Faith

Atheists and Secularists Now Have Their Own Academic Journal

Trinity College and Non religion and Secularity Research Network Launch Peer Reviewed Secular JournalIn what can only be described as another win for Atheism, a new academic journal will exclusively explore themes of secularism and nonreligion. The first published work of its kind, the journal, aptly entitled, Secularism and Nonreligion, will officially launch in January 2012.

The project is a combined effort undertaken by Trinity College in Connecticut and the Non-religion and Secularity Research Network. Ironically, Trinity’s name, reminiscent of the Christian theological construct of a Father, Son and Holy Spirit, has little to do these days with faith. In fact, like many other colleges across the nation, Trinity was founded by a faith figure, but is now considered religiously independent.

According to CNN, “Trinity College’s Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture is  an important player in the burgeoning field of secular studies.” Below, find the college’s mission statement:

Trinity College is a community united in a quest for excellence in liberal arts education. Our purpose is to foster critical thinking, free the mind of parochialism and prejudice, and prepare students to lead examined lives that are personally satisfying, civically responsible, and socially useful.

The Non-religion and Secularity Research Network, on the other hand, is self-defined as follows:

…an international and interdisciplinary network of researchers founded in 2008. The NSRN aims to centralise existing research on the topic of non-religion and secularity and to facilitate discussion in the following terms.

In announcing the new publication via press release, Trinity says that “submissions should explore all aspects of what it means to be secular.” This essentially means that the journal will provide a lens into the lives of the nonreligious, while highlighting interactions between secularism and other aspects of the world:

The scope of the international academic journal, to be called Secularism and Nonreligion, will be interdisciplinary. Its aim is to advance research regarding all of the various aspects of “the secular” across societies and cultures…Articles will explore the ideology and philosophy of the secular, secularism, nonreligion and atheism.

Every submission will be peer-reviewed and available for free download at the journal’s website. While some more religious people will certainly scoff at the notion, the periodical may shed some light on the world of a small, yet growing religious minority.

Comments (237)

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  • Son_of_Liberty
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:40pm

    “But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” Thomas Jefferson

    3%

    Report Post » Son_of_Liberty  
    • Highland
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:55pm

      The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
      Psalm 14:1

      Report Post » Highland  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:34pm

      Non-religion is not atheism.

      Religion is, for many people, an ineffective way to connect with God.

      Trinity college’s mission to purpose is to “foster critical thinking, free the mind of parochialism and prejudice, and prepare students to lead examined lives that are personally satisfying, civically responsible, and socially useful” – Now, for many, That is a Pathway to God.

      But, its the hard way – leading, self-reliance, independence (the values this Country was founded upon) not following other men, using the faculties that God gave you, not joining a corporate religion to have other men tell you what to believe . . . . its tough but rewarding.

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:41pm

      What’s academic about it? I would have to bet it’s pure doctrine.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • Large Eagle
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:44pm

      Wow Satan has a website now
      His marketing department really sucks
      Move on.org has been slicing his peach since Clinton cigared the intern

      Report Post »  
    • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 11:59pm

      Me thinks that thou do protest too much! A true atheist wouldn’t care what I believed, they would only think that I was crazy.
      On the other hand, an anti-theist would rant against anything professing a god of any sort.
      I have found that these folks know full well about God, but don’t want to believe.

      Sucks to be you

      Report Post »  
    • ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:20am

      @huckleberry
      Anti-theists are atheists. Except they go beyond saying ‘I dont think there is a god’ to saying ‘if there actually was a god, it would be a bad thing’ meaning they feel it would be a horrible existence to live under some super-natural fascist. Which they would be right. Then there are people like me who are apatheists, who dont care if there is a god. Either way it wouldnt affect how i live my life

      Report Post » ArgumentumAdAbsurdum  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 3:00am

      Then there are people like me, agnostics, who think you‘re all ridiculous deriving a conclusion for something you can’t even define or scientifically test for.

      Oh and Bible Quotes, very tacky Highland… We’re all rolling our eyes at you.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • MartyTr
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:30pm

      The god of gov’t is picking our pockets. Different times, not all quotes apply.

      Report Post »  
    • MartyTr
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:33pm

      The god of gov’t does pick your pocket. Different times, not all quotes apply.

      Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 2:11pm

      They even now have their own holiday, it’s called: APRIL FOOLS DAY!

      Report Post »  
    • S G Applebee
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:09pm

      Fact: Believers may BELIEVE in God, but their faith lies in MEN, not God. http://youtu.be/5IyCPEBN79M

      Report Post »  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 12:16pm

      HIGHLAND—I agree with your bible passage. PONTIAC–You state we’re all rolling are eyes at HIGHLAND, do you have multiple pesonalities or something? Obviously you have no spirit or soul since you can’t define it or scientifically test for it. SUCKS TO BE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 12:37am

      mycomet123,
      Oh my yes, sucks to be me. Good argument. Since I can’t define God, and no two Christians have the same definition of God, why don‘t you provide your definition of God and the procedures for testing for your God that doesn’t require a spirit and soul seeing as how those are irrelevant in science.
      (Note – how you feel and Bible versus are not acceptable answers.)

      You can keep your spirit & soul, I will not shackle my conscience to centuries old superstitions.

      S G Applebee,
      Decent video. At first I thought it was just going to be Dawkins twaddle but he didn’t make the claim that there is no God at all.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:41am

      PONTIAC, First off the comment I made “SUCKS TO BE YOU” wasn’t an argument it was a comment. Secondly, I was commenting on the fact that obviously if you don’t know if God exists being agnostic– Since you can’t define it or scientifically prove it, than you yourself don’t believe YOU have a soul or spirit. So, what are you just a bunch of atoms & neurons influencing how you think or rationalize? I will pray for you–& no it’s not my brain waves telling me to pray for you it is my spirit. May God Bless you!

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:55am

      mycomet123,
      “atoms & neurons influencing how you think or rationalize?”
      If you want to oversimplify things, yes. We already know we can alter human behavior with chemicals. Plus you already said I didn’t have a spirit or soul so what else could it be?
      Now answer the question. What proof do you have for your God? I don’t need your emotional responses. Your reasoning for your Gods existence is NO different than a Liberals belief that Obama is a great president. Its all based on emotion and a narrow perception of reality. The synapses in my brain are telling me you’re not able to formulate an answer to my question with your “spirit” and “soul”.

