. Poor form. Sorry.
nellethiel
Wow. What a nice thing to read. Good job being a decent human being. :)
UnderratedComment
I respect your humility. You're a good person, regardless of that bad choice. +1 because o only have 1 to give
ScoreQuest
Good on you for saying that.
Semni
If religion can help a person through a dark time in their life I can certainly understand it.
Semni
Sometimes we need a little help from an imaginary friend.
AdventureTimeAllTheTime
I practice my agnosticism solely by shutting the fuck up.
bloomingdalera
It must be nice. I'm not being sarcastic. My family's super religious, and if I don't speak up they make a lot of negative assumptions 1/2
bloomingdalera
about me 2/2
MakeTabbouleNotWar
As a Christian, thank you for saying this. I respect you as well.
crann
A post about the bad replies? *scrolls down to the bad replies for this post* disgonnabegood.gif
IronAngel2k3
Spoilers: It is.
iamthatcat
I will continue to be excellent, OP.
robotzombies
'Every rose has its thorn, just like every night has its dawn.'
TheKombatWombat
You were the devil the day you decided to be a cat :l
iamthatcat
That doesn't erase my excellence
TheRicM
Party on, dude
DavidBowieFlyingInOnATigerMadeOfLightning
http://d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/stash-1-50e2b8d966240.gif
DavidBowieFlyingInOnATigerMadeOfLightning
http://imoviequotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/102-Bill-and-Teds-Excellent-Adventure-quotes.gif
fudgepuppyorangecake
Confident little fucker aren't you :)
iamthatcat
I am cat. So yes
fudgepuppyorangecake
Ah. I see. You in or out today?
iamthatcat
Well I was out, but then I decided I'd rather be in. Then I whined at the door for 10 minutes so I could go back out, before coming back in
ISarabi
I don't know why someone downvoted you, that was wonderful.
tibicendiscordia
If faith helps people through illness, let them have their faith. Maybe you disagree, but it's not your fucking place.
tibicendiscordia
Also, you're not as edgy as you think you are.
JPre35
which has helped cure illness more scientific/ medical research or a bible?
FeckItImAubreyPlazaNow
It's not about a cure; it's about comfort.
JPre35
indeed comfort is nice. but curing or preventing polio(for example) is better than praying with someone with it, in my opinion.
FeckItImAubreyPlazaNow
I believe one can do both quite effectively.
JPre35
really? there is a vast number of scientists that were excommunicated and sentenced to house arrest that would disagree
tibicendiscordia
If your mother was laid up in a hospital, bald and frail from chemo, throwing up everything she puts in her stomach, and unsure if she is 1
tibicendiscordia
going to live through the ordeal, you're telling me you would openly chastise her for trying to find a modicum of relief or hope in faith? 2
tibicendiscordia
Maybe you don't understand it, but it is not up to you. I don't subscribe to any religion, but I held my mother's hand while she prayed 3
tibicendiscordia
when she was sick. You know why? Because it made HER feel better. What a disgusting human you are. This is why people make fun of atheists.
Treblaine
"Atheism" is not an ideology any more than not-collecting-stamps is a hobby.
Somarlane
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/-ism
Treblaine
That's why I put "atheism" in quotation marks. Really the category is "No Religion" that's the option on census forms.
ThatDwarfWhoStealsYourOpinions
You can't flaunt atheism and debate why people should be atheist and then claim it's not an ideology.
MessiahOfRats
It's much more of a lack of ideology, a lack of a certain way of thinking. A lack of belief doesn't mean you base your ideals/ethics on it.
Treblaine
Yes I can, because atheism isn't an ideology. It doesn't tell you how or why to do anything. It's just NOT any religion. Comprehend that.
Board
As an atheist, believe in whatever you want, it's none of my business.
NoHomoRomo
Why can't there be more atheist and or agnostic people like OP?
giadrosich
1/2 I'm in the camp of I think that something created everything, I'm just not sure who/what. It makes me happy thinking it's for no reason.
giadrosich
2/2 I'm usually quiet about it though because I'm usually instantly made fun of by non-religion people.
giadrosich
Um. my brain. It makes my happy thinking it's FOR a reason. *facepalm*
Sqrrlslayer
There are, but because they aren't vocal like the a-holes, they go unnoticed.
StonesOnTheHill
Being needlessly crude only make you, and whatever cause you are championing look petty and unpleasant. Be an example, if possible.
risewing96
It's like this: I will openly debate religion... But not every conversation is a debate. Respect other's coping mechanisms. Life is hard.
TheOffspring
If I can ask, what side do you take? Not gonna argue or anything I'm just curious.
risewing96
I am very much atheist. And skeptical overall. I consider myself a student of David G McAfee.
Barman42
This, if you have to pray to help get yourself through an extremely difficult situation, go ahead. It doesn't affect me one iota.
LordWok
it actually does. a lot. a HUGE amount. look at the influence Christianity has over western governments. this fairytale crap affects me 1/2
Barman42
Oh I know, that's not what I meant. I was talking just about prayer and personal, private belief. A lot of people can't keep it private.
LordWok
you are right, if it didnt, i wouldnt care but it DOES. PROFOUNDLY. these are seriously disturbed people that believe with no basis for it.
krauraurgg
If your definition of "seriously disturbed" covers more than half of all humans alive, your definition of "normal" is based on delusion.
LordWok
actually i think believing in something there is zero real evidence to support makes you a idiot , ( yes i think "most people" are idiots)
risewing96
Death is even harder
SwagMasterofSwagLand
Not really, every human being that's ever lived has/will be successful at it.
risewing96
haha good point, but you get what i mean.
