Religious suffering

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

For me, it wasn't god that was feared. I was conditioned to worry about the all-powerful "Ladies of the Church" and what will they think of me if they knew what I did, said or even thought.

I am seriously over bigots. Anyone else near/close to my area (SETX) that face this same crap?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Completely over them. I deal with a man who threatens to call ICE frequently because if they're speaking Spanish, they're obviously a criminal.

I am an animal lover, especially dogs, but others as well. What about you? What ones do you like?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I love all animals even the ones I don't want in my house. I've been in an apartment for a long time, so I have a cat and don't have a dog even though I would like one. My favorite wild animals are sharks, tigers and lemurs. My dream vacation would be diving with great whites.

If you could just pick up and move today where would you move to?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

San Francisco, CA

What to do with people that send " Thoughts and Prayers".

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Generally, just say thank you and walk away never to think of them again. They obviously have nothing of value to add to my life.

What ever happened to Xtians being nice, caring, and loving?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

It's easy to be nice, caring and loving when no one is challenging your authority.

Where do you think our morals come from? what brings about improvements in them?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Social and natural consequences resulting from actions.

If you could wipe 3 words from existence, which would you choose?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Lazy Stupid Worthless I've lost count of how many times I've heard parents say these to and about their children.

Does your ideal partner exist?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

No, I'm fairly certain I don't have it in me to maintain a relationship - desire or ability.

Favourite Book Genre?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I like almost all genres. I tend to read a lot of MM romances for a kind of odd reason - I got so frustrated with how authors were writing "strong" women. I found these women to be extremely selfish and cruel. I like smut because I can read it quickly over my lunch at work to decompress before heading back.

Weird?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I got married at 18, son born day after my 20th, divorced at 26 and done raising him by 39. I'm very happy with the way I did things and glad my son has chosen a different path.

Many parents in US teach their children to use the word "please" every time they seek the attention ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

If your friends don't have table manners, where do you expect the kids to have picked them up? Most of the time meeting the parents of children is all the explanation you need for their behavior.

If you had a penny for every time someone tried to convert you, how rich or poor would be?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Maybe a nickel. The Mormon missionaries are very polite.

We need to put an end to the question that has been plagueing humankind since the beginning of time.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Went with vaginas, though both are ugly.

If someone messaged you and straight out asked to meet up would this be creepy and off-putting or a ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

It would be nice. I'm always up to meet for lunch or coffee. Go for it.

Ok so here's a random question...who has bunnies?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

No bunnies for me, but she's beautiful.

What Keeps You Where You Are?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I like where I am. The weather's great, sun almost always shines. I have a wonderful career that pays well with a fairly high standard of living and opportunities for time off with money to travel.

Have You Ever Been Molested As A Child?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I wasn't molested, but my dad's boss got highly inappropriate with me once.

School Shootings.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Kill the two officers at the entrance of school. Problem solved. Seriously, police are scared of their own shadows. Do you think they'd do well surrounded by loud, obnoxious teenagers? The answer is to prevent shootings, not provide more opportunities to kill.

Why do criminals murder innocent people?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I don't imagine they give it much thought. If they did, they probably feel justified in their actions.

Single Americans are hurting economically this Valentine’s Day - MarketWatch

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

The funny thing is my ex-husband and his wife shop churches for handouts and collect government assistance while I travel frequently and live on a cash-only economy.

Do you think Melania Trump is silently abused in her marriage?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I think she's getting exactly what she wanted out of the arrangement. If she's as unhappy as she looks, she can leave at any time.

What do you do if you like someone that doesn't like you the way you like them?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Get over it. I wouldn't waste my time on someone who didn't feel the same way about me.

Reading Format Preferences.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I love to read. I prefer paperback but have a nook, kindle and apps on my iPad for travel. I have hundreds of paper and hardback novels plus thousands of e-books. My son got me a subscription to kindle unlimited a couple of years ago. Its nice because I'll read a book and buy it if its really good.

Kids

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

One adult son - he moved out almost 6 years ago No grandkids - he says he doesn't want kids, so probably going to stay that way

Male circumcision, no matter what reason is barbaric and primitive.What's your take?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Almost 30 years, I gave consent without even thinking about it honestly. I'd have done differently even 5 years later. The first time I saw an uncircumcised adult penis I said, "Eww, what's wrong with it?"

Anyone else want in on this?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Come visit me. I could introduce you to Jesus 10-12 times before lunch. You could choose the one you like best.

Had an odd religious debate with a coworker. Where does Good and Evil come from?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

My father thinks I'm nuts because I told him 'sin' does not exist outside of religion and that right and wrong are based on societal norms that change all the time.

Do you "people watch?"