      TL:DR, show me scientific evidence of your God because your “feelings” and “superstitions” will never convince me.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 4:05pm

      PONTIAC, I wasn‘t saying that you didn’t have a spirit or souI. I was just TRYING to reason with you that based on your criteria of proving something exists it has to be defined & scientifically proven. I believe that you do have a spirtit & soul because I don’t believe to prove something exists it has to be scientifically proven. I’ll make a deal with you–I’ll prove the existence of God if you can prove to me you have a mind (not a brain but a mind–& please don’t use the explanation that brainwaves & electrical current of the brain consitute a mind). God Bless!

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 8:21pm

      “I don’t believe to prove something exists it has to be scientifically proven.”
      Therein lies the problem. I can’t touch it, see it, or taste it, so you’re not only far from science, you’re far from reason. If I said my car ran on happy thoughts and milk would you accept that as an answer?

      “please don’t use the explanation that brainwaves & electrical current of the brain constitute* a mind”
      is the same as saying
      “Don’t use reason, logic, scientific facts to argue with me, please dumb yourself down so I can win.”

      You aren’t getting anywhere with your nonsensical & baseless arguments. From RNA to basic cells to the Human brain, its all chemicals reactions that have coalesced over time through *gasp* evolution. Sorry but that is not proof of a higher power, that’s physics.
      Nothing you offer or can offer proves the existence of a higher power. And if it had, where did this higher power come from? So far it only comes from fanciful & conflicting stories created by men. I want solid answers, not fairy tales that keep changing, ducking, or dodging when faced with science.

      And FFS don’t God bless me. I still don‘t know what it is you’re asking, if anything, to bless me.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:18pm

      PONTIAC–P.S. You asked where does this power that cann’t be defind come from. It doesn’t COME from anywhere. This power wasn’t created, it has always existed & It has a name–I AM.

      Report Post »  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 9:34pm

      PONTIAC, For some reason my previous message didn’t get posted so here goes. Something cannot be created from nothing. Existence cannot be created from nonexistence just like darkness cannot create light. You cann’t pull something from nothing. There are millions of proven miracles that cannot be explained but yet they have happened. There is a power in the universe that cannot be explained & yet it occurs. This power has always existed & is the origin of all existence. The fact that you may not believe in miracles doesn’t negat the fact that they have occured. I‘m sorry I probably haven’t explained this to your satisfaction. Either way I wish you well.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:32pm

      mycomet123 dismisses everything posted and says
      “millions of proven miracles that cannot be explained ”
      (Facepalming so hard…)
      And what were once thought as “proven miracles” are explained & reproduced through science every day… Let me guess, these miracles of yours include walking on water, parting the sea, & Sasquatches.
      And not included in your list of miracles are pedophiles, mass murderers, Hitler, children being tortured, tsunamis, genocide, & sedimentary rocks.

      “This power wasn’t created, it has always existed & is the origin of all existence.”
      “origin of all existence.”
      Oh, so it created itself? There is no existed without existence. Sounds like a paradox to me. I’d say something that old and powerful would be awfully damn bored with us by now. Or very entertained by our madness and suffering. Like sitting back on the couch and watching a drama on TV…

      Oh great, God is a coach potato. You’ve convinced me, God exist, but he’s still not worth an hour of worship.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • ohb1Wae7
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:51pm

      @Pontiac

      Natural philosophy is a sub-set of philosophy. Thus it is only applicable to the “natural” world, and is not the proper tool to use on other problems.

      Reason is not limited to natural philosophy. A valid philosophical statement, even if not limited to the solely natural, can (and indeed, to be valid MUST) be a reasoned statement.

      There are many things that natural philosophy is not competent to even discuss, let alone use it to make judgements.

      Grind up the universe into the finest dust, sift every particle, and you will find no justice. Justice does not have an atomic weight, nor does it have a frequency. It is neither matter nor energy, thus only a totally ignorant fool would argue that there is no “scientific” basis for justice, and thus, it does not, can not exist.

      Your statements about what Christians believe is not only factually incorrect, it is woefully wrong. Christians as a whole do have a definition of some of the attributes and nature of God, though of course no definition, as to “define” God would be irrational.

      A partial list of attributes:

      “God is and must always be omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (always present everywhere), not one attribute without the other and no two without the third. In His omnipotence He has absolute power, constrained only by His absolute wisdom, holiness, and perfect nature.”

      Before misusing the word “reason” again, you might wan to actually look it u

      Report Post »  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:39pm

    I will let God deal with it.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • Phoenixsoulfire
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:42pm

      Wish we could do that, but if we just sit back and try not to help ourselves God won’t do it. I feel sorry for these lost souls.

      Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:46am

      For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith. God bless those who hear the Word and receive it with great joy. Gal 5:22

      Report Post »  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:40am

      My friend be careful of the sin of omission. Mr. Beck say’s it well “Not to act is to act, not to stand is to stand.” We are not only judged by what we do, but we will also be judged by what we do not do.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Underground Man
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:03pm

      I honestly don’t see what the big deal is… Most academic journals of anthropology, sociology of religion, theology, comparative religion, philosophy of religion, etc., were dominated by atheist and secularist voices for much of the 20th century. Theologically conservative Evangelical and Catholic Christians now have many of their own theology and philosophy journals, so stop complaining. Also, what is to say that theists and religious believers will be barred from making contributions? Secularism can be discussed as a sociological phenomenon without any sort of promotion, the same way religion can.

      For Pete’s sake, stop quoting Biblical proof-texts. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” In the Hebraic mindset, the heart was associated with the will and desires — not one’s emotions or rationality. So this proverb is speaking more about practical reason (“wisdom”) than speculative reason. This can be interpreted in two ways: 1. that anti-theism, to want God not to exist, is foolish, or 2. that conducting one’s life in a way that does not acknowledge the reality of God (“practical atheism”) is foolish. But seriously, quoting Scripture passages at people doesn’t make you sound pius or biblically educated; it makes you sound overzealous, tactless, and obnoxious.