DemonDuchess
1/2 My best friend just went through nursing school. It's a part of the curriculum to be understanding and accepting of religious healing/
DemonDuchess
2/2 prayer/etc in the hospitals so long as it doesn't get in the way of treatment. Anything that keeps patients fighting is important.
NANOMACHINES
As an atheist myself,what the fuck.That's...not cool.At all.
StonedLikeACheatingMuslimWoman
capri2004
Best Damn B&T moment ever.
MrPredator
julgran
Your username though!
MrRandom314159
Interesting, yes...but consider this. ......I am too important to be considerate.
MostTriumphant
Relevant.
Raelag
aye. practice what you preach, tolerance, acceptance, ect. if you practice the religion called "asshole" expect (violent) rebuttals.
RaginWhales
Translated: Don't be a fuck.
cbjfan
*cunt
udontneedtoknowmyname
Personal ideologies are like dicks. It's fine to have one, and many people do, but please don't whip it out and wave it everywhere.
Leafshield
And do not shove it down the throat of my children!
JustLivin
The most important part!
Thelastfriendzoneisthebestfriendzone
Most cliche statement ever. If a mate genuinely believed I was going to hell for X what kind of person would they be if they didn't share?
TachyonCode
The question is not what kind they'd be for not sharing, but for not asking if it was okay to share, or for sharing when it's not.
udontneedtoknowmyname
A fair point.
TachyonCode
(2) Sharing ideologies is, like sharing bacteria, disease, and so on, a matter to which both, any, or neither parties may consent.
JPre35
what kinda of person believes someone will suffer for all eternity because they dont agree with your ideologies? you see the irony?
TachyonCode
(3) It is never considerate to share, or not to share. It is only ever considerate to ask; any action that follows is beyond etiquette.
Jensaw101
Well, they should make their concern noted when prompted by a specific action. After which they should respect your informed decision.
Thelastfriendzoneisthebestfriendzone
Yep agreed. Its like telling you that I think you're standing on a bomb. You can do with that what you want. Ask more or ignore etc.
jsd3306
And that is how religion spreads.
icesweets
"God will take care of it." What people don't realize is that the people who say this believe that God will put the right doctors in the 1/2
portnoyd
I think the problem those from the bad comments had is when people say this and do nothing. Like the parents that pray away illness in kids.
icesweets
I pray for my daughters when they are sick, but they still get medicine or medical attention. I agree with you.
JPre35
so god doesnt help a child not to be sold as a sex slave? or abused?
Thoraxe123
its a coping mechanism, stop being a dick.
PunchViolenceInTheFace
This argument always comes up, and it's ridiculous. There is still free will and sadly, evil.
icesweets
I honestly cannot answer that. It makes me so sad when those things happen :( :( :(
JPre35
it just bothers me when people say of god helped me through this...then a child being abused needs help and god isnt there.
icesweets
Believe me, I understand. I wish I could understand why people even feel the need to hurt others.
JPre35
it makes some feel unworthy when uncontrollable events shits on you, when a deity can stop bad things from happening to others
ShitSampleFiend
God gave us free will. Hes not going to control every aspect of every persons life all the time. That child will be repayed in the afterlife
ShitSampleFiend
Imo life is just a tiny almost insignifcant part of the whole of existence. I believe there was much more before and after.
icesweets
right place... etc, thanking God FOR the doctors and their skill. Thanks goes everywhere. 2/2
nellethiel
As a Christian, well said. Thank you.
icesweets
You're welcome :)
poochyena
That is still BS, imaginary friends take literally no part in healing someone.
ShitSampleFiend
I bet you'd be fun at parties but people probably don't invite you.
ArchdukeMoneybags
Did you even read the post?
icesweets
And I respect your belief. We are all entitled to our own beliefs.
FartedWhileMakingUpName
Take how wholly you believe in the futility of believing in a divine being and know that that is how wholly others believe in its existence.
icesweets
I'm not sure how to properly put this. I believe that the doctors, medicine, science, etc is what physically heals people. I believe 1/2
rugger2
This guy!
PunchViolenceInTheFace
I'll finish your sentence "is a douche" there
icesweets
that God puts the RIGHT doctors in the RIGHT spot, no matter the outcome. Everything happens for a reason. 2/2
poochyena
well, obviously not if many people die or suffer due to doctors cutting of the wrong leg or some other wrong thing.
doctorwhoovesandtheMexicansatellite
Interpret it this way "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
doctorwhoovesandtheMexicansatellite
Interpret it this way "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
icesweets
I have to believe that it happened for a reason. It's what gets me through all the awful things in the world. But, that's just me :)
doommoose
"You wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for your doctors!" spoilers: someone didn't finish reading the post.
bosskiss
I don't get that are docters suddenly anti-god or is medicine same as workshipping satan.
amann717
I'm atheist but this is seriously fucked up the man died and his family is grieving Why would you say something like that to them it's 1/2
amann717
Rude as fuck and regardless of religion you need to send your hearts to the family not bash them. Not a dis to the top comment to the others
scabab
More accurately: "You wouldn't have been alive for anywhere near as long if it wasn't for your doctors!".
krauraurgg
We don't really know that. All we know for sure is that on average, the doctors can make a patient live longer.
azizakalistayumyum
Christian here:always thank your doctors and thank God for them. Medical school is so stressful and anything could have prevented them from
Dirtyconformist
I cringed reading that coment
PhooZzy
He would be alive maybe if his doctors did not introduce an infection into his system.
bobbi21
He had a 4.2 cm symptomatic brain metastasis from melanoma. If the doctors didn't do anything he'd likely be dead in a week anyway
FeliciaSexopants
That happened to my uncle before he died :( Cancer makes it too easy to catch infections/too hard to fight them.
ionlyspeakthetruth
wait, he died?!
krauraurgg
It switches from first person to third person shortly after he complains about it being hard to type due to the brain tumor.
teddy206
yea unfortunately, if you wonder why his sister is the one writing with the pictures near the end of the post, that's why.
ionlyspeakthetruth
i didnt finish the post. i was on mobile at work and god forbid i reopen the app and be where i left off.
dhaskjdhawyajhdbsdbgwakjhbdnmcckclkklkl
pretty sure it says in the title that the sister wrote it too doesnt it?
