Is there such a thing as a stereotypical atheist?

kiramea comments on Nov 3, 2017:

Most atheists that I've ran into don't believe in aliens, or the supernatural. From the way Christians talk, atheists are the same as Satanists.

What religion scares you the most, and why?

kiramea comments on Nov 3, 2017:

Not a religion, but any rabid fundamentalist person scares me.

Mental health for non-believers.

kiramea comments on Nov 3, 2017:

I have Borderline Personality Disorder. Numerous suicide attempts; suicide thoughts daily for decades. Since I became an atheist I have had no attempts or thoughts. For me, I have no imaginary friend to try to please, no one to disappoint which has made my life so much easier.

What does it mean when they talk about how we are living in a holographic universe or a SIM?

kiramea comments on Nov 3, 2017:

Think of the movie The Matrix. Pretty much that.

Prayer at Work?

kiramea comments on Oct 31, 2017:

When I was working at an insurance company in Virginia, we had a party. Before it commenced, the supervisor stated that he knew that not everyone was a Christian, but he was sure it was okay to pray before the meal. I had already complained about the supervisor several times to HR, and nothing was ever done so I didn't see any point to complain this time. If I remember correctly (it was many years ago) I filed a complaint with the EEOC. As far as I know it went nowhere, however I was fired from that job not long after this happened.

I would like to know what position atheists take on the prolife movement.

kiramea comments on Oct 30, 2017:

I personally do not believe in abortion which is why I have never had one. I also believe that it is NOT the government's or anyone else's place to determine what is right for any individual. Yes, it takes two to tango, but if that man isn't willing to not only carry it to term (which at the moment is impossible) and raise the child, they have no say.

What is the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard that people actually believe?

kiramea comments on Oct 28, 2017:

For me there are several: 1) Flat Earthers 2) The Earth is only 6000 years old 3) We never landed on the moon

I am sick to death of being told by family members {who are practicing Catholics} that I am ...

kiramea comments on Oct 27, 2017:

The few times I have had to endure comments like that I just tell them that when I see "realistic" evidence (or any evidence for that matter) of an existence of a God, I will let them know. I also ask them which "God" are they referencing since there are thousands of "Gods" that people believe in .

Can someone be religious and scientific at the same time?

kiramea comments on Oct 26, 2017:

My father was a college Chemistry professor and a Catholic, so I would say it is possible.

Do you walk away from friends that are believers in one religion or another or tolerate their ...

kiramea comments on Oct 22, 2017:

Most of my real life friends are evangelical Christians. I tolerate their beliefs, and they tolerate my non-beliefs.

Thoughts on Satanism?

kiramea comments on Oct 22, 2017:

I personally prefer the Church of the Spaghetti Monster. If you're going to "believe" in something ludicrous, might as well go all out.

A better place, really?

kiramea comments on Oct 22, 2017:

If I hear the "they're in a better place", "he/she is at peace now", "they no longer have to suffer", etc any more I think I'll scream. I lost me dad, two brothers, a husband and an ex-husband within a year of each other. No one should lose that many loved ones in such a short period of time. As horrible as that was, having a pastor tell me that I should be glad that my 3 week old son died (SIDS) because now he won't have to go through all the trials/tribulations....... well that was it for me. Thinking back I should have let my step-son beat the crap out of the guy but stopped him.

Why are religious people on this site? What is their intention?

kiramea comments on Oct 22, 2017:

I've actually had someone ask me why I abandoned my god. I also had to unfriend a real life friend because they just could not understand how I could have morals without being a Christian. As for here and not real life (most of my real life friends are Christians and respect my non-beliefs), I truly don't know. Maybe they want to see try and "save" us, or maybe they're just curious. As long as they don't try to convert me I don't care.

Has the Earth ever been visited by extraterrestrials?

kiramea comments on Oct 22, 2017:

They have found a modern watch in a sealed tomb. That being said, I personally believe that aliens have visited us, however the majority of the "proof" is pretty shaky. What I resent is all these alien theorist seem to believe that our ancestors are dumber than dirt.

How would you feel if you found out that the person you have feeling for was transgender?

kiramea comments on Oct 21, 2017:

My daughter is in a very serious relationship with a transgender. When I first met her girlfriend, I had no clue, and personally I did not care. I want my daughter to be happy. As for me...... I have always told my children that you fall in love with the person, not the gender. If I saw someone and was attracted to them I personally feel I would be attracted with the person and not the gender. What they were before has nothing to do with how I feel about them now.

