Title: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 15, 2011, 04:40:27 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 15, 2011, 04:40:27 PM
I am new here, looking for some different perspective and knowledge, where past general forums have been frustrating to me with their lack of both. I do try to be as open-minded as possible, and identify my own hypocrisies or prejudgments. There is always a sense in my past experience with general forum use that one has to continually cater to the mechanics faith, or be seen as menacing. That leaves no room for any real discussion. I hope critical thinking is allowed here! 
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Tank on February 15, 2011, 05:25:16 PM
Post by: Tank on February 15, 2011, 05:25:16 PM
Hi
Well thinking is encouraged, that's for sure. Critical thinking might stretch the neurones just a little bit
Welcome to Happy Atheists
Regards
Chris
Well thinking is encouraged, that's for sure. Critical thinking might stretch the neurones just a little bit
Welcome to Happy Atheists
Regards
Chris
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Recusant on February 15, 2011, 06:25:28 PM
Post by: Recusant on February 15, 2011, 06:25:28 PM
Hello and welcome to HAF, Ulver. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg830.imageshack.us%2Fimg830%2F860%2Fsmilew.gif&hash=8238eab24d16418eb1c8cd60d971239ab1363c74)
I hope you enjoy your time reading and posting here.
Quote from: "Ulver"There is always a sense in my past experience with general forum use that one has to continually cater to the mechanics faith, or be seen as menacing.I'm not sure I understand this sentence; who are or is the "mechanics"? If you're talking about owners/admins/moderators of any particular forum, I think I can put your mind to rest regarding this one. Free speech (within the bounds set by the Forum Rules (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1522)) is the norm here. Speaking for myself, I can't recall off-hand ever finding a member here to be menacing.
I hope you enjoy your time reading and posting here.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: ForTheLoveOfAll on February 15, 2011, 07:07:51 PM
Post by: ForTheLoveOfAll on February 15, 2011, 07:07:51 PM
Welcome to the forum! This is a nice place. But some will definately call you on bullshit. Not in a mean way, though.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 15, 2011, 07:36:00 PM
Post by: Cecilie on February 15, 2011, 07:36:00 PM
Hello Ulver. What's the story behind your username?
Welcome to HAF.
Welcome to HAF.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: father nicetouch on February 15, 2011, 09:33:44 PM
Post by: father nicetouch on February 15, 2011, 09:33:44 PM
I have just been here a day or two, but so far I'm liking it here! Every one has been nice so far! Well, except for the christians. They keep telling me I'm wrong! 
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Tank on February 15, 2011, 09:36:34 PM
Post by: Tank on February 15, 2011, 09:36:34 PM
Quote from: "father nicetouch"I just have a day or two here, but so far I'm liking it here! Every one has been nice so far! Wll, except for christians. They keep telling me I'm wrong!Well they would do wouldn't they! But here they have to do it nicely just as we should tell them they're wrong, but nicely.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 12:35:26 AM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 12:35:26 AM
Quote from: "Recusant"Hello and welcome to HAF, Ulver. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg830.imageshack.us%2Fimg830%2F860%2Fsmilew.gif&hash=8238eab24d16418eb1c8cd60d971239ab1363c74)
I'm not sure I understand this sentence; who are or is the "mechanics"? If you're talking about owners/admins/moderators of any particular forum, I think I can put your mind to rest regarding this one. Free speech (within the bounds set by the Forum Rules (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1522)) is the norm here. Speaking for myself, I can't recall off-hand ever finding a member here to be menacing.
I hope you enjoy your time reading and posting here.
Thanks all, for the welcome! Can't wait to be called out! lol), and my criticisms of the usefulness of faith when discussing laws of nature were seen as highly unacceptable, because "we all have to respect faith!".I was accused of being heartless and threatened with the banhammer because I openly disagreed with Creationism and didn't make the poster feel her views were valid.
Sorry, can't do it.
I wish to stay within the bounds of the forum rules, so I will re-look over everything!
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 16, 2011, 01:11:45 AM
Post by: Cecilie on February 16, 2011, 01:11:45 AM
Quote from: "Ulver"[Yes, it does.
Ulver means "wolves" in Norwegian
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:02:09 AM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:02:09 AM
I should have included my tenure as Captain Obvious in my intro, eh?
*Though in my defense I did not look at your info, there, would have...um...
*Though in my defense I did not look at your info, there, would have...um...
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 16, 2011, 02:20:33 AM
Post by: Cecilie on February 16, 2011, 02:20:33 AM
Quote from: "Ulver"I should have included my tenure as Captain Obvious in my intro, eh?