ThaiMaiShu
Agnostic here. Honestly his faith could've kept him alive longer by giving him the courage and strength to keep going
evolg
That would be true even if you weren't agnostic.
ThaiMaiShu
I mostly just meant that I wasn't a Christian and could still understand the benefits of believing God is with you
HatsAreEssential
The will to survive is a powerful thing. Not stronger than all ills, but definitely a boost to what modern medicine can do.
ThaiMaiShu
I'm pretty sure it's been proven too that the will to survive actually has a quantifiable role
KLCFM
When there's a will, there's a way.
ErnestSurfstheNet
By that logic, if he had been raised w/ a belief in himself as strong as that in his God then he could've technically prolonged his own life
ThaiMaiShu
Yeah, that's what I'm saying. A strong belief in something no matter what it is would help
SuddenlyElmo
Probably not. The placebo effect won't cure cancer. It lessens unpleasant symptoms such as pain, but it can't stop tumours growing.
aramil31
The brain really does have some effect on the body's wellbeing. Positive attitudes really do help recovery.
krauraurgg
It's one of those things that aren't really understood, but which are extremely well documented. Possibly the most studied thing in medicine
iwanttomountndewya
I agree, sometimes its a mental thing and perhaps its believing in god that helps some people be strong of mind so their body can heal?
TheArguablyAwesomeMagician
Many many times, doctors will tell you stories about people with strong faith that miraculously overcame illness
iwanttomountndewya
And i can believe that, feeling nothing but despair might tell you body to stop trying
CoachDT
Pretty much this. I don't care what you worship, if its the little push it takes to get you over the hump its alright in my book.
balthcat
So could believing he's Napoleon, destined to conquer Europe properly this time.
ThaiMaiShu
Of course it couldn't. All I said is having God to believe in would help him have a little more strength to keep going
balthcat
Couldn't? Sure it could. My point is that psychosis can also have benefits within a narrow context. Doesn't make it respectable.
Gaidenninjacat
The only thing to say is, The will to live has nothing to do with faith. I dont know why you would need faith to have to will to live.
KLCFM
Your rational logic has no place here!
derby802
His belief became his strength of will.
ThaiMaiShu
The belief that God is with him would help give him strength to carry on
Gaidenninjacat
Then your just weak and rely on some magic man in the sky for your will to live? The entire idea is stupid
KLCFM
Unfortunately, we all have different coping mechanisms. You and I, we're used to the idea of depending on ourselves.
ThaiMaiShu
If it gives them the will to live who cares. It makes them happy and doesn't affect us in any way
KLCFM
Don't pity them as they do not need it. Just simply allow them to believe in their fairy tales and live happily.
KLCFM
But the faithful have used their "God" as a crutch for everything. Don't fault them, for it is not their fault.
SirusKing
You can't die of depression without commiting suicide.
ThaiMaiShu
I understand what you're saying but that has nothing to do with what I said
bud467
... actually you can die from dehydration and starvation from lack of motivation due to depression.
SirusKing
Thats still suicide, you are intentionally not eating or ignoring stomache pain due to your emotional distraut.
bud467
suicide is killing ones self intentionally. some people literally have no drive to get up and drink. its a hard thing to fully classify.
udontneedtoknowmyname
I get that that's a metaphor, but I have no idea what you're trying to say.
SirusKing
Its not a metaphor, you cannot die to depression alone without intentionally harming your body. There has only been a few cases
SirusKing
of anything close to dying of sadness and they are all due to increased levels of stress, not actual depression.
azureharri
Alas, what of poor Gregor Samsa?
udontneedtoknowmyname
Okay.
JPre35
what about if the time spent on religion was used on medical advancements? his chances of surviving would significantly increase
ThaiMaiShu
I'm sorry people have things and interests outside of their job.
JPre35
didnt say they shouldnt. replace a bible with a text book..more people would survive instances like this.
Kmank95
Christian here: when my family says thank god we are usually thanking him for giving the doctors wisdom and strength to know what to do :)
DoctorCatDog
My mom was recently given a "miracle drug" for her cancer. I thank God for giving her doctors and the researchers the ability to create it.
gewalt
not my inlaws, they pissed me off by specifically discrediting the doctors and surgeon when my sons appendix ruptured. it bothered me
MrxHighway91
A lot of people do that unfortunately :/
iTouchYourCatAtNight
I'm still asking for god to give me wisdom to be a doctor. I'm praying every day, waiting for god to send me my medical degree by mail...
KLCFM
But isn't that kinda taking away all the years of effort the doctors put into his PhD by saying it was granted by some immortal being?
krauraurgg
You can't thank everyone involved anyway. Most of the work was done by medical researchers who figured out what the doctor should be doing.
dhaskjdhawyajhdbsdbgwakjhbdnmcckclkklkl
but god didnt do that, centuries of research and study passed on through books and instructors gave the doctors that.
KLCFM
My issue with this is the contradiction. God helps those who help themselves. So why do people always leave things up to God?