Marriage equality

kiramea comments on Oct 19, 2017:

"Not informed enough"? A person is in love with another person and they're the same sex. That's all I need to know.

Do you object to the term "RELIGITARDS" or do you think it appropriate?

kiramea comments on Oct 19, 2017:

Just because you don't agree doesn't mean you have to use derogatory language to describe. It makes us look bad when we stoop to their level; we need to strive to be above them.

What is your opinion on male circumcision?

kiramea comments on Oct 19, 2017:

My first born was circumcised. They cut him, and then gave him to me to take home. That poor boy screamed for over 10hrs; of course the nurses stated that he could not feel pain. My second son is not circumcised. I personally feel that circumcision of baby boys and ear piercing of baby girls is an unnecessary pain and it should not be done.

I'm a musician and this lady asks me in a Bar, have you taken Jesus Christ as your personal lord and...

kiramea comments on Oct 18, 2017:

I once had a man ask me if I was a Satanist. I asked him why he would think that, and replied that it was because I was wearing black fingernail polish. When I pointed out to him that it was the day after Halloween, he asked me what religion I was. That I replied with I never talk religion with strangers. Wrong answer as he started going on and on about his ex-girlfriend thought the same thing, and he believed you should be shouting it from the rooftops. I told him that was probably why she is now his ex and left. My religion (or non religion as the case may be) is my own to talk about (or not talk about).

What, in your opinion, are some characteristics of a mature person?

kiramea comments on Oct 16, 2017:

Taking responsibility for their actions.

Are you still able to appreciate religious art, or does the religious message prevent you from ...

kiramea comments on Oct 15, 2017:

One of the things that I like to do that befuddles my sister is watch religious documentaries (mostly Christian, but would watch other religions if they were on). The history of them and long term appeal to the masses fascinates me. As for art/music...... art transcends religion. When I look at art or listen to music, I'm taking in the art that the person made not the religion that inspired them. There are several pieces of art that I love (Leonardo da Vinci is a wonderful artist). Not as much music, but there are some that I don't mind listening to.

How do you deal with Door-knockers?

kiramea comments on Oct 14, 2017:

I bought a satanic-looking gargoyle and placed it in the window next to my front door. Never had a problem after that.

I just recently gave up on on-line dating.

kiramea comments on Oct 13, 2017:

I'm not here to date. I'm here to make friends, have good conversations, and maybe get together with like-minded people. I'm not here to talk naked on webcams, look at dick pics, be asked what my favorite sex position is and if I'm kinky. As you can see I'm not a fan of dating sites.

Do you see yourself in obligation to prove to others why do you choose to be atheist or agnostic.. ?

kiramea comments on Oct 11, 2017:

I personally do not feel like I have to prove any of my beliefs. But then again, I have some pretty bizarre beliefs (I love conspiracy theories and believe in quite a few of them).

I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.

kiramea comments on Oct 11, 2017:

When I lived in Virginia (many years ago), my ex-husband thought his children needed the Mormon religion and sent missionaries to our apt. First time I told them we weren't interested. Second time I told them we weren't interested. Third time I called my ex and told him to tell them to stop coming over. His reply is that the missionaries have been taught to never take "no" for an answer. I then told him if they came by again I would have them arrested for trespassing. I never saw them again. This person needs boundaries. If he refuses to respect yours, then you need to decide what course of action you want to take. Now having him arrested for trespassing might be a little harsh, but I'm sure you get what I'm talking about. One thing to remember though..... NEVER make an ultimatum if you have no intention of going through with it.

Who makes a better single parent?

kiramea comments on Oct 10, 2017:

Gender has nothing to do with who is a better parent.

My dads entire life he was an Atheist.

kiramea comments on Oct 9, 2017:

She didn't do it for him; she did it for her. Though it was a dick move, I would just let it go. There are better things to be pissed at (I'm sure). By the way, my step-mother pretty much did the same thing to my dad. She filled the house with her conservative Christian friends and completely ignored his DNR. Was nothing us kids could do since we all live out of town/state from him.

Why are citizens of the US so against socialism when countries like the Netherlands are so ...

kiramea comments on Oct 9, 2017:

I've been wondering the same thing. Even the mention of socialism sets a lot of them off.