      Report Post » Underground Man  
  • Dudley Do-Right
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:37pm

    1 John 2:22

    Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.

    just sayin

    Report Post »  
  • ofallon
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:34pm

    “…the periodical may shed some light on the world of a small, yet growing religious minority.”

    The key word is “religious”. Atheism is a belief system. Why do atheists continue to sue over crosses on private lawns and neighborhood religious street signs? It’s one belief system fighting another belief system under the guise of “separation of church and state.”

    Report Post »  
    • chicago76
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:40pm

      Well said.

      Report Post »  
    • ProgressivesAreEvil
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:01pm

      right on right on right on….Atheism is just another religion trying to attack every other religion.

      That being said I guess if the government decided to not mention god on the dollar or in the pledge it would be advocating one religion (atheism) above all others and be in violation of the 1st amendment.

      Report Post » ProgressivesAreEvil  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:38pm

      @ProgressivesareEvil,

      You’re making the common mistake of equating religion with God. Religions usually turn into corporations, adopt rules, tell people what to think, worry about formality, worry about their corporate image, promote conformity, deny individuality . . . everything that contradicts this Country’s founding values. A direct connection to God bypasses religion.

      Religion, at its best, is training wheels for a person who wants to know God.

      Report Post »  
    • ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:30am

      Sorry Chicago, but it is not well said. Atheist groups don’t sue over crosses on private lawns, if theres an example of it please give it beacuse I would agree its wrong to do so, but I think you will be hard pressed to actually come up with one. Also this constant insistence that atheism is a religion is complete nonsense. As a non-believer I follow no doctrine or belief system excepting to be kind and generous and to treat others as I wish to be treated. I need no leader or book to to tell me to do so, my conscience takes care of that.

      Report Post » ArgumentumAdAbsurdum  
    • S G Applebee
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:21pm

      The LACK OF belief is NOT a belief, it’s the LACK of belief. Just like the LACK OF faith is not a “different kind” of faith, but the LCK OF faith.

      Report Post »  
    • ohb1Wae7
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:05pm

      @hankscram

      A “personal connection to god”, absent religion, is just and excuse to make up your own religion to justify your actions. You’re in good company there, as Henry the V (A King of England!) did the same thing.

      Unless you define God as “just another name for myself”, then religion and “a personal relationship with god” are not only complementary, they are mutual requirements.

      Report Post »  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 5:07pm

      there is a god, its in the bible man!

      Report Post »  
  • honestynow
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:27pm

    Since atheists don’t believe in anything, I guess it will be a journal of blank pages.

    Report Post »  
    • affinnity
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:37pm

      That‘s a good point but I think that’s why they called it a Secular Academic Journal too.

      Report Post » affinnity  
    • capitalismrocks
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:41pm

      I’m curious and any atheist chime in… without the fear of hell and damnation – how does one live a non-religious life and keep one’s moral compass? In that, what I ask is – if there is no fear of damnation – what stops a non-religious group from being immoral in their lives to their spouse? (cheating, abuse, lying, etc…) From stealing? I guess the most important question – from killing?

      Now I don’t need the “well religious people do this…” – this is true, those who lose their way, those who become mentally imbalanced and convince themselves that what they do will be forgiven, yes it does happen to those who are religious….

      However I am not asking about religious people, nor do I want a comparison, I’m asking specifically how do you live a non-religious life and still follow the very laws that the bible itself directs man to this day…

      Do you live you life thinking that you could kill whomever, whenever you want and only worry about the human factor (getting caught by the police) ? I would like to honestly hear this point of view without any attempts at comparison, but only specific explanation from a non-religious point of view.

      Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • ginsberg
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:41pm

      Did you not even read the article, the purpose of the journal is to explore how athiesm and secular thinking fits into society. If you knew anything about the world at all you would know this is an important issue.

      Report Post »  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:43pm

      @capitalismrocks,

      You don’t need religion to live a moral life. In fact, you can lead a truly moral life without religion. You‘re better off without religion if you don’t need the crutch – if you don’t need to be told what to believe, what to think, how to dress . . . . God doesn’t require you approach him through religion. You don’t need to consult with the Board of Directors of some religion, or adhere to the dogma of some corporate religion. If you want to live a moral life – a truly moral life – go straight to God. It requires introspection, critical thinking, inquiry, curiosity, independent thought, self-reliance . . . . Not only would it result in a true relationship with God, it would result in an America made up of individuals, rather than groups of corporate religions. Try it. You’ll catch grief from those in your group who want you to conform to their ideas, but you’ll be truly free to follow God as he reveals himself to you.

      Report Post »  
    • Lord Shell
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:25pm

      @capitalismrocks

      Pretty simple answers to that. First is enlightened self-interest. Who wants to live in a total dog-eat-dog world? What kind of quality of life is available. Second is simple empathy. Because we’re all human beings capable of empathizing with other human beings (with a few psychotic exceptions,) we tend to minimize suffering to others in the same way we wish our suffering to be minimized. I mean, think about it for a second: when you do something good for someone are you doing it because “I gotta keep my quota up or I’m going to Hell” or are you doing it because you care for a fellow human being?

      Report Post »  
    • ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:51am

      @ capitalism
      First I would offer up the “Golden Rule” which far pre-dates monotheistic worship. Then if that doesn’t sway you I would say (which admittedly will probably have less impact) that morality is an evolutionary necessity. Whatever selfish and individual motivations we as a people hold it is overridden, for the most part(of course psycho and sociopaths excluded), by an inherent instinct to promote the growth of the species. A species that is without some sense of species preservation is doomed to failure and extinction.

      Report Post » ArgumentumAdAbsurdum  
    • great.work
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 4:10am

      Though I wouldn’t consider myself an atheist, I definitely have doubts – and I think doubts are absolutely fair given the nature of our world and our minds.

      For me, I find that a lack of religion doesn’t make people less “moral.” I agree actually with the Buddhist perspective that our minds are constantly besieged by negative thoughts of greed, hatred, or confusion. These defilements in turn shape our actions as every action is born of thought.

      It really make NO difference which belief system or religion you follow, if you are not mindful of the process by which negative emotions/thoughts fester in your own mind, you will not live a truely moral and liberated life.