KLCFM
Is going to the doctors really all they rely on? Because that's not helping themselves, is it?
TheAngryMarineBiologist
Interesting fact, "God helps those who help themselves" is nowhere in the bible, nor spoken by any prophet, Jesus or similar
KLCFM
I see. Benjamin Franklin is actually the one who said it. Thanks for the heads up.
Flollop
"Thank you, Allah, for giving ISIS the strength and wisdom to know what to do."
KLCFM
While that made me laugh, let's not compare terrorists to religious civilians...
pickinganameistoomuchpressure
why not? its so much easier to follow the narrative that 2+ billion people are terrorists because of religion than to face the real problem
KLCFM
Let's step back and take a lesson from history. Remember when the non-religious folks were persecuted? Not cool, not fun, not beneficial.
kansas555
Exactly. :-)
Shadehawk
fairly sure school did that.
JPre35
my problem is...so God helps you 85 year old gpa.. but you know children being sold as a sex slave they are on their own?
insertinterestingusernameplease
God gave us our free will. What we do with that is our own, good or evil. If we do evil that's our fault.
JPre35
has nothing to do with it, it is achieved by the individuals. 2/2
JPre35
also free will means no strength or wisdom is ever given..it is earned.. if it was given it is not free will, thus god 1/2
JPre35
wait, they just said god gave the doctors the wisdom and strength yes? do you not see the irony?
insertinterestingusernameplease
It's like me giving you a cup of water only to have you throw it on the ground and be angry at me because I didn't catch it.
Flollop
"Oh, your 85 yr old grandpa needs help? Give me a minute, I've just changed my mind about a few hundred African babies I made last week."
pickinganameistoomuchpressure
In Islam it says 'whoever doesn't thank people, doesn't thank god' and elsewhere 'Ask the people of knowledge if you dont know'
papasmurf1118
That's fine; just please thank your doctors all the same.
Kmank95
well yes we usually do. just saying if we thank god along with the doctors thats what we are usually thanking him for.
petefasa
I'm totally with you on this one. Although I am very much an atheist, I do understand the role religion plays in society, not always bad
Worble
'not always bad' is true but religion can often be tied as a major factor in war. It is nice to remain objective but we can't excuse that.
roonmian
Do you know my intellectual man-crush Alain de Botton? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Oe6HUgrRlQ
BetaWolfOcho
Doesn't excuse all the killing and all the loss of history of countless cultures. It hard for me to hold on to a religion that has 1/2
BetaWolfOcho
Done so much damage but it the only thing i know. I'm catholic and i was i had a connection to my past. 2/2
BetaWolfOcho
Done so much damage but it the only thing i know. I'm catholic and i was i had a connection to my past. 2/2
JayStray
As a Christian, thanks bro (fist bump)
quietwalker
On the whole though, religion universally retards the progress of all mankind, replacing the desire to know, grow, and understand with "god"
YouAreKillingMeSmalls
Personally, I believe that ASSUMING God did create everything, there is a reason he told us nothing about how it all works and...
YouAreKillingMeSmalls
Instead focused more on morality (or more so, the Bible focuses on morality) if God were to create something so incredibly complex...
YouAreKillingMeSmalls
He would want his creation to discover it themselves. Anybody who uses "because God said so" as a reason would be failing to do that
YouAreKillingMeSmalls
So to put it as you put it, any religion that hinders the desire to know, grow, and understand would be failing that expectation
petefasa
I would agree that many do but not all. There is no reason why many religions and science need to be mutually exclusive.
quietwalker
As soon as you can answer any question, irrefutably, with "because god ..." you no longer need any justification. Discrimination, murder ...
Bogastyle
Religion actually got us quite far.
quietwalker
We got further without it, faster. Look at the arab culture; leaders in math, engineering, science ... until religion became a mainstay.
Draygen
I'm an agnostic minister. My thought process: "If it makes you want to be a better person, and isn't hurting anyone, party on, my friend."
Rovex
The problem has ALWAYS been the definition of whats helping and good and better.
flamingflamingo
Agnostic minister? Of what kind of church?
Draygen
I'm a minister who is agnostic. No church specifically, but I'm able and willing to perform ceremonies in whatever fashion that is needed.
kmikl
That almost sounds Dudeist.
Draygen
The dude abides.
themilkmancometh
i just don't agree with the unquestionable nature about some religions, humans are curious exploratory creatures to suppress that is wrong
DemSumBigAssRidges
There was a time when it was considered being a good Christian to question your faith because "reason" is considered a... the gift from God.
crann
That's why I'm agnostic. You HAVE to question everything & you have to be prepared to get an answer. Just saying "there is no god" is lazy
jsd3306
It's not lazy, it's practical. There's all sorts of things I'm not going to question the lack of existence of unless given reason.
themilkmancometh
But saying there is a god don't question me is just as bad if not worse.
nacko
Eh, the list of things that could be true but could never be proven is limited only by your imagination. It's not lazy, it's pragmatic.
Spongybunny
The lack of evidence made me an atheist, and I'm comfortable that I solved that mystery for now until I see evidence to the contrary.
Apollo10
Atheist or Agnostic?
Spongybunny
Atheist. I'm firm in my belief until there is scientific proof to the existence of a god, but even then belief doesn't imply worship.
andrich2k
As a fellow Atheist I thought EXACTLY the same thing. I do argue my position sometimes but I hate how many of us are such assholes.
twentysomething
Meh. There's a bunch of assholes in every bunch. Don't sweat it, keep on keepin on, etc.