*Though in my defense I did not look at your info, there, would have...um... :P
Well, I was only asking to see if you knew the meaning of it, or if you're Norwegian and whatnot.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2011, 06:54:21 AM
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2011, 06:54:21 AM
Quote from: "Ulver"Cretinism gets short shrift here, the stupidity of that world view is best explained to the holder in a cold, calculated and highly civil manner. Views are open to criticism here.Quote from: "Recusant"Hello and welcome to HAF, Ulver. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg830.imageshack.us%2Fimg830%2F860%2Fsmilew.gif&hash=8238eab24d16418eb1c8cd60d971239ab1363c74)
I'm not sure I understand this sentence; who are or is the "mechanics"? If you're talking about owners/admins/moderators of any particular forum, I think I can put your mind to rest regarding this one. Free speech (within the bounds set by the Forum Rules (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1522)) is the norm here. Speaking for myself, I can't recall off-hand ever finding a member here to be menacing.
I hope you enjoy your time reading and posting here.
Thanks all, for the welcome! Can't wait to be called out! lol), and my criticisms of the usefulness of faith when discussing laws of nature were seen as highly unacceptable, because "we all have to respect faith!".I was accused of being heartless and threatened with the banhammer because I openly disagreed with Creationism and didn't make the poster feel her views were valid.
Sorry, can't do it.
I wish to stay within the bounds of the forum rules, so I will re-look over everything!
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: The Magic Pudding on February 16, 2011, 08:07:11 AM
Post by: The Magic Pudding on February 16, 2011, 08:07:11 AM
Hello, here's a snack for later. 
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 01:47:37 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 01:47:37 PM
Quote from: "Cecilie"
Well, I was only asking to see if you knew the meaning of it, or if you're Norwegian and whatnot.
Took me a while haha. I discovered the meaning only through interest in the band. I'm not Norwegian.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 01:48:33 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: "Tank"Cretinism gets short shrift here, the stupidity of that world view is best explained to the holder in a cold, calculated and highly civil manner. Views are open to criticism here.
I'm in the right place, then! haha
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 01:49:12 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 01:49:12 PM
Quote from: "The Magic Pudding"Hello, here's a snack for later.
Why, thank you!
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 16, 2011, 01:49:43 PM
Post by: Cecilie on February 16, 2011, 01:49:43 PM
Quote from: "Ulver"Quote from: "Cecilie":P
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: karadan on February 16, 2011, 02:02:12 PM
Post by: karadan on February 16, 2011, 02:02:12 PM
Hi Ulver. Welcome to the board.
You don't happen to have one of those amazing three wolf shirts as well huh?
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft0.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcTZfeTPL4TdL3G2z0QJ6zCHncF7NxjWjgvQGGhGOEGdoOkEs2KP&hash=f25ba5d7640492c0205e02d836636853c075fa4c)
You don't happen to have one of those amazing three wolf shirts as well huh?
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft0.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcTZfeTPL4TdL3G2z0QJ6zCHncF7NxjWjgvQGGhGOEGdoOkEs2KP&hash=f25ba5d7640492c0205e02d836636853c075fa4c)
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:06:02 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:06:02 PM
Quote from: "Cecilie"Sucks for you.
Haha I'm prone to agree! A friend of mine is Dutch and I always wish I had been raised in a more free-thinking country.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:07:50 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:07:50 PM
Quote from: "karadan"Hi Ulver. Welcome to the board.
You don't happen to have one of those amazing three wolf shirts as well huh?
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft0.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcTZfeTPL4TdL3G2z0QJ6zCHncF7NxjWjgvQGGhGOEGdoOkEs2KP&hash=f25ba5d7640492c0205e02d836636853c075fa4c)
Thank you! *looks down at that exact image on shirt*...nooo? Haha
No Napoleon Dynamite clothing for me, but I do love wolves.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:31:31 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 02:31:31 PM
I've been lurking around the threads, and must say I'm excited to be exposed to some new ideas and educate myself. I am relatively new to this, as most of my studies have been in social science and biology. I sort of ignored the world of theism and avoided developing a personal stance. As a child, I was casually taught to believe in Christianity, but never exposed to the bible nor really even taught about what religion actually is. We didn't go to church, but I had a fundie friend who sort of soured me to it all. We listened to quite a bit of Christian music, and her family threw their judgments around. Her uncle at one point began to question his faith, and it was basically whispered about like he had admitted to raping children. I remember thinking the whole thing was stupid, sort of scary, and wondered why I did not feel any connection to this man in the sky. I started to read up on religions when I was in my late teens.
At about 21, I decided it was ok that I didn't believe in a god, and realized I never had. It seems to me, faith is a way to explain away the harsh realities of life, and is a cultural addiction like any other. Religious history leaves me shaking my head, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hitchens' take on that. Currently, I am working on figuring out exactly what I believe, and ways to back up those beliefs in a logical manner.
This post through me over the edge to join this site haha. In a thread titled "Atheists are going to burn in hell, just like they should", someone felt the thread held a malicious nature, and questioned the person:
Person 1: No, it is not an act of malice, she is simply stating what the Bible states.
Person 2: That doesn't make it any less malicious. If the bible states I should have my penis cut off for masturbating, you can't exactly cut mine off and say "sorry, this isn't malicious.. the bible says it".