      We are all susceptible at first, but some people learn to combat these thoughts (and regardless of religion, I believe that people are able to overcome this negativity by reflecting on love and kindness toward others. What many religions have in common, is they each offer a path by which to kick our immoral tendencies. adherence to a moral code being the end goal for some, unity with God in an afterlife for others.

      But what I think people fail to realize is that vibrant life and our own personal existence in the world are the truly remarkable miracles. What a spectacular coincidence it is indeed for you to be the person you are, and meet the people you do on your journey. If you can’t find brilliance in every encounter, you need to open your eyes.

      Report Post »  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 7:17am

      @ HankScram
      “You‘re better off without religion if you don’t need the crutch – if you don’t need to be told what to believe, what to think, how to dress . . . . God doesn’t require you approach him through religion.”

      Then why would Christ establish a church if it wasn’t needed?

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Bass_Virus
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:04am

      @LUX
      Christ didn’t start any churches.
      If you think a church is a building then you need some serious education on your professed religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:41pm

      “@LUX
      Christ didn’t start any churches.
      If you think a church is a building then you need some serious education on your professed religion.”

      Bass_Virus your incorrect assumption is based on what evidence? Anyone who has studied the scriptures along with the majority of the professors of religion would agree with me that Christ did establish a church during his mortal ministry. It’s laid out quite plainly in the scriptures. In the dispensation of the meridian of time Jesus Christ established His Church upon the earth, appointing therein the officers necessary for the carrying out of the Father’s purposes. Every person so appointed was divinely commissioned with authority to officiate in the ordinances of his calling; and, after Christ’s ascension, the same organization was continued, those who had received authority ordaining others to the various offices in the Priesthood. In this way were given unto the Church, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, high priests, seventies, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons.

      Also see Ephesians 2:19–21; 4:11–14; John 3:5; Acts 2:37–38; 1 Corinthians 12:28.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:42pm

      But this was not the only time Christ Church was on the earth. It has been around since the beginning. “The Church was first organized on earth in the days of Adam, with that great patriarch standing as its first president, the presiding high priest over God’s earthly kingdom. The common sectarian notion that the day of Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian Church is a false heresy. Whenever the gospel has been on earth, it has been taught and administered in and through Christ’s Church. The Church or kingdom as organized in the meridian of time by our Lord and his apostolic ministers was a restored Church” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 133).

      Now when individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy. A great apostasy from the Savior’s Church was foretold. One example of this Great Apostasy, which occurred after the Savior established His Church. Is after the deaths of the Savior and His Apostles, men corrupted the principles of the gospel and made unauthorized changes in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Because of this widespread apostasy, the Lord withdrew the authority of the priesthood from the earth. “We affirm that the great apostasy was foretold by the Savior Himself while He lived as a Man among men, and by His inspired prophets both before and after the period of His earthly probation” (James E. Talmage, The Great Apostasy, 19).

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:45pm

      cont:…This apostasy lasted until Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820 and initiated the restoration of the fullness of the gospel.

      “The foreknowledge of God made plain to Him even from the beginning this falling away from the truth; and, through inspiration the prophets of old uttered solemn warnings of the approaching dangers” (Talmage, Articles of Faith, 202).

      It’s quite obvious that the Old Testament prophets predicted an apostasy (see Isaiah 24:5–6; Amos 8:11–12). Even the New Testament prophets warned that mankind would turn away from the gospel (see Acts 20:29–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4; 2 Timothy 4:3–4; 2 Peter 2:1–3). So yet again I’ll ask you; what evidence do you have to the contrary?

      A universal apostasy occurred after the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Which both “Prophecy and history predict and record a great and universal apostasy which was to be followed by a restoration as predicted by John in Revelation. The fact of the great apostasy is attested by both sacred and secular writ, and history bears witness that it became universal” (Hugh B. Brown, in Conference Report, Oct. 1964, 102).

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:47pm

      “For over seventeen hundred years on the eastern hemisphere, and for more than fourteen centuries on the western, there appears to have been silence between the heavens and the earth. Of direct revelation from God to man during this long interval, we have no authentic record. As already shown, the period of apostolic ministry on the eastern continent probably terminated before the dawn of the second century of the Christian era. The passing of the apostles was followed by the rapid development of a universal apostasy as had been foreseen and predicted.

      “In the accomplishment of this great falling away, external and internal causes cooperated. Among the disintegrating forces acting from without, the most effective was the persistent persecution to which the saints were subjected, incident to both Judaistic and pagan opposition. Vast numbers who had professed membership and many who had been officers in the ministry deserted the Church; while a few were stimulated to greater zeal under the scourge of persecution. The general effect of opposition from the outside—of external causes of decline in faith and works considered as a whole—was the defection of individuals, resulting in a widespread apostasy from the Church. But immeasurably more serious was the result of internal dissension, schism and disruption, whereby an absolute apostasy of the Church from the way and word of God was brought about” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 745).

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:48pm

      “The most important of the internal causes by which the apostasy of the Primitive Church was brought about may be thus summarized: (1) The corrupting of the simple doctrines of the gospel of Christ by admixture with so-called philosophic systems. (2) Unauthorized additions to the prescribed rites of the Church and the introduction of vital alterations in essential ordinances. (3) Unauthorized changes in Church organization and government” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 748–49).

      “If the Savior had come back to earth at the beginning of the fifth century A.D., I doubt whether he would have recognized the Christian Church as the one that claimed descent from that which he had established, so far had it gone astray. Christianity had actually become a composite of Christian beliefs, practices, and doctrines; Jewish teachings and rituals; Greek, Roman, and Egyptian pagan philosophies; and pagan religions of various brands. The Holy Priesthood had been withdrawn from the earth. The power of godliness was no longer present in the Christian Church. Thus there was a complete falling away from the gospel which had been established by the Son of Man. The Church lay in darkness, and the darkness enveloped the earth. This spiritual darkness continued for hundreds and hundreds of years” (Milton R. Hunter, “The Missionary Assignment,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1951, 920).