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Of course, I live in Vegas. The best people watching spot outside of Walmart is Fremont Street. We get all kinds of interesting people. There's this man who runs around in a cupid diaper and a speedo guy waiting to pose for pictures for money.

Agnostic gun enthusiasts?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I don't have strong feelings about guns one way or the other, but my son is a total gun nut.

Earworms- songs you don't even like that get stuck in your head.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Two very different songs - Let It Go and Dick in a Box

Are you getting any?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I could have voted two ways because both are true. not in a relationship, don't get any and get enough.

Veganism

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

The best I've ever felt was on a strict paleo diet.

How do you cope with the fact that any day you will die and that will be the end?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I guess I just not a deep thinker. There's nothing to cope with, why worry about something that I have no power over?

What value is there in freedom of the press?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

The people who own the press also own our politicians.

With the recent shootings one of my friends posted that it was the fault of a godless world.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Was it the one that mentioned McVeigh and 19 terrorists? Totally disregarding the fact that none of those people would profess godlessness. I typed up a response then deleted.

Do you support Trump?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I don't support him because he has the emotional control of a 2 year old in the midst of a tantrum. I will say I don't support impeachment because while Trump is childish, Pence is dangerous. Neither one of them has the intellectual capacity to do the job. I believe that as soon Ryan and McConnell get the most offensive of their goals push through, they'll have Trump removed from office and install Pence. Trump is their fall guy.

So a coworker just sent an email about decorating our aisle for easter.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I'll doing some kind of egg, bunny or spring related craft with my kiddos leading up to Easter Sunday and probably do something for April Fools on Sunday. I love any theme that makes lesson planning and treatment easier.

Who are you actually?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

My public mask hides how little I really care.

Who is your favorite artist and work by them?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I recently saw the Chihuly Collection in St Pete. It was amazing.

How do you deal with a relationship where someone believes in conspiracy, gods, aliens, racism, etc?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Leave...walk away..,run as fast as I can in the opposite direction.

We keep shoving children into the forefront of the gun debate, and most will say, "Of course.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I don't particularly care about the welfare of children, but they are often the targets. No one should ever be shot when just going about the daily business of life.

Is being non-religious the same as hating religious people?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I'm anti-religion, not anti-religious people. Mostly, I just feel sorry for them.

How to battle the proliferation of political correctness?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I'm not certain why people are offended by political correctness. Too me, its just being a decent human being with manners. The funny thing is that generally the ones crying about political correctness cry the loudest when offended.

What does "coffee" mean to you?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Coffee is a good way to go. Meet there and go Dutch. No expectations or obligations.

Do you try to avoid chemicals in products you use?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Some chemicals I try to avoid. Others are fine. I research as much as I can natural doesn't always mean safe for use. I have a friend that swore off chemicals when she was pregnant until her mother-in-law, who is an RN, told her to quit using a 'natural' product. When she did her research, she found out what she was using was on the DO NOT USE WHEN PREGNANT list.

Newt Gingrich: “Atheist Philosophy” More Dangerous to Christianity Than Terrorists – Friendly ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

All religions share a basic belief system. Atheists are diametrically opposed to that system.

Just how precious is human life?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I don't really believe that any life is particularly precious and prioritize the life of a baby toward the bottom of the hierarchy.

Does anyone else struggle with feelings of despair?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

No, people are born then they die no changing that. Sooner or later, people will either go extinct or evolve. Nothing I can do about it.

First Amendment - Is the separation of church and state absolute or should the government fund ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Can we really run a military without a Chaplin service? Why does the military need a chaplain service? Would anyone be willing to let AA meetings take place in a building that can handle large gatherings for free like churches do? Churches aren't free Are we not willing to provide bus services/standard tests/textbooks/library funds/etc to private religious schools? No, parents should pay for it Should we take away food stamps from church food banks? Do food banks get food stamps? If so, yes they should loose them Multiple studies have shown that clergy in prisons does work, are we willing to not allow a program that works in reforming convicts not run to prove a point? They're not reformed, they've just become religious crooks.

Lent Atheisting

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I tell people, "I gave up church for Lent years ago."

Single

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I've been single for 12 years and plan at least 4 more decades.

I got into a discussion a few days ago with a religious person who had said, "everything happens for...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Of course everything happens for a reason, god just is never the reason.

What is your biggest fear?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Losing control of my body with a fully functioning mind and being unable to end it.

So I got a 7 year old, Easter is coming up soon and he wants to know is Jesus really real and will ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Tell him the truth as you know it and say "I don't know for sure but I don't believe he was real. There's no historical proof." Ask him if he'd like to research the origin of Easter with you. When my niece lived with me, she believed in Jesus on holidays where she'd receive candy or gifts but not on an ordinary day.