OP (not at all joking): Dude, if there were a verse in the Bible that stated such, as clearly, then yes, it would be a statement of fact, not malicious.
:eek:
At about 21, I decided it was ok that I didn't believe in a god, and realized I never had. It seems to me, faith is a way to explain away the harsh realities of life, and is a cultural addiction like any other. Religious history leaves me shaking my head, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hitchens' take on that. Currently, I am working on figuring out exactly what I believe, and ways to back up those beliefs in a logical manner.
This post through me over the edge to join this site haha. In a thread titled "Atheists are going to burn in hell, just like they should", someone felt the thread held a malicious nature, and questioned the person:
Person 1: No, it is not an act of malice, she is simply stating what the Bible states.
Person 2: That doesn't make it any less malicious. If the bible states I should have my penis cut off for masturbating, you can't exactly cut mine off and say "sorry, this isn't malicious.. the bible says it".
OP (not at all joking): Dude, if there were a verse in the Bible that stated such, as clearly, then yes, it would be a statement of fact, not malicious.
:eek:
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2011, 08:19:33 PM
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2011, 08:19:33 PM
Quote from: "Ulver":eek:I would sincerely hope my wife would object as well!
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 08:23:55 PM
Post by: Ulver on February 16, 2011, 08:23:55 PM
Good point :P
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: terranus on February 17, 2011, 02:04:50 AM
Post by: terranus on February 17, 2011, 02:04:50 AM
Quote from: "Ulver"Quote from: "Cecilie"
Well, I was only asking to see if you knew the meaning of it, or if you're Norwegian and whatnot.
Took me a while haha. I discovered the meaning only through interest in the band. I'm not Norwegian.
Oh thank god, i think we've met our quota on both Norwegians and Texans around here.
Bonvenon al la Forumo!
[spoiler:3dsvvfds]Welcome to the Forum![/spoiler:3dsvvfds]
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 17, 2011, 02:46:32 AM
Post by: Cecilie on February 17, 2011, 02:46:32 AM
Quote from: "terranus"You love us. Admit it.Quote from: "Ulver"Quote from: "Cecilie"
Well, I was only asking to see if you knew the meaning of it, or if you're Norwegian and whatnot.
Took me a while haha. I discovered the meaning only through interest in the band. I'm not Norwegian.
Oh thank god, i think we've met our quota on both Norwegians and Texans around here.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: terranus on February 17, 2011, 03:40:39 AM
Post by: terranus on February 17, 2011, 03:40:39 AM
Well honestly considering that nothern European countries (and randomly the Czech Republic) are the most non-religious countries in the world, I'm not surprised that there are a number of you guys here.
But the number of Texans here is just amazing to me. :bananacolor:
But the number of Texans here is just amazing to me. :bananacolor:
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 17, 2011, 03:49:30 AM
Post by: Cecilie on February 17, 2011, 03:49:30 AM
Quote from: "terranus"Well honestly considering that nothern European countries (and randomly the Czech Republic) are the most non-religious countries in the world, I'm not surprised that there are a number of you guys here.There aren't many Swedes or Danes here though.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Tank on February 17, 2011, 07:01:27 AM
Post by: Tank on February 17, 2011, 07:01:27 AM
Quote from: "Cecilie"And that is the case on the other atheist fora I have frequented.Quote from: "terranus"Well honestly considering that nothern European countries (and randomly the Czech Republic) are the most non-religious countries in the world, I'm not surprised that there are a number of you guys here.There aren't many Swedes or Danes here though.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: karadan on February 17, 2011, 08:43:44 AM
Post by: karadan on February 17, 2011, 08:43:44 AM
Quote from: "Cecilie"Quote from: "terranus"Well honestly considering that nothern European countries (and randomly the Czech Republic) are the most non-religious countries in the world, I'm not surprised that there are a number of you guys here.There aren't many Swedes or Danes here though.
That's because most of them have no reason to even consider religion as a conversation topic. It is such a non-entity in Scandanavia.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: Cecilie on February 17, 2011, 01:53:11 PM
Post by: Cecilie on February 17, 2011, 01:53:11 PM
Quote from: "karadan"Yes, I know, I live there remember? But that still doesn't explain why there are three Norwegians (of my knowledge) and no Swedes or Danes.Quote from: "Cecilie"Quote from: "terranus"Well honestly considering that nothern European countries (and randomly the Czech Republic) are the most non-religious countries in the world, I'm not surprised that there are a number of you guys here.There aren't many Swedes or Danes here though.
That's because most of them have no reason to even consider religion as a conversation topic. It is such a non-entity in Scandanavia.
Title: Re: Hello
Post by: karadan on February 17, 2011, 10:26:04 PM
Post by: karadan on February 17, 2011, 10:26:04 PM
Quote from: "Cecilie"Yes, I know, I live there remember? But that still doesn't explain why there are three Norwegians (of my knowledge) and no Swedes or Danes.
Heh, maybe Norwegians are more inquisitive.