      Report Post » Lux  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:49pm

      @Lux,

      Christ didn’t establish a religion. A church is different than a religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:50pm

      “This is not a continuous church, nor is it one that has been reformed or redeemed. It has been restored after it was lost. It was lost—the gospel with its powers and blessings—sometime after the Savior’s crucifixion and the loss of his apostles. The laws were changed, the ordinances were changed, and the everlasting covenant was broken that the Lord Jesus Christ gave to his people in those days. There was a long period of centuries when the gospel was not available to people on this earth, because it had been changed” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 423).

      Again it is quite easy to see that in the early centuries of the Christian era, the apostasy came not through persecution, but by relinquishment of faith caused by the superimposing of a man-made structure upon and over the divine program. Many men with no pretense nor claim to revelation, speaking without divine authority or revelation, depending only upon their own brilliant minds, but representing as they claim the congregations of the Christians and in long conference and erudite councils, sought the creation process to make a God which all could accept.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:53pm

      @Lux,

      I can see you’re caught up in the red tape of a corporate religion. Layers of “authority” . . . . That was all established by man. Read Christ’s sermons. That was his message.

      Report Post »  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:55pm

      In addition to the above statements these scriptural references listed below is evidence the early Apostles warned of growing apostasy within the Church (see Galatians 1:6–8 ; 2 Peter 2:1–3 ; 1 Corinthians 1:10–12 ; 11:18–19 ; 2 Timothy 1:15 ; Revelation 3:14–16 ). And latter-day revelation confirms the reality of the Apostasy as foretold by Christ and His Apostles (see Joseph Smith—History 1:19 ).

      Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ restored the fullness of the gospel. The true Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth again. Because of the Restoration, the teachings and ordinances necessary for salvation are available to all people. And this being the last dispensation before the second coming of Christ the church will never again be removed from the face of the earth.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:11pm

      HankScram
      “I can see you’re caught up in the red tape of a corporate religion. Layers of “authority” . . . . That was all established by man. Read Christ’s sermons. That was his message.”

      Hank then by all means… enlighten me. What are your beliefs on the character and nature of God? Do you believe God is perfect? That He is unchanging, the same today, yesterday, and forever? Is God omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent? Is he a God of order? Or do you believe Him to be a God of chaos? Do Gods commandments even matter? If not then why would He even give them to us? I see lots of smoke and mirrors from you guys but nothing to back it up. So please by all means prove me… or better yet prove the scriptures wrong because nothing I have said is contrary to the teachings found within them.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 3:17pm

      Lux,

      If you‘re looking for me to produce a set of beliefs so you can try to show I’m wrong, I’m going to disappoint you. I believe very little – in terms of absolute truth. I’m interested in seeing and understanding different perspectives. I enjoy that. I don’t need absolute truth and certainty. To me, that is living in a mental and spiritual prison – a dreadful existence of denying everything in the physical world that contradicts a corporate religion belief system. I think its more interesting to be open to various perspectives – without having to become a fanatical advocate of any perspective.

      Report Post »  
    • myfathersparty
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 5:03pm

      In reply to capitalismrocks
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:41pm

      “I’m curious and any atheist chime in… without the fear of hell and damnation – how does one live a non-religious life and keep one’s moral compass? In that, what I ask is – if there is no fear of damnation – what stops a non-religious group from being immoral in their lives to their spouse? (cheating, abuse, lying, etc…) From stealing? I guess the most important question – from killing??

      So let me get this straight: if you were to stop believing in god right now you would rape your neighbors children, murder them, set their house on fire after you took what you wanted, then continued your rampage down the street? Without your faith you would have sex with animals and children? Without faith there would be nothing keeping you from slashing your wife‘s and children’s throats? Really? I hope you keep your faith for the sake of all those around you.

      Obviously your view that morality must be tied to a faith is wrong since the non-religious don’t behave this way. Can you for a moment think outside of your sanctimonious bubble? Geez.

      Report Post »  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:37pm

      Hank, I’m not looking to disprove your beliefs. It’s my belief that all man may worship the Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience, let them worship how, where, or what they may. And I apologies if I came off hostel in my last post, writing is one of my many weaknesses. I was genuine in my desire to know what you believe. And I thank you for sharing what you have with me. I’m the type of person who tends to question everything, and that’s why I find other peoples beliefs so interesting. Especially other Christians, because to me it’s quite peculiar how so many people can read the same book, and yet have such different opinions regarding its meaning. That wasn’t the case when Christ was on the earth during his mortal ministry. They knew exactly what was being said and had Christ and his Apostles there to guide them on to the correct paths.

      I personally believe that there is an absolute truth and that we can know with certainty without question what that truth is. The truth isn’t and shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why gospel of Jesus Christ is so beautiful to me because of its simplicity. It’s black and white… with no gray area in-between.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:38pm

      To me, not knowing what God expects of me and that I’m in good standings with Him would be that “mental and spiritual prison” you mentioned. Knowing that I am living my life the best I can, and that my Heavenly Father is please with my efforts, however insufficient and imperfect they may be, brings great peace to my life. The burden and fear of the unknown is simple not there. I’m not saying I do not have my doubts, or that I know everything, but it is quite reassuring to know where I can find the answers.

      To me faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. Faith is a hope for things not seen, which are true. I haven’t always been so confident in my beliefs; I couldn’t say I knew with an absolute certainty that what I believed was true at first, or that I had a perfect knowledge of that truth, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge. I had to experiment with what was presented to me, and exercise my faith, and let my desire to believe work with in me so I could have a place in my heart for the truth to take root.

      Alma a Book of Mormon Prophet compares the word of God to a seed. We must give a place in our hearts for it to be planted, then we can know if that seed is good or of God through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Once we receive that confirmation from the Holy Spirit that the seed, or the word, is good you

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:40pm

      cont: … “will begin to say within [yourself]—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.” (Alma 32:28.)

      That is when I began to increase in faith. It wasn’t a perfect knowledge yet, but I was being prepared to receive it. I saw the seed was good because I noticed it began to grow. And in turn that strengthened my faith. And because it strengthened my faith, and I didn’t cast it out because of unbelief, but was willing to nourish it, and allow it to grow, I came to know that it was good. But that is just the first few steps of the journey to acquire the truth.

      “And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.

      O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect?

      Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was go

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:41pm

      The journey will not always be easy but once it is started it is the most satisfying experience. Alma continues by stating that we must now continue to nourish that seed until it can gain root, and grow to a tree so we can partake of the fruit. And warns that if we neglect taking care of testimony we received then it will not take root in our hearts and the heat of the sun will wither it away and we will cast it aside. Now that’s not because the seed wasn’t good or that the fruit wasn’t desirable, it was because we would not continue to nourish it. That is why we must do our part to see this journey through to the end. And for those who do continue on Alma gives these following promises.

      “But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

      And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.”

      Report Post » Lux  
    • Lux
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:49pm

      Cont:.. “Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.” (Alma 32:41-43.)

      It is my testimony that these things are true. I no longer believe, but I know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God. I know he is my Savior. I am and will always be eternally grateful for all he offers me as I continue on this great journey towards everlasting life. God loves you all, and like the father in the story of the prodigal son waits eagerly to receive you back into his loving arms. I leave this witness with you in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

      Report Post » Lux  
    • tirelesspatriot
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:12pm

      Hankscram: Only a dead person doesn’t possess a set of beliefs. Your very statements display yours. Based on what a person has read, seen, heard and experienced, he/she develops a worldview – whatever it is. Life is all about living out your worldview. Your belief of “not needing absolute truth and certainty” is in itself an absolute truth – for you – because that is what you live by. Are you living according to what you believe are falsehoods? No. You live according to concepts you perceive as truth. Your worldview is your own “corporate belief system” and based on your comments, you seem quite fanatical about your beliefs. Lastly, you imply that your belief of not needing absolute truth/certainty overrides and is superior to the beliefs of those who don’t believe the same way. Isn‘t that the same mindset you’re so critical of? Despite your claim to be open-minded, your attacks on the “imprisoned” ones who don’t believe as you do, clearly indicate otherwise.

      Report Post » tirelesspatriot  
    • S G Applebee
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 11:18pm

      HankScram,

      Why is it that so many people who claim to have a “relationship with God” have differing opinions on so many subjects…even the Bible? Is God telling one person one thing while telling another another?

      Report Post »  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 4:23am

      @tirelesspatriot, you’re right, that is my belief system. It’s a fairly open belief system. It means I can change perspectives on various issues relatively easy. So, if archeology demonstrates that something I believe may be true – I can change. The mental prison I talked about is those who deny everything that contradicts their religious beliefs – instead of being willing to change their religious beliefs when the evidence contradicts their religious beliefs. That, to me, is a mental prison. That’s also why I see religion – the corporate religion that predominates our society, as the shackle that prevents people from thinking – closing their eyes and minds to what the physical world tells them. But, I could be wrong. How about you? Could you be wrong about your religious beliefs?

      Report Post »  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 4:23am

      @S G –

      you said it brother.

      Report Post »  
    • ohb1Wae7
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:23pm

      @myfathersparty:

      Yes, that is what happens. When people loose, or never have faith in God and his established church, they do indeed commit horrible and atrocious crimes.

      You don’t recognize some of them as crimes, but the most atheistic system in human history killed almost one quarter of a billion people, and I suspect even you can acknowledge this as a sin.

      Atheists point at enlightened self interest . . . well, yeah, but that isn’t the basis for a moral system. Enlightened self interest would strongly encourage you to be the Master in a society that has slavery, but that doesn’t change the fact that slavery is fundamentally immoral, nor does it cause you to view slavery as immoral.

      “Empathy”. Now, really?! I mean, if this is the best and atheist can do as an argument for atheists are moral people, then may I ask you: just how much empathy do you have for those who are tortured by their sexual desire for pre-pubescent children?

      Empathy is not a basis for morality. No matter how much sympathy I might have for the temptations that sinner is presented with, their sins are still sins. Empathy may, in fact, cause us to commit horrible sins, such as injustice or theft.

      Report Post »  
  • Hoplite003
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:25pm

    It doesn’t matter if your an Athiest, Christian, or a Jew because the Muslims see us all as infidals and nonbelievers and want to KILL and or enslave us all. So, we need to stand together. DEUS VULT!!!

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:07pm

    Yes, but Satan is a liar. Has always been a liar, and always will be a liar. So the book that you are reading is a lie. Believe it or not.

    Report Post »  
  • dissentnow
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:55pm

    I’ve noticed a trend here on the blaze.
    Why is it ok for Christians to put up billboards that say that “Jesus is the only way to be saved” or “repent or go to hell” but its wrong for Atheists to put up a billboard that says “good without god”? Why can Christians have their own summer camp but if atheists have a camp then its called indoctrination? Why do Christians cry all the time about atheists forcing their beliefs on everyone else when its the conservative Christians that are always trying to pass laws based on their religious beliefs? I’ll be honest, i’m an atheist and my fellow atheists make me mad with their arrogance and the way that they look down on everyone else but, I’m sorry, there are plenty of stories featuring Christians behaving badly that the blaze doesn’t touch.

    Report Post »  
    • affinnity
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:08pm

      You know what I like you because you don‘t tell us we’re stupid and imply that you are smarter and more evolved because you’re an atheist. I don’t like atheists who insult other people and try to control other peoples lives. Welcome to the Blaze. The problem you have is most of your fellow atheists on this site are here to intentionally insult conservatism and Christianity.

      Report Post » affinnity  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:13pm

      We are not forcing you to do anything…but I will say a prayer for you and your non-believers friends.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • dissentnow
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:38pm

      @Affinnity
      Thank you. You are correct about the atheists who post here. Most of the atheists that i know are jerks. Not all of them, of course, but most. I sometimes slip into that category, myself, but i try hard not to. You have to admit, however, that there are a lot of intolerant Christians who post here, as well. I’ve read post after post from Christians calling atheists stupid, irrational, satanic, etc.
      The problem, as i see it, is that most people put labels on themselves and that’s how they identify themselves i.e. “i’m a Christian……”i’m an atheist”……”i’m a liberal”……”i’m a conservative”…..
      “i’m white”…….”i’m black”. Most people can’t think past that self-imposed label. I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking. I may be an atheist but that is not what defines me as a man. I’m an atheist, a libertarian, a constitutionalist, a husband, and a father of two.