PumpkinMasher
I'll admit I gave a slight eyeroll to the god will take care of me thing but bashing the guy's religion has NO place on that post at all.
kmikl
Don't make an issue of it at an inappropriate time, it's easier on your mind.
JPre35
i just think, if instead of the millions of hours devoted to religion was spent on medical research or scientific advances. just imagine
fedthepoopy
It's not that a lot of atheists are assholes its just that a lot of people are assholes... Ahem ISIS and the KKK
JustLivin
I'll admit I argue it almost any chance I get, but in that post there's no reason to bring it up. It was simply not the point of the post.
andrich2k
Same. I mean, I noticed it, but obviously the point of the post was that the guy was sick and it shouldn't matter how he's getting better.
whiskey91victor
As an agnostic, I've always found atheists to be much more hateful than any religion.
Westly
Pagan here, I've found Atheists to be more hatefully evangelical than Christians.
kmikl
Atheists have anti-theists do deal with, just as Christians have evangelicals to deal with.
Rovex
I disagree. Condescending yes, but hateful? Not sure you are seeing the world I am...
durkkih
By no means do I disagree. But PLEASE, stop using words like "us" or "we" to describe "Atheists". That's another thing, why do you 1/2
durkkih
Capitalize the A in atheist. Atheism is not a religion, it's not a community that shares a world view. It's a group of people who don't 2/3
durkkih
Believe in a god. But other than that, I do agree with all of you. These particular atheists are starting an argument where it's not needed.
kmikl
And I agree with you, there's a difference between Atheists and anti-theists. The Atheist community has it's loud-mouths too.
kmikl
It's a belief system, as such, it uses a formal name.
durkkih
Well I'm an atheist. I didn't know I was a part of this "belief system" of yours. Tell me, what are my beliefs then?
jsd3306
It is the distinct lack of a belief system. Just like "bald" is not a hair color, and "I don't have hobbies" is not a hobby.
quietwalker
I bet the folks trying to abolish slavery were considered nosy, noisy assholes by the plantation owners too. It's hard to free people. (!/2)
quietwalker
... and more so when they wear their chains proudly, display them for others to admire, and place them on their children with a smile (2/2)
goldensky
Downvote this motherfucker. Having religious beliefs is not like being whipped on a plantation.
quietwalker
Slavery is, of course worse in that you lack the means to free yourself. However, both are forms of enslavement, and religion is insidious.
quietwalker
In a way, that's worse, because it's hard to fight against. People think it's normal, acceptable, even good, when it's truly evil. They
quietwalker
indoctrinate children into believing it, brainwash whole nations, justify worse atrocities than slavery, and claim "Because god" makes it ok
psirynn
That is the dumbest bullshit I've ever heard.
goldensky
I'm just going to keep pressing the red arrow.
stinkylinkydingdong
Close minded atheists are just as annoying as close minded christians
OperationInfiniteMallard
I wish I could updoot this twice.
IAmInspectorSpaceTime
by definition, atheists aren't as close minded as those who identify with one religion. but i get what you mean. assholes are assholes.
CaptJeanLucDickhard
They aren't being close minded here they are being dicks. Atheist dicks are just as dickish as Christian dicks. That was fun to type.
TheSadCafe
Haha I liked that you included the last part.
JayStray
Yeah as a Christian I'm a peaceful guy. I always get hated on just for disagreeing with people. Disagreement and hate are 2 different things
Joni11101
Saying that god doesn't exist for sure is anti-scientific, too.
timakaanita
How?
boomcatmeow
It's the smugness of the both that kills me
FnJUSTICE
Same type of people, different type of belief. Either way, they're still jackasses.
Arnoldio
This. Me, I don't give a shit. I dont give a shit if people die or live and if God helps them or not. I just don't give a flying fuck.
Danishlmgurian
Closeminded people in general.
Princess0fCats
More annoying. The only people who have ever given me shit about being agnostic are atheists.
XylophonicArchipelago
But they are close-minded in different ways, being a dick like these atheists and thinking there's a god are on a very different level
LotWizard
Is it closed-mindedness or just plain nastiness? You don't have to say shit like that to anyone, thats just nasty.
roonmian
https://xkcd.com/774/
TheCryingOnTheInsideKind
They're not nearly as dangerous, but they're that much more annoying because they ought to know better. All we have is each other
effingmarlee
I want to up vote but I must resist the urge as this comment is sitting at a fitting 666 points.
eidam655
it is your comment i agree with
Smighter9000
I like to see there is an exception to the rule... both for Christians and Atheists
someswedishgirl
Exactly! I'm an open minded christian and i have a close minded atheist friend that's on my ass all the time. He grinds my gears so hard.
DoctorNirn
As an atheist: amen to that, brother
WaggyTails
Whatever you believe, your beliefs *do not* make you superior, nor do they give you an adequate excuse to be an ass. Have a good day.
Lyrabelle
You too!
turbonietzsche
Closed-minded Christians torment their kids with a fear of hell and refuse them medical aid. The worst of atheists are slightly obnoxious.
tuxedobob
I'm going to correct that to *closed-minded* while I still can...
stinkylinkydingdong
I know :(
Tolkienfan57
I tried explaining this to my Super christian mom. She immediately accused me of being a follower of Satan amd told me to leave. Thanks mom.
AshCheeks
Amen
guitarfarts
As a closed minded Christian, I disagree.
Mauvai
Close minded Atheists may be horrible and irritating... but they wont let you die for religious reasons... IMHO this is very debateable
graspee
"closed" minded.
Treblaine
His problem wasn't closed mindedness but rudeness. I would strongly urge against anyone depending on divine intervention for medical issues.
