tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4137133672386054974.post3585024161152182935..comments2023-05-16T07:42:20.309-07:00Comments on Nolan's Rants: The Tyranny of the MajorityAndrew Nolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705467008503284935noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4137133672386054974.post-91841753857981131962009-10-14T18:01:40.439-07:002009-10-14T18:01:40.439-07:00Thank you for the further explanation on your the ...Thank you for the further explanation on your the spiritual vs. religious standpoint. Most Atheists I know seem to be pretty cool with that, however few and far between they are. I also meant to clarify, I'm totally cool and respect an Atheists ideas. I don't agree, but again, it's up to them.<br /><br />And congratulations to you as well! It's so exciting that you are having a boy! I want a boy so badly but have this feeling that I will be having a girl. Also, we aren't finding out the sex, so lots of green is in our future.<br /><br /> Eileen was apparently friends with my step-sister (who gave birth 2 months ago) and went to Davis with Mandy's husband. Do you know Schyler as well? Anyway, I thought it odd because I knew you went to high school with Rena and Mandy, but then seeing your wife's connection I found rather humorous.<br /><br />All that being said, great writing, I like your ideas, and I look forward to reading the next!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06519468255222044219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4137133672386054974.post-34388235916779262132009-10-14T15:32:57.393-07:002009-10-14T15:32:57.393-07:00It might not surprise you that I'm not a big f...It might not surprise you that I'm not a big fan of "I'm not religious, but I'm spiritual," although the way you've explained it makes more sense than most. I don't believe that because we can't explain something, there must be a God. I'm ok with not knowing. <br /><br />But I liked your comment and don't think you sound self-centered or blasphemous.<br /><br />And congrats on the little one. We will soon be sharing stories.Andrew Nolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03705467008503284935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4137133672386054974.post-2129913025761295302009-10-14T08:20:26.919-07:002009-10-14T08:20:26.919-07:00I have avoided commenting on most religiously char...I have avoided commenting on most religiously charged posts and arguments (except for Johnson, in which I just wanted clarification) because anything I say will sound completely self-centered and blasphemous. <br /><br />That being said, I would like to speak out just a little with no desire to sway or educate you or other Atheists, but to affirm most of your thoughts and your beliefs (or lack thereof). <br /><br />For starters, I was not raised in a religious household. I went to church voluntarily at the age of 16 and found a very safe and nice place to meet new people and gain new friends. After becoming a Christian and involving myself in church activities, I started noticing more and more hypocrisies. People were miserable and prayed for change, others were happy and prayed for consistency. This was my biggest issue. Who does God listen to?<br /><br />Around the age of 19 I withdrew almost entirely from my "church family" and began researching and learning more about other religions and philosophies I had not heard of. It was there I realized Christianity wasn't the answer. To me, religion wasn't the answer at all. But, I still have faith. I see a clear distinction between practiced/organized religion and faith/spirituality. Does atheism allow for this at all, or is it purely thought process. To me, there are occurrences which cannot be explained both good and bad, this is where I derive my belief in something greater and larger than myself.<br /><br />I don't say I'm a Christian anymore because I'm not. I would be detrimental to the name of the religion, just as the title Christian because detrimental to me. I don't want to be associated with religious nut jobs but I am not an atheist by a long stretch.<br /><br />I agree with you on several of your points, although one major one I don't agree with is all religions saying that they are correct. Isn't Hinduism pretty open to other religious beliefs because that is where the person belongs at that time and in that life form? <br /><br />Other than that, your experiences with the fanatical Christians aren't uncommon and I find highly disgusting. I appreciate your standings and agree that some religious people are of a lesser intelligence, but the majority of them are lost and looking for something to blame or hope for and found it in God (or Vishnu).Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06519468255222044219noreply@blogger.com