[Sarky]

The really tragic thing is how the word troll has lost all meaning. These days it seems people think they're trolling if they just barge into a thread and fling sh*t aimlessly like an angry blind monkey. Where's the subtlety? Where's the wit? Where, indeed, is the art?

There's no trolling on this thread, no sir. What we have here is muppetry. The difference