Archive for ‘questions’

July 18th, 2009

Love Questionnaire

Image © Mike Stimpson

Image © Mike Stimpson

I feel especially high on love this weekend, so I wanted to ask you folks for your perspectives and stories on the subject. Feel free to answer these on your blog or in the comments below.

  • When was one time you felt truly loved?
  • Can you love someone without liking them?
  • What’s your favorite love song?
  • One of my friends became an atheist last year and stopped believing love existed. What’s your reaction to this?
  • What’s your favorite way to receive love? How about showing/giving love?
  • Do you think there are different kinds of love? (ie. romantic, friendship, love for things, loving your pets,  familial)
  • What’s one of the oddest or stupidest things you’ve done for love?
  • Can love be quantified? (eg. “I love you more than my ____” or “I love her more now than ever.”)
  • Is love an emotion or an action (or something else altogether)? Can they be mutually exclusive?
  • Is it possible to love without conditions? i.e. No matter what someone does, feels, is, or could possibly be, you’ll love them.
  • Is is better to have love and lost than to never have loved at all?
  • It is said that sacrificing your life for another’s is the highest form of love. What do you think?
  • When does infatuation turn into love?

Categoryquestions, randomness, relationships, surveys and lists | Comment8 Comments »

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July 4th, 2009

Ridicule vs. Politeness

While perusing some of my Christian links, I read this on a blog for women:

Once again, Christianity’s been portrayed as laughable. Most Christians will get an earful of jokes, pokes, and even some outright insults in our lives. When this happens, should we laugh it off, express our hurt, or get angry?

There’s a big difference between jabs at Christians, and insults about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Such statements are unacceptable: This is where we need to draw the line and diplomatically express our anger. It’s a matter of standing up for our God. We need to correct any lies or misconceptions about God’s character, and warn the offending friend that the most high God won’t tolerate those insults forever. Any actions we take—such as disconnecting from the friendship if the insults toward God continue—are done so that we’re not associated with the blasphemy.

Two commenters replied saying,

I think Christians that don’t have a thick skin are best served by developing one now because from what I experience, the insults are only growing against the Christian and of course people that don’t believe or respect the faith are going to be blasphemous. It is not and should not be excusable. I mean most people wouldn’t let anyone insult their mom or dad so why should they take insults to God and Jesus Christ (God made flesh).

Gods laughs at His enemies in the Psalms and holds them in derision. Let people laugh, it won’t be much longer. But meanwhile, I do think we need to take a very careful look at ourselves to make sure there is not something to the jobs we might receive.

[source]

Do you think there is a division between insulting or making fun of a Christian who believes in certain things or acts a certian way and making cracks at God or Jesus? Is one “sacred” while the other is not? The author seems to think different responses are called for if someone speaks negatively about God.

@Rationalists asked this on twitter: “why is it non-PC to ridicule such mindless irrationality in the 21st Century?”

Where do you draw the line between pointing out the ridiculous, irrational, amusing aspects of religion and being polite, keeping your opinions to yourself, and allowing for a difference in opinion? Should we be more kind, or does humor play a part in skeptical, rational thinking today? Can it make a positive difference, or will it just inspire more dislike for atheists?

Categorychristianity, god, questions, religion | Comment15 Comments »

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June 23rd, 2009

How can an atheist make a difference?

This twitter conversation is currently in process:

Me: I think it will take at least 2 generations more to get some of the “old time fundamentalism” on the way out the door.

J: How would you contribute to get that “old time fundamentalism on the way out the door”, being a first generation ex-Christian?

Me: what can we do but engage each other and help people reason and hopefully stop indoctrination in its tracks. WDYT?

J: What if all your family (wife & young children included), friends & co-workers are Christians? How would you make a difference?

Me: that’s my life, so I’m working on it. What do you think would influence you if you believed and a fammembr/friend didn’t? I honestly think that we can make a difference by just being honest and asking questions. encouraging skepticism and freethought

Honetly, I feel a little sad when my mind draws a blank when it comes to the practical ways I can influence things around me. But should I instead feel at peace with a “live and let live” default? I don’t want to press my lack of beliefs on anyone like I did my spiritual beliefs. But I want things to change in this society for the better.

What do you think? How can atheists–especially those surrounded by believers–make an impact on those around them? Do we need to “evangelize” (sorry for poor word choice; it even makes me shudder) in some way? In what ways do you (or do you not) strive to end the cycle of hereditary indoctrination, social/political religious bias, and the other poisons caused by religion? How can we make a difference?

Categorychristianity, godless blogs, questions, religion | Comment32 Comments »

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June 17th, 2009

Tweeps Speak: Open Relationships

Adapted from airgap on flickr
For one year I was romantically entangled with a polyamorous man. He explained that he and his partner had agreed to have an open relationship where each person could love and enjoy other people sexually as long as they always stayed completely honest, practiced safe sex, took care of all each other’s emotional, physical, and practical needs first, and felt secure together–not jealous or afraid of losing one another. There was an underlying commitment that went along with their willingness to “spread the love” and explore other sexual avenues.

I soon learned that he and his partner were quite the normal couple with problems, insecurities, and hard work. Our experience ended up showing me that I was not inclined to take part in a polyamorous relationship, especially as “the other woman”. I was too selfish, insecure, and I treasured exclusivity too much to be prepared for that type of experience. I did not feel secure, trusting, nor loved. Perhaps this was his fault; perhaps it was the situation. Maybe it was me!

And although it did not work out, the relationship caused me to wonder: If we’re perfectly healthy emotionally and mentally, are we more inclined to be monogamous or to have multiple love partners? Does it depend on the individual? What is the reason for jealousy and the desire for security? What makes us cheat? Could having an open relationship help a couple? Or does it harm them in the long run? Is it only about sex?

Survey says..!

I recently polled my Twitter pals about the titillating topic of open relationships. Keep in mind that most of my tweeps are non-religious folks from all walks of life. If you’d like to respond, please comment! I’m fascinated by the variety of opinions and research on this topic.

Let’s see what they had to say using 140 characters! I’m keeping things anonymous to conserve their privacy.

Part A: “What do you think about open relationships?”

They’re ok, if you can handle that sort of thing. don’t think I could though.

I think whatever people can make work for them relationship-wise is fine by me, I’ve seen open relationships work out fine. [cont.] I think in a way Open Relat. may be easier, as there r far less boundaries 2 worry about crossing, no fear of being cheated on.

Not for me. [x2]

Whatever works for two (or three, or four…) consenting adults is none of my business whatsoever!

I like them! :) I think they’re much more realistic than what you’re told to expect, relationship-wise.

Not a big fan, but my ex-wife was a fan.

Read more and check out Part B on Monogamy vs. Polyamory below the cut!
read more »

Categorymy past, questions, relationships, surveys and lists | Comment11 Comments »

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