The conflicting beliefs of the fanatically religious

[perdita_dream]

Atheists don't need or want the judgment of religious fundamentalists. It is disturbing how much they hate us, especially when they frequently don't understand their own beliefs.

Comments

[fellmama]

Fun anecdote: there's a long-standing myth that having a tattoo prevents you from being buried in a Jewish cemetery (no doubt inspired by Leviticus 19:28). My friend Kerry, an adult convert, asked her rabbi if this was true. He responded that it is absolutely not, but that if she wanted to tell her kids that it was, he'd back her 100%.

[perdita_dream]

What if they found out he didn't believe what he was saying? It would jeopardize their trust in anything and everything else that he tells them.

Imagine them thinking: "Well, the rabbi said having lots of random unprotected sex is dangerous and unwise, but he probably doesn't really believe that either."

What did she do? Maybe it sounds harsh, but I think I'd look for another rabbi. I really really dislike dishonesty.

[fatpie42]

What if they found out he didn't believe what he was saying? It would jeopardize their trust in anything and everything else that he tells them.

Weren't you ever told any fibs when you were younger?

Never told that Father Christmas exists?
Never told about the tooth fairy?
Never told that carrots help you see in the dark?
No?

All they'd need to do was explain WHY they told the fib.

[perdita_dream]

Those things are not the same at all. What if the mom died suddenly? The child might think mom can't go to heaven because of her tattoo. And it isn't like a child would want a tattoo, presumably the children would be in their early teens or older when they are told this. Being dishonest with them at that age about the fate of their souls is more likely to add fuel to their naturally rebellious fire

[aliss_demurrage]

"It sickens me when I hear things like "well what is stopping you from raping/murdering/eating babies if you don't believe?" The sort of people that ask that question are not the sort of people I would want to meet in a dark alley."

For sure. People who make statements like that seem to be implying that they only do what is right and good because of fear of God and of being damned. It suggests that, without this fear, they would do horrible things. They need to have a little faith in people. I guess that they can't, though, if they don't have any faith in themselves. What a sad way to live.

Found you!

[klicrai]

Sorry it took me awhile to friend you, it's been so long I'd forgotten my password...

-Christina