Would you go to Church two years straight if you were getting paid a million dollars for every ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Depends...do I have to complete two years before I get the money? If so, no. I'm not good with that sort of delayed gratification. I'd do well for awhile then get fed up and take a vacation.

My white conservative friends have no idea why I'm not with the whole "we need to go back to how ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Most of them have no idea what the 50s were really like. They just know what they've been told on TV. 'lives were better when everyone knew their place' meaning subservient to men like them. Unless they were born before 1940, they have no real adult 50s experiences. I know the my mother's mother had 6 children, a truck driver husband who stopped by every few weeks to get her pregnant and had to work part-time jobs because he would buy new cars and houses without consulting her. I also know that he had never paid a bill until after she died in 1974. I much preferred my life as a single working mother.

How do you socialize?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I don't. I spend 4 days a week putting on a pleasant "I'm happy to see you face". During my time off, I spend as much time alone as possible. I may have lunch with a friend or go to the grocery. Once a month, I go to the hair salon.

Obedience to parents

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I had a hateful mother and a father who was happy she targeted me, not him. I learned early - do the opposite of everything they said or did. The most peaceful week of my life was when I told my mom to mind her own business and she 'punished' me with the silent treatment for a week.

Did you arrive at your decision of belief by means of research and critical thinking or merely ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I don't think I ever made a decision. I attended church, Sunday school, choir and yearly VBS, but it was never anything that I believed. Even as a child, I was amazed that all the adults in church were that stupid.

How do you handle talking to a parent when they are politically opposite of you?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I don't talk about because if I do well never speak again. He knows I think Trump is a vile disgusting human being. He thinks everything is getting better and the poor Trump family is being hounded by the media and democrats. He gets all of his information from Fox News and OANN. I can debate with stupidity and willful ignorance. I no longer respect or admire my father and honestly love him less because he really isn't worthy of my love.

Almost all the boys/men who were involved in the mass shootings in America’s schools were brought ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 18, 2018:

What are we going to do? A man cannot be made to spend time with someone they don't want to see and a woman cannot be forced to terminate just because a man doesn't want to be a father.

Why Women Aged 35 45 Are Single and Unhappy The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness - YouTube

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I admit that "confirmed bachelor" just screams GAY!!! to me. Too many men feel that way. Or at least, talk that way.

I would just like to know how Sarah Sanders actually lives with herself for lying so often.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Good Christians lie all the time. She learned well from her nut job of a father.

Did the Russian influenced your voting decision in 2016

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Yes, though not in the way most people I know reacted. They uglier his actions the more he was admired. I wanted him to DIAF.

Do you REALLY think Russians influenced the polls results in USA?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Yes

Guns Guns Guns I understand the necessity to create stricter gun laws in order to prevent ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Man on campus would have raped her then shot her with her own gun. Carrying a gun gives the illusion of safety, not real safety.

How long did it take you to get over your divorce?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

About 6 months.

"How can you be a moral person and be an atheist?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

"I don't know. How can you be a moral person and be a (insert religion)?"

How do I back out gracefully?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

If no money has been spent, I'd just tell her that you don't want to do it anymore. IDK what you're like, but my friends would accept that without question.

Is anybody else an outcast of their family?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

I'm an outcast because I've almost completely removed my self from them. I find them overwhelming. I prefer to spend time with the people that I have invited into my life.

Why are you not religious?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Religious people are some the most dishonest people I know, but as long as they gave money to the church they were praised like saints for their godliness. I was amazed at how often god told them that what they wanted to do was what he also wanted them to do.

If the Object of Your Affection became allergic to your pet, what would you do?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I'd dump the guy. The only way I'd get rid of my pet is if my child had an allergy.

How do you feel about (boy) scouting?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I refuse to support any organization with a religious affiliation, even when their mission plan is basically sound because there is always some obligation associated. Too me, its only charity when given freely.

End of life planning for the agnostic

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I told my son if he had a minister at my funeral, I'd haunt him forever. I don't really care one way or the other, I'll be dead.

Stress is an inevitable part of modern day life and avoiding it completely seems impossible.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

If I have the power to fix a situation, I do. If I don't have the power to fix it, why stress about it?

I'm not against guns.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I don't have anything against guns. I don't want one for myself. I actually had to get the salesman at the sporting goods store to explain to my son why I shouldn't own a gun (I would never use it against another person, ever) because he wouldn't believe me when I was the one telling him. The problem isn't guns. It's the fact that too many gun owners have guns because they're scared and scared people have no business with a weapon. Fear leads to mistakes.

I see posts often enough here which criticize the chump for what is obvious hypocrisy concerning ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Trump is the typical Christian in our society. He just has more publicity.

Have you ever dated someone that reminded you of one of your parents?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

No, that's too horrible to contemplate.

