Fired Pastor Ryan Bell Receives Staggering Donations From Atheist Community

[rexcat]

22. Your "point"...

is really not needed. Your comment was taken as condescending because I see it as one of those "no fucking shit Sherlock" comments and your comments did not really address the main points that I posted.

I do understand the concept of where and how religious beliefs are formed. I don't live in a vacuum. As an atheist I came about my views rather young. I started questioning things around the age of 8. The whole concept of god(s) was absurd to me. It took me a while to come out of the closet and say that I was an atheist. This was based on the bigotry seen in this nation to nonbelievers and the cultural norms of the time, which in my opinion, has not really changed that much from when I was a young man. I am in my early 60's so I hope you get my point.

As I stated the whole concept of this obviously religious gentleman critically examining his faith by embarking on a year-long journey to "try on" atheism is absurd. One does not "try on" atheism. On the other hand critically examining his faith is a good concept. Something that everyone should do on a regular basis. But again, let me emphasize my point, one does not try on atheism because if is a rather absurd concept, at least IMO. You either don't believe in god(s) or you do and I will leave out agnosticism in this debate for it will just muddle the discussion. The main points to my post you responded to is outlined below. If you want a meaningful dialogue you should at least try comprehending the points I was trying to make concerning this situation and respond to them instead of the trivial in your response to me. Let me outline them below:

1. There should be no surprises that Ryan Bell was thrown under the bus by his "community" for such a lame concept of "trying on atheism." (he has been thrown under the bus but that should not surprise anyone considering the intolerance of a lot of theists in this country)

2. I can see if he was having doubts about his beliefs and would want to explore other avenues but this borders on the ridiculous. (emphasis is on "explore other avenues" but "trying on" atheism is an absurd concept)

3. There are some very good charities that deserve the money over this fellow. (I would rather give to Doctors without Borders, Planned Parenthood, NAACP, local charities, etc. This guy would never see a dime from me as I see it a waste of good money that could go to better causes, but to each his/her own).