FreshleyBakedLePain
Atleast close-minded athiests don't blow up abortion centers... I get your point though
Moefassa
Said the Christian. Am I wrong?
stinkylinkydingdong
Yes
Beiki
I like it when an atheist argues with me that I'm not christian because I don't follow his definition of a christian.
DavidBrooker
Then you'll be positively ecstatic to learn that there's a whole industry out there where you can pay people to hurl abuse at you naked.
Funman572
I just shit bricks from how much I agree with you.
flamingflamingo
I'm a close minded atheist. I'm just not a loud one.
IneedtochangemyusernameandIguessthiswillhavetodo
thank you. sincerely.
flamingflamingo
that seems a bit smarmy.
IneedtochangemyusernameandIguessthiswillhavetodo
naw, if some super-hardcore christian said they weren't loud and asshole-istic i would appreciate that too.
flamingflamingo
Don't get me wrong I am very anti-religion, but there's nothing accomplished by me publicly shaming individual strangers on a website.
hazelcontempt
CLOSED!!!! Damnit!!!!!!!!!!!
BANANAFLAKE
I wish I could upvote more than once.
Einer
They're not saying they're atheist. Could be simply Satan worshipers.
SilverNicktail
I have no idea what the willingness of a person to change their mind has to do with this situation.
SilverNicktail
Downvotes away, apparently, but still no-one has explained how "willingness to consider truth of x" impacts "ability to be a jackass".
udontneedtoknowmyname
The guys OP's talking about are so convinced that they're right that they refuse to allow a dying man to have faith without bitching 1/2
udontneedtoknowmyname
2/2 about it. They refuse to entertain the possibility that they might be wrong, even if it means harassing a person who died of cancer
SilverNicktail
Reasoning is faulty, alowing someone to be their own thing has nothing to do with your ability to change your mind.
LezgoNecro
* closed-minded
stinkylinkydingdong
Fuck
MaggGyver
Closed-minded people in general are a pain. And not much fun to boot.
ThyWhoDevourstheSoulsofMen
Religion isn't the problem. Atheism isn't the problem. Extremism is.
timakaanita
Funny how you don't hear in the news about an atheist lead terrorist attack tho. Happy to be proven wrong.
Flollop
Extremism is just slightly different interpretation of something already incredibly vague.
DRinkWis
Sam Harris wrote about how extremism only exists because of moderates, I'll try to find a link.
JohnCalvinCoolidgeJr
what makes an atheist "closed minded"? is it because he isn't an agnostic?
Lyrabelle
I agree that it's not the best wording, but it's definitely something that needs to be addressed.
Lyrabelle
It's because he's being an ass.
buddhafw
Anybody who claims to know anything with complete certainty is going to be wrong 99.999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time
Cuntmuncher3000
Yis
nedioj
Okay. Waiting to see the "PSA from a Christian" about how bad Christians are...
saysstuff
See: "Westboro Baptist Church"
CheesusChrisp
Dude not every Christian is fucking Westboro Baptist. If you're going to make them you're enemy then educate yourself.
saysstuff
Oh, I know. As a Christian, I've had to explain to a lot of people that the Westboro Baptist Church isn't the entirety of Christianity.
CheesusChrisp
Oh, thank God you're not one of those that judges the whole by its parts, and for being a level minded Christian. :)
udontneedtoknowmyname
As a Christian, close minded people are shitty, doesn't matter what ideology they follow.
PlutoForPresident2016
As an aside, I was following your "religion=illogical" thread down in the bad comments. Thanks for supporting the faith!
minnow1776
I've seen a shit ton of those, where have you been?
Icarox
Weeeeellll... I sort of understand and agree. However they're hardly equal: you rarely hear somebody say:
Icarox
"I am against LGBTQ rights due to my atheism!". The tables are tilted in favor of people within religions. I'd love to not upset people..
Icarox
but usually it's impossible. Important subjects ruffle feathers. Also if your sole problem with a movement is that some members annoy you,
Icarox
then you really don't have a case. I think, as a secular person, that atheism has problems with sexism and represantation in general.
Icarox
But my point is that if people are staying away from the entire subject due "tone problems" then that breeds more close-mindedness than..
TheInnocentCriminal
I could not agree more.
MiloCoatedBanana
This
IShopAtSoDoSoPa
Actually a lot(not all) of 'atheists' these days are just people who've watched Zeitgeist-like documentaries and think they know it all now.
iLoveItWhenMyFingersSmellLikePussy
I still think The Pharmacratic Inquisition was pretty interesting
kaldrenon
Yeah, and (as a Christian) this is not terribly unlike a lot of 'Christians' who hear one compelling sermon and think they speak for God.
PraiseMelora
That is a giant over generalization.
Treblaine
I don't know what you think "atheist" means but it simply means someone who doesn't believe in any gods. That. Is. It.
timakaanita
Thank you!
NowDoThatVoodooThatYouDo
9/11 was an inside job, chem trails are brainwashing us, Monsanto is poisoning us, and Jesus was based off Mithras. Don't be such a sheep!1!
neurosuspension
those videos are such a joke. look at the rebuttals to them on you can start poking holes in them.
ShadowStorm197498
Arguing with close minded people is like trying to cut water with a hot knife
IShopAtSoDoSoPa
Exactly. But it's main purpose is to brainwash people who wouldn't really bother doing further digging to check if the facts were correct.
iLoveItWhenMyFingersSmellLikePussy
You could say the same thing about the bible, koran, etc
JustLivin
Hey stop that! You're only allowed to criticize atheists, not theists!
mudgetheotter
I'd argue that they're worse, because they're just living up to the expectations of what people expect the stereotypical athiest [1/?]
mudgetheotter
to be. We should strive to be better humans than the supposed "Christians" running about being douche nozzles. [2/2]
Spice00002
Atleast close-minded Christians aren't extreme nihilists.
jsd3306
Atheism is in no way synonymous with nihilism. There being no "higher purpose" to existence means we need to make the most of what we have.