      Report Post »  
    • affinnity
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:43pm

      At times I will say things to atheists that seem cruel and rude but please never take my negative statements personally. You seem to be a good person and I respect truly good people.

      Report Post » affinnity  
    • capitalismrocks
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:04am

      I agree with the reply – I find many atheists actually somehow feel they are smarter, yet those of faith are somehow stupid.

      Also if you want to put up a billboard “Celebrating the Winter Solstice” hey, that’s great, but the insulting billboards stating their is no God are just that… INSULTING.

      Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 12:32am

      Most of us a tolerant of Athiests. You don‘t have to believe what we believe and we know we can’t make you. You are free to tell us to get lost if one of us tries to tell you about what we believe. What offends us is when the Athiests try to change our culture, laws, and right to worship God. They try to eliminate our faith from the landscape through lawsuits and legislation. That’s offensive. We don’t drag you into court trying to make you believe what we believe. But that’s what Athiests do to us. Can’t even put a cross up on our own property anymore without some Athiests organization crying about it and filing a lawsuit. If it wasn‘t for us Christians and this country we founded you probably wouldn’t have any freedoms. It’s called tolerance and it works both ways.

      Report Post »  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 1:31am

      @CaptainCrunch,

      Don’t you see how all 0f that protects your religious freedom? Do you know how many times over the past 200 years the Supreme Court has interpreted the establishment clause in ways religious people these days hate? And they don’t seem to get that it protects their religious freedom. In fact, there was a time when the mormon church was a huge proponent of the establishment clause because it understood the protection it afforded the followers of the mormon church who believe the government actually persecuted them in the past. Some day, your religion might feel the same way.

      Report Post »  
    • hightide
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 7:29am

      It has nothing to do with The Blaze. The last instruction Jesus gave is to go and make disciples of all nations. That means that Christians have a responsibility to tell you that there is a God in heaven and he wants you to believe in Him. If you do, you will be forgiven of you sins and spend eternal life with him and other believers in heaven. If you choose not to believe, you will spend eternal life in hell, separated from God. So to mock God and say there is no God is your choice. It doesn’t hurt me as a Christian, but I feel sympathy for you. It is your choice, but don’t expect Christians to stop trying to tell you the truth, we only want you to know the truth.

      Report Post »  
    • dissentnow
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 9:03am

      @Captain
      No one is taking your right to be a Christian away. You have the right to go to the church of your choosing. You have the right to pray to the god of your choosing in the privacy of your own home without fear of the federal government kicking down your door and throwing you in jail for doing so.
      I don’t know of one single atheist that is trying to make it illegal for you to pray in the privacy of your own home. If you can show me one, i’ll stand with you and say “count me a Christian” and then i’ll start crying and so on and so.
      Of course there are some atheists out there that abuse the court system with silly lawsuits for no other reason than to irritate Christians. I don’t agree with that either. In fact, i hate it. You, however, have to admit that there are Christians who abuse the court system and the constitution by trying to get the 10 commandments put in the PUBLIC schools or by having creationism taught in PUBLIC schools. It does go both ways, i agree.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 10:08am

      Agree with pretty much all the above.

      One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that arrogance and a confrontational attitude regarding differing viewpoints immediately puts people on the defensive. Once that happens, a reasonable debate of ideas / beliefs flys out the window. In talking with people whose opinions & beliefs differ from mine, I’ve learned a great deal. Many times I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the amount of common ground we share. Does that knowledge always change my persepective or theirs – No it doesn’t. But, in most cases it does open the door to better understanding and respectful coexistance. Childish name-calling, rude displays & bully tactics only serve to create more strife.

      I’m a Christian. My beliefs provide me with a personal roadmap [for lack of a better term] to how I live my life and the decisions I make. My beliefs are a part of me – not a separate badge or banner I must display. If asked, I have no problem sharing my faith & why I have it but I don’t go around forcing it on anyone. If I wear a necklace with a cross it’s for me – not for shoving it into someone elses face. I don’t believe in purposefully insulting or antagonizing those who have different beliefs and I expect the same in reverse. And I don’t feel the need to automatically cry “discrimination” every time someone disagrees with me.

      Report Post »  
  • affinnity
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:49pm

    Good for the atheists. Maybe they’ll shut up and leave us alone now that they have their own secular religion College and Journal to brainwash atheists with. What this tells me is the conservative Christians had better get control of our own K-12 schools as well as some Conservative Christian colleges and Universities.

    Report Post » affinnity  
  • wifezilla
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:48pm

    Since there is a “Journal of Religion and Society”, a “Journal of the American Academy of Religion”, a “Religious Studies Journals” and a “The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture” that I found in 3 seconds in a google search, why in the world would a single atheist journal even cause anyone to blink an eye? Since ahteists are such a tiny minority of the population, I still don’t get why their mere existence brings out so much hate. Seriously people???

    Report Post » wifezilla  
    • Doc_Slammin
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:52pm

      Atheists and secularists are making a Bible? Isn’t that kind of…. religious? ;)

      Report Post » Doc_Slammin  
    • spacecoastconservative
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:55pm

      There will probably be articles like,

      “It’s All About ME!”

      “Why GOD is Wrong and I’m Right”

      “But, I LIKE It Hot!”

      “I CanNOT Disprove GOD, but I CAN Disprove Me!”

      “Miracles Happen: So What?”

      “Darwinism Has Been Proven Wrong: But Who Cares?”

      “I’m Ape-Enabled”

      “No Monkey Business: People Evolved from Their Own Thoughts!”

      “Darwin, Me and Thee: The Trinity Explored”

      “GOD: Myth, Magic or Madness: How I Came to Realize I’m All There Is”

      “Ego Unleashed: Atheism and the Secularist View”

      “Who Needs GOD When We Have Barack Hussein Obama?”

      Report Post »  
    • John in CT
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:01pm

      Because Atheists claim to hold a non-position. And it is strange that someone who holds a nonposition feels the need to evangelize that nonposition. its just pointing out the incoherence, thats all.

      http://truthinreligionandpolitics.com/category/atheism/

      Report Post »  
    • ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 2:40am

      @ john
      I think you are confusing Atheism with Agnosticism. Atheists certainly hold a position.

