Atheist Roundtable

Of all the apologetics I hear, the teleological argument, or the argument from design, was the one that used to convince me the most.  I would look at the universe and be in awe of its size, majesty, and wonder.  It really is an amazing universe!

I used to think this was so impressive.  This universe must have been designed.  Look at all the things that look like they've been designed!  And even though we know my thoughts on this eventually changed, why did this flimsy argument hold my attention for so long?

I want to talk about why apologetics work, and why I used to be convinced.  Spoiler:  I know realize it is nonsense.

Ever heard this, "But my religion makes me happy.  Trying to be more like jesus makes me a better person.  Why would I want to give that up?"  I know you have.  I'll not deny any of this.  Religion CAN make you happy.  People who get better by trying to emulate jesus often DO get better.  How could something do this much good, and still be bad?

Let's look at why religion makes people happy.  Can trying to be more like Harry Potter be just as effective?  Is religion doing this, or is it something else?

Religion trys to be awesome, but it can't beat the awesomeness of this show!

I don't have a topic, but when has that stopped a show.  Let's hang out together and just talk about whatever comes to mind. 

This is a stream of conscience show, and tonight, it will be even more off the cuff than normal.

The great and glorious Craig Well, author of the Blasphemous Bible, returns to the Roundtable to announce the official release of his book.  The Blasphenous Bible is a line-by-line re-write of the King James Bible, with a fresh, satirical, satacastic, and delightfull tone.  He has taken possibly the hardest book to read, and made it enjoyable.

The Blasphemous Bible is available NOW for pre-order!  Get your copt reserved NOW!!

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheBlasphemousBible/

8th House Publishing:  http://www.8thhousepublishing.com/books/non-fiction/blasphemous-bible

Order the book!!:  http://www.8thhousepublishing.com/8thHouseStore/non-fiction/the-blasphemous-bible-by-craig-wells.html

It's not a religion, it's a relationship.  We've heard that before.  Does that mean that when we leave religion behind, we have to break up with god?  And when our parents, friends, and relatives still want to hang out with the ex, that can make for a very weird holiday weekend.  

Let's compare breaking up and losing god.

It will be more awesome than getting dumped.

I think some of the most difficult beliefs we apostates have to leave behind are those concerning the afterlife.  Hell terrifies people for decades after one becomes an atheist.  The loss of heaven can be mourned like the loss of a close relative.  

So what's the atheist to do with this?  If heaven leaves us, are we without hope?  I think NOT!  I think the only heaven worth wanting is the one we have been charged to create here, in the real world.  Now.

Let's make the awesomesauce we want to see.

I'm listening to a preacher dude.  He wants to explain why god put the serpent in the garden.  I can't wait to hear what he has to say.

Atheists will be familiar with all manner of rebuttals to this story.  From talking snakes to trees that should be metaphors, this story has more holes than a colander.  So when the preacher dude says restrictions grant freedom, I guess I should not be surprised.

Join me for all the fun and awesomeness!!

Are you an anti-theist?  Are you anti-theism?  Is there a difference?  Does it matter?  I think there is a difference, and it does matter.  

Let's talk about the definitions of these terms, what it means to assign these labels to ourselves and how we can make things better.  

The awesome is on!

I needed to find a new religion, since my old Catholic one wasn't going to cut it anymore.  But which one?  How can I choose?  What ever shall I believe?  Let's get back into my deconversion story and pick up where we left off.

Spoiler Alert:  I end up an atheist!  :)  

Let's keep the awesomesauce flowing!!

It's been quite a while since I talked about my deconversion story.  I think it's time to go over that again.  It begins way back when I was going to a private, Catholic, high school...

Take a journey with me down memory lane, as I re-visit my religious roots, and how I went from a staunch believer, to the unabashed atheist I am today.  

Together, we are all more awesome than alone.  Let's be awesome together!