SirFormidio
Arguably more annoying because they show up the second religion is mentioned to go GOD ISN'T REAL and sound like massive jerkwads.
Shadehawk
compared to the christians who show up and say he...is? grrr how dare people have dissenting opinions of things!
SirFormidio
I've never once met a group of religious people who gathered somewhere to scream at others that god is real, that you could claim are sane.
Shadehawk
well thats just a no true scottsman isnt it? "those screaming christians? theyre not sane! the ones like me are the sane ones"
SirFormidio
It could be. It depends on where we draw the line of 'sanity'.
timakaanita
You should get out more.
SomebodyStoleMyCarRadio
In my personal experiences, I find close-minded atheists more annoying that close-minded Christians, and I'm not in favor of either really.
JustLivin
1 It bothers me that not subscribing to faith-based reasoning qualifies someone as closed-minded. We aren't denying anything of intellectual
JustLivin
2 value, but rather keeping an open mind to what is proven to be true.
AnUnknownErrorOccurred
+1 for proven to be true. Sorry all these death-fearing cowards are downvoting you.
JustLivin
It's expected. Religion is extremely personal and taboo to criticize. Downvotes don't make fact and reason any less true.
ZacMuerte
yup. as long as you let me live my life, do whatever the hell you want. I don't agree with your religion, but I'm not going to attack it.
ZacMuerte
(well, anymore. ask me about 2-4 years ago, and I would be taunting you, wanting an argument. I was a little shitbag)
KennyBlankenshipsmostpainfuleliminationoftheday
I'm atheist and I don't think I would be nearly this strong in the face of death. Let people believe what they want if it helps.
RoboCritter
The thing is, it didn't help.
KennyBlankenshipsmostpainfuleliminationoftheday
Ya but being sad and depressed isn't going to help. At least his kids get to remember him as a strong positive role model.
justacrazyscotsman
Exactly. If what I believe gives me comfort in death but you think we will end up in the same place, at least I went with comfort and joy.
justacrazyscotsman
2: I think that fearing death is what wastes your life, it's the new uncharted part of your existence, embrace the last mystery.
KennyBlankenshipsmostpainfuleliminationoftheday
I completely understand, but the way I see it is game over, so It would be hard to be strong. Religion does have a purpose and it works.
justacrazyscotsman
The only way to know is to try it. Science has taught us that, we will get the answer to the world's greatest debate. One person at a time.
KennyBlankenshipsmostpainfuleliminationoftheday
Ya but that one person will know or not know in death, we never will. Maybe the point Is to not dwell on it and make the most of our lives.
jsd3306
Death should NEVER be OK. We should be doing everything possible to resist death. /2
jsd3306
That's why I believe that we need to work on immortality, and that's my biggest gripe against religion, it makes death "OK". 1/
Westly
Or it helps people accept the inevitability of it all. It's going to happen, regardless. So, why worry if you feel it's just a state change?
AtemShane
As an atheist, they're far worse. Fuck people who shit on others beliefs. Everyone needs to believe in something.
FelipeRios
There are far worse things than shitting on others' beliefs
AtemShane
Yes, there are. However, close minded atheists are worse than close minded Christians.
FrigginCornflakes
I'm not aware of any close-minded atheists burning innocents at the stake, or holding inquisitions.
FrigginCornflakes
Oh wait, the communists. Okay, I'll consider them on par.
Treblaine
Could they not believe that their God wants to help them by them seeing a doctor? This "believe in something" is anti-vaxxer territory.
AtemShane
People can believe in whatever they wish. Whether it's a deity or human nature or science or boobs or the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Treblaine
It's not a matter of "what" but "how" they think tumorous growths will be removed spontaneously, I use my free speech to refute that.
Treblaine
I'll even work within their belief system that the doctors were sent by God to perform miracles but you NEED TO SEE THEM FIRST!
RoboCritter
I don't go to the doctor because I'm in the hands of the Great Spaghetti Monster and he knows what is best for me and will heal me.
AtemShane
Hail FSM.
UserSubmariner
I dont go to the doctor because i cant afford it.
RoboCritter
same ;-;
iLoveItWhenMyFingersSmellLikePussy
Fuck yeah! Flying Spaghetti Monster for president!!
Lederpin
I had an atheist try to debate with me. Never once have I tried to change his views or bring up my faith. He continued to call me 1/2
Lederpin
close minded and I shouldn't believe in God because science. All the while still trying to date me.
MinotaurRising
Never tried the 'insult them and ask for a date at the same time' deal. Not sure if it works but I just can't hit that level of jerkass.
Armored0Titan0
Good God, the egotism on that sounds so heavy it's amazing he was capable of walking upright.
Lyrabelle
Wow.
Lederpin
Yeah, definitely didn't earn a date.
RoboCritter
It's ok to be a dick if people are going to put themselves in danger through blind faith. But that's not what these people did.
littlegoblin
close minded anything are the worst people
TheMonsterWithinYou
As a closed minded person. YOU CANT TELL ME ICE CREAM IS NOT DELICIOUS.
triggrhaapi
Yeah it doesn't matter what the belief is, scientology, atheism, veganism, you name it.
crumbhustler
Yea, this comment pretty much nailed political and religious arguments.
SomeLameStuff
People make the worst people. People also make the best people.