      Report Post » ArgumentumAdAbsurdum  
  • Chasvs391
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:45pm

    When do we start taking them down? One at a time or in big groups, I don’t care. But they must ALL be removed.

    Report Post »  
  • hi
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:42pm

    I hope they do not receive tax-payer money for this.

    Report Post » hi  
    • chicago76
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:39pm

      Eh, they are not a religion by their own admission. But that could change if they get tax deductions by claiming religion status.

      Report Post »  
  • ILOVELIFE
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:41pm

    I love that The Blaze posts articles about Atheists in the faith section. It takes more faith to believe in Atheism (and the beliefs that go with it like evolution) that it does to know God exists! I myself do not need faith to know God exists, I experience Him everyday!

    Report Post »  
    • myfathersparty
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 4:49pm

      That’s ridiculous. Atheism just means there is no belief in a god or gods. Do you have faith that there are no unicorns? Fairies? Do you believe in the one true God Thor? No, it’s just an absence of belief. You don’t have faith for things that are not there, but in things that you think are.

      Report Post »  
    • ohb1Wae7
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:27pm

      Atheism means more than a disbelief in God.

      It must be. Either that, or it is a fundamentally irrational belief system.

      Report Post »  
  • Servant Of YHVH
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:40pm

    Since atheists don’t believe in anything, I feel that this will – - – - – - FAIL!!!!!!!
    After all, if atheists don‘t believe in anything then they won’t believe in this publication or else they would have to admit that they are truly not atheists because they would have to admit that they believe in something. Ergo, far less atheists there are in the world! Perhaps they would print out a publication with all the pages blank showing what the atheists believe in. I can’t believe that they work or do anything for money because to a lot of people, money is considered a god. Smoking to some is considered a god so I‘m sure that don’t smoke either. Some people worship the air so I‘m sure that they don’t breathe, of course some people believe that not breathing is almost like a god to them so the atheists . . . . . . . forget it, this is getting too confusing with the apparent hypocracy of atheists. The don’t because some do, they do because some don’t . . . . ARRRGGGGGGGGH

    Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
  • Dr. Frank Lippenheimer
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:36pm

    Oh goody! Another academic journal that nobody reads, aside from the authors who publish there (and they only read their own & skip the rest). Whoop-de-Do.

    Report Post » Dr. Frank Lippenheimer  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:36pm

    If they can’t prove there is nothing more to the World than what they can see without a soul – I say good luck and i’ll see what you have to say. Since the soulless cannot address matters of the soul – I guess i won’t..

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • spacecoastconservative
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:36pm

    The Blaze got it wrong here. It’s in the “Faith” category when it should be in the “Lack of Faith” category.

    Report Post »  
  • republapig
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:33pm

    And why do they care if other people want to believe? No one is trying to make them believe. And they call Christians intolerant.

    Report Post » republapig  
    • myfathersparty
      Posted on July 30, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Have they come knocking at your door yet? How are they pushing this on you?

      Report Post »  
  • stage9
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:33pm

    Another great College hijacked by the dummies of darwin.

    Report Post » stage9  
  • republapig
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:31pm

    Why do people hate god so much?

    Report Post » republapig  
  • semihardrock
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:29pm

    From someone born and raised in Connecticut…..It IS a Communist State….NO QUESTION!

    AND deep down inside….they know it which is why they elected THE ONLY Governor (Malloy) who just RAISED TAXES when all others across the US have lowered to balance their budgets.

    TRY and post a conservative thought on a local paper in Connecticut and Newsvine (an MSNBC company) who filters posts on local newspapers WILL DELETE YOUR POST! It doesnt have to be derogatory or rude JUST CONSERVATIVE!

    YES….MSNBC’s company Newsvine filters all posts in ALL Connecticut local newspapers! So this story does NOT surprise me at all.

    Report Post » semihardrock  
  • the hawk
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:23pm

    I Would wonder if it could servive though? Not my problem………..

    Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:22pm

    Gods word isn’t arbitrary, when god does something he doesn’t take a vote or get approval from a board.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • the hawk
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:21pm

    Title says it all! they should have their own ! Satanist have their own bible !

    Report Post »  
    • NotFooled
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:28pm

      Satanist use atheists as useful idiots against God.

      Report Post » NotFooled  
    • Locutus
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:30pm

      The Satanic Bible, written by Anton Lavey. I would highly suggest reading it. It’s worth it. Also check out The Devil’s Notebook. Also very good. More humorous than The Satanic Bible. True Satanists do not believe in the devil. He is a work of fiction, just like jesus. They (the Satanists) believe in doing what ever you wish to make yourself happy. Kill a pig and eat it! Dance naked in your backyard! It’s your existence. Do with it as you please.

      Report Post » Locutus  
    • dissentnow
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:36pm

      The satanic bible is a very interesting read, indeed. Far less violent than the christian bible and that disgusting quran.

      Report Post »  
    • affinnity
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:03pm

      One thing I will say about Satanists they usually mind their own business and they are open minded about people have their own faith and beliefs.

      Report Post » affinnity  
    • dissentnow
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:10pm

      Most of the satanists that i‘ve met weren’t very open-minded. The exact opposite, actually.

      Report Post »  
    • affinnity
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:28pm

      I didn’t say open minded I said mind their own business.

      Report Post » affinnity  
  • NotFooled
    Posted on July 29, 2011 at 7:20pm

    It has already been done (in a way). It’s called Free Masonry…

    Report Post » NotFooled  
    • affinnity
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:12pm

      You know I‘ve studied this topic a little but I can’t decide what I think about Mason’s. My uncle was a Free Mason, he was a good man and I loved him a lot so this is a tough topic for me.

      Report Post » affinnity  
    • HankScram
      Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Many of the free mason’s rituals – secret handshakes, oaths – and practices were adopted by the mormon church. Joseph Smith the mormon prophet was a free mason and he incorporated many of their rituals and practices into his mormon church shortly after he became a free mason. Another example of a religion becoming more of an institution created by man – moving away from critical thinking, inquiry, self-reliance, independence. Over time, religions become more and more about the corporation and less and less about God.

      Report Post »  
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