What's wrong with make-belief?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Nothing wrong with make-believe as long as you are aware its make-believe. Hypocrites do bother me though because if something annoys me in others, I work really hard to make sure I never do it myself.

Why do people assume being an atheist means you don't have morals?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Because they lack internal behavioral controls and need someone to provide them.

The kids paradox

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I never wanted kids and was very ambivalent even when I was pregnant. I had 3 pregnancies - one abortion, one son and a miscarriage. I'm not sorry I chose to give birth but would have rather never gotten pregnant. The 3rd was planned so my son would have a sibling, but I honestly was sort of relieved when the pregnancy ended.

Is there a non-cringy way of telling someone you think they look nice on a given day?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I like your shirt. Its a good color/style for you.

I'm having a serious emotional dilemma and was hoping to get some solid advice from rational people.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

You ethical dilemma still exists. You maybe single, but she's still married. Wait until her divorce is final, if she gets one, to make your move. If you still want to.

I'll Pray for you. Building bridges between Theist and Atheist.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I don't mind it most of the time because they're offering support in a situation where they are honestly powerless to help. It really makes me angry when legislators offer thoughts and prayers after mass murders because they have the power to take actions that can affect a change but choose not to d/t bribes from lobbyists.

Are you forgetful or easily distracted?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 15, 2018:

I have a attention span of 10-15 minutes on a good day. I forget anything I need to remember but can remember the smallest most useless information. Luckily, a therapy session lasts 30 minutes. I plan 3 eight minute activities per session.

As an atheist, I think Homosexuality should not come into mainstream. What's your take ?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 14, 2018:

As someone who identifies as neither hetero- or homosexual, may I say I find both to be unusual? Just because I wouldn't do it or understand it, doesn't make it wrong for someone else as long as all parties are consenting adults.

At what age did you know you were an atheist/agnostic/non-believer?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I don't think I ever really believed but didn't actually say it out loud until my son was filling out some kind of demographic information. He asked me if we were Christian and I told him I wasn't. I didn't even consider what I would be labeled until about 5 1/2 years ago when my dad went off the deep end into Fox News territory and starting spouting RW Christian BS.

Is blocking someone on Facebook because of too many religious "shares" intolerant?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I don't mind it so much with family and friends even though it is annoying how god is always answering their prayers using someone else. I unfollowed my father when he started praising god for electing Trump. I see red every time I get a post from Minions Quotes praising god.

Does anyone else do culture immersion when you travel?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I haven't traveled outside the US yet, but I'm sure I would. I always try to stay at locally owned hotels. Vacation rules for food have always been if you could get it at home, its off limits when traveling.

Do you support businesses such as Chick-Fil-A, which are anti- LGBT and promote the Christian faith ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I try not to but sometimes its unavoidable. Chick-fil-a and Hobby Lobby are easy to avoid because they don't sell anything worth buying. Those horrid Koch brothers OTOH appear to own companies that produce more than half the available goods in my area.

What good does it to call someone a libtard, snowflake, communist, neo-liberal, Trumpster, etc.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

As soon as the name calling starts, it is established that there is no rational argument to back up your position. I hold name calling as the equivalent of 'the bible says' meaning argument over you've lost.

How often do you self-censor? Is it hard to bite your tongue?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Almost never in person. When writing pretty much always.

Cremation or burial for your funeral?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

My plan is to be cremated so my son can build a shrine in the most used room in his home. He tells me that's not gonna happen.

Ghosts are as mythical as God but what if an atheist believes in Ghosts.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I'd like to meet a ghost. It would be really cool if unicorns and leprechauns were real. I'd also like to know why Santa hasn't brought me a new car. I'll stop before I get too far into snotty.

Divided parents - One religious and the other atheist

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

The one thing I absolutely insisted on is that belief and non-belief were both taught as an opinion, not fact. I always answered religion questions with 'some people believe ...., but I believe...'.

Do you let your emotions get in the way of rational thinking?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I don't. Sometimes I actually question whether I feel emotions like other people. I'm afraid I compartmentalize to a level that is unhealthy.

On patriotism: Do you "support the troops"?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Based on your criteria, no I do not support out troops. The phrase "support our troops" is a worthless platitude thrown out to appease societal pressure. Too be honest, I don't believe I owe them anything above and beyond what I would do for any other human being on the planet.

Does religion interest you?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I enjoy learning. Religions and their evolution is something I find fascinating. Believers always claim that the 'true' word of god never changes but in fact religions and their espoused beliefs are constantly changing in reaction to society's excepted norms.

Morning Everyone! I'm in Mobile, AL (home of Mardi Gras in the US) sitting at work instead of ...

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Enjoying a a beautiful sunny but cool day in southern Nevada sitting at home on my couch reading and responding to posts instead of going to the grocery store like I should be.