Raelag
that's the truth. I've met so many closed minded people I just wanted to knock out their teeth, but violence is bad so I didn't.
liliputian7
*closed-minded
hazelcontempt
hank you , and I got e- shat upon for this same observation. I really think that crap like this we are doomed to live Idiocracy, soon.
liliputian7
"Oh no, they did a bad grammar. Clearly our collective IQs are dropping despite all evidence to the contrary"
JQuentinEvermann
"Open mindedness" is just another way of saying "do what is popular at the moment." Progressives are some of the most closed minded people.
PMMeTitsForPuns
That's close-minded of you ;p
SatanicSpirals
Agreed. I am a LaVeyan Satanist. My best friend is Catholic. Works pretty well.
MnemonicMonkeys
People are the worst people imo
triggrhaapi
Yeah it doesn't matter what the belief is, scientology, atheism, veganism, you name it.
Treblaine
My mind is open: what was the good side of them deciding to put off seeking medical expertise?
bobbidiboopy
This. So much this.
westo48
I don't believe you
bigbrother
I CAN'T HEAR YOU
FoxyEllie
I CAN'T HEAR YOU NOT HEARING ME!
BlackPanther01
I thought you hear everything?
ISOMETIMESWRITEINCAPS
NonExistingName
I have a friend that literally does this. He covers his ears and starts singing loudly if he starts loosing a discussion. Thinking (1/2)
NonExistingName
(2/2) about it now, he may have had a mental problem.
LamarTheHeadhumper
"Only the site deal in absolutes"
imjared19
I always found that comment highly ironic because the jedi are probably the strictest, most close-minded things in the galaxy.
nyyfan0627
"Do or do not, there is no try." Sounds pretty absolute to me. I wonder who said that.
IsaidWe
i know you meant sith.
TitanKyojin
No he totally meant this site. Only Imgur deals in absolutes.
LamarTheHeadhumper
┻━┻ ︵ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻
SamMan
Close minded people are annoying.
wintermute93
More so. Closed-minded christians think others are misguided & worry for them. Closed-minded atheists think others are idiots & mock them.
Shadehawk
yeah like all those christians that got super worried in the middle ages and murdered atheists by the score, super super worried guys
joeyfield
Why did I read it as close minded "Christmas trees"?
chinablue
Close minded atheists are just as annoying as close minded Jews.
Cuntmuncher3000
Yis
twinly92
Yes
cheeseguy3412
Assholes only come in one flavor, regardless of any religion, or lack thereof that they may have.
RoboCritter
How can you be an atheist and yet open minded about god? "He's not real... but he could be."
emomatt
There is no evidence for me to believe in a god, but if there was definitive evidence, I would change my mind b/c that's what scientists do
Svartsinn
The atheists are worse. I never encounter preachy religious people but asshole atheists are all too common.
timakaanita
At least atheists don't come knocking my door to tell me about their nonbeliefs.
Lyrabelle
Many of the "preachy religious people" don't truly support their religion in the first place... they just use it to justify their arrogance
Nobodyn0se
As neither a Christian nor an atheist, close minded atheists aren't trying to pass laws preventing me from doing the things I want to do.
JayStray
Like?
Nobodyn0se
Like Alcohol blue laws, anti-abortion/anti-contraception laws, spending tax money on religious monuments, religion in schools, etc.
Disagree
If not more so
thisnameisntfunny
A lot of people call themselves atheists, but really, they're anti-theists.
OverlyCynicalImgurian
They're both. Buddhists are also Atheists.
thisisntagoodusernameatall
At University I was taught to be correct athiest means godless, so passive and anti-thiest is against God, so aggressively opposed but(1/2)
thisisntagoodusernameatall
Because of the negativie aggressiveness athiests have historically shown, it's actually the opposite when speaking of world religions.
hazelcontempt
That is why I identify as apostate.
Treblaine
Surely being non-theistic would be a vital component of that...
SamMan
They're like some of the gender queer all look at me I'm different & edgy. As opposed to people that actually are atheist or genderfluid.
Raelag
PRO-prickists.
RoboCritter
Yea they believe that blind faith is dangerous; and it is. But these people weren't blinded by faith, the only drew hope from it.
OctopusGardener
Blind faith is dangerous. Just as dangerous is blind faith that all faith is blind.
SergeantKnickerlessArsewipe
Hilariously enough, they're both extremely similar, one's blind to faith and the other is blind to his "logic"
azureharri
Information and experience religious people have of the world, a God is a fairly logical conclusion. Neither side is ever going to prove 2/?
azureharri
The other wrong. But I totally get what you're saying. Not really sure why you're being downvoted :/ 3/3
SergeantKnickerlessArsewipe
(talking about extreme religious/anti-religious people)
azureharri
I disagree. It takes faith to believe in the big bang etc, due to the largeish lack of evidence to support it. Similarly, going from the 1/?
PlutoIsSoAPlanet
Well isn't this just totally wrong. There's plenty of evidence to support the Big Bang theory and those who accept it do not do so on faith.
jsd3306
There is a vast amount of evidence to support the big bang theory. Although I'd prefer a steady-state universe anyway.
jsd3306
But I wouldn't take it as a matter of faith. However it turns out that it happened, that's what happened.
Treblaine
Jesus helps those who help themselves. Hell, even most devout christians would have serious objections to any idea God would intervene.
jsd3306
It's almost as if... He isn't even there at all.
SchrodingersGinger
Its almost as if a being powerful enough to create a universe is assumed to be smarter than that if he doesnt want conclusive proof.
krauraurgg
Or that his decisions aren't based solely on your input. He can see the bigger picture. It doesn't hurt to ask, but don't expect anything.