The boasts of atheists (Atheist self-deception)

It's just that the tenor of the remark sounded slightly flippant to me. I don't want to be disrespecting a particular religion.

The 'religion' under discussion will not offended. Rather than get bogged down in the bi-sexual-like, have-it-both ways position of agnosticism, it would be sufficient to say "He is not my Lord at this time"I'm curious now.

Seems a little odd as an atheist to talk about anybody either being or not being one's "Lord" don't you think? The whole concept of Jesus as Lord is alien to anyone but us Christians.What if he said "I don't believe Jesus is God" or "I don't follow Jesus" or something like that?

No good, I'm afraid Faith.It is only by Gods action in a person that they can say "Jesus is Lord". Very specific words. And very specific words to deny. Faced with lions I would wriggle in all directions - who would not? But I would not say "Jesus is NOT my Lord"Unto death.And I just want to be sure that there isn't a Christian who is more cunning as a fox than I can even imagine out there. For if there is - I won't pray and hope and worry about him any longer

Perhap's Robin's impressively high moral standards makes it impossible for him to lie?Brian.

Jesus is Lord is a little different from Jesus is MY Lord or NOT my Lord. But I have no doubt he can say it even if it does sound odd to him. He's not a Christian, Iano. What Christian would play such games anyway?

Agreed. I dunno. Probably not. This seems to be a case where you're disgusted by what you perceive to be bad manners. That you felt the need to tell the whole forum about it and that you were so perscriptive in your language ("If one is an atheist one should never speak this way. One should say...") annoys my sense of good taste, and thus I feel wrankled and participate. It doesn't help that you called out the group with which I identify in your perscription.Anyway, in asking if you were up on your own moral pedestal, I was referring to your comment about never meeting anyone with exemplary morals. I thought it was funny; it shows that you're certainly not below casting aspertions at other people's morals (OPM). The question is if you feel yourself on equal footing as them or above them. From what you said above and in the past, I'd wager equal footing. but it's off topic and not important. Carry on. Edited by docpotato, : for fun.

I'm curious. Let it play...

That is not for you or I to decide. Nor for you or I to declare.

Equal. I certainly don't have an exemplary moral character. Far from it.The other part of what I'm saying is that a sentimental view of life or of oneself ought to be avoided. But that of course is just an opinion I have. I don't think there's anything boastful about arguing that, however.Edited by robinrohan, : No reason given.

The Apostle Paul was a good example. He was good with words, though, and had a valid justification for such boasting. Paul was by nature a boastful man. Even after he, as Saul, got knocked off his high horse, he continued to boast as a Christian.Im certainly not attacking Paul, for I have behaved much the same way in my Christian walk. I used to love to encourage others to find Christ and to come to church! Many of my co-horts would declare that God certainly would put another jewell in MY crown for leading someone to Christ.Again, from Paul.... These days, I am in awe of what Christ has done through me. I am also humbled over what I have done to myself....getting in debt, behaving rather badly at times, and looking like a fool.Were it not Christ proclaimed in me, people would just see me as another in a long line of deluded, circular reasoning, doubleminded fools. Because of the proclamation, however, I am judged as well as my beliefs.This is where many atheists boast. They are quite intelligent as a group, just as Christians are quite ignorant as a group.This brings the focus of the debate---and the reasoning--up to a philosophical level.1) Does it really matter what we do on a daily basis, or what we say?I ask us to consider the infamous butterfly effect. If an insects fluttering wings can influence world weather patterns if but to a minute degree, how much more so can a misplaced boast, snide comment, or inappropriate response minutely influence the hundreds of lurkers who read our posts on a daily basis?On a personal note, I never boast about being a Christian anymore, because it has not elevated me above anyone else in this world.My relationship with Him has given me comfort and I am greatful for it.The point of this post, Robin, is to tell you that I appreciate your honesty and don't encourage you to profess anything new. On the other hand, if you feel led to reach out and trust an invisible God (to you) I can say with a bit of a boast (but mostly contritely) that He is not invisible in my heart, nor are you.

I totally disagree. This is beyond question.Ask him if you don't believe me.

Very funny, Brian. No, I'm not a Christian. I'm an atheistic nihilist.

Its equal footing, Doc. I dont have anything that you don't have in the way of favor. As pertains to my belief, He found me...I never found Him.In terms of intelligence, you probably have a more disciplined mode of thinking than I do. If you were to logically attempt to persuade me to change my beliefs, I may consider that you felt yourself on a better intellectual foundation than I am. I would not hold it against you, however, as we all are unique individuals with unique beliefs and opinions.

That's what bothers me a little. This seems like a game.