Is religion the reason behind the Fermi Paradox?

kiramea comments on Oct 8, 2017:

How do you know we haven't received any? Just because the governments of the world tell you, doesn't mean it's true. Let's imagine we haven't received any signals though. Personally, I believe that other civilizations are so much further advanced that they communicate in other ways, and we have no way of catching those signals yet. Also, the universe is huge. Even if they are communicating in a way that we can hear them they may be so far away that those signals haven't reached us (or facing away from us).

I've had several family members block me either because I'm vocal about being an atheist and calling...

kiramea comments on Oct 8, 2017:

I despise zealots in anything, and avoid them every chance I get. From the way you write, it appears that you make it your goal in life to shove both your "fabulous" gayness and atheistism down their throats every chance you get. If you are unable to tone it down a bit expect more people/family members to block you. Oh, if it didn't bother you, you wouldn't have written this.

What are your thoughts on open relationships?

kiramea comments on Oct 8, 2017:

I identify as Poly, but that does NOT mean that I'm without morals nor does that mean that I screw everything that slows down. All that mean is that I accept the fact that occasionally I find someone else attractive and may want to have a relationship with them. Unfortunately, a few of the partners that I have been with believe that even-though I have no problem with them dating other people, yet they find the need to do it behind my back. Cheating is cheating no matter if you are in a monogamous or poly type relationship.

What do you want to happen to your body when you die?

kiramea comments on Oct 8, 2017:

I would love to be a part of a body farm.

Why do churches have fire alarms?

kiramea comments on Oct 7, 2017:

It's probably in the fire code that they have to abide by. Also,1) just because you believe doesn't mean you believe 100% of the time, 2)new converts haven't had time to believe that blindly, and 3) better safe than sorry.

Dating outside your (non)faith?

kiramea comments on Oct 7, 2017:

The only people I will not date are rabid believers of any faith.

Do you ever miss the religious life?

kiramea comments on Oct 7, 2017:

Nothing to miss. My life is actually better not worrying about if I'm offending my imaginary friend.

How to let your children find their own way?

kiramea comments on Oct 5, 2017:

I was raised Catholic, and then changed to Baptist. I have been a free-thinking for most of my adult life (I'm almost 60 now). I did not raise any of my children in a church because I wanted them to find (or not find) religion on their own. My daughter did go to a Baptist church for a while, but hasn't in years. Personally, I feel each person has to find their own way. If your daughter is as smart as you believe, she won't be sucked into any religion; she will go freely if that's her choice. It's not fair to her for you to ban her from a religion just because of your views on it (and you don't want her to believe you think any less if she joins a Christian sect). Just keep the conversations going and make sure she gets ALL the information she needs to make an intelligent decision.

Just lost my wife of 15 years (headed quickly to divorce) largely due to her losing her atheism to ...

kiramea comments on Oct 4, 2017:

People change and so do relationships. If you can't handle the change I would suggest talking to friends or family, and in the absence of those that will listen, a counselor.

What is your best come back for the forever uneducated retort from a creationist, that if we came ...

kiramea comments on Oct 4, 2017:

I just tell them that aliens genetically modified monkeys. That usually leaves them speechless.

How do you react to someone telling you to have a blessed day?

kiramea comments on Oct 2, 2017:

I thank them and tell them to have a wonderful day. If I want people to respect my lack of believing in a God, I feel I need to do the same to them.

Do you have to pretend to be religious to fit in?

kiramea comments on Sep 30, 2017:

No. I don't believe in being fake to fit in. If they don't like me, that's their loss.

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

kiramea comments on Sep 30, 2017:

I don't "celebrate" any holiday. I personally believe holidays are a construct propagated by the retail industry to guilt people into spending money so that person doesn't look bad to their peers/family.

Is life meaningful without religion?

kiramea comments on Sep 30, 2017:

What does religion have to do with getting meaning out of life?

What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)

kiramea comments on Sep 29, 2017:

Good think I don't believe in heaven/hell. Also, if heaven is full of people like they are ( closed minded, bigoted religious zealots), then I don't want to go to heaven.

How do you make life meaningful without the help of religion?

kiramea comments on Sep 29, 2017:

Religion has nothing to do with whether or not your life is meaningful or good. You alone are responsible with how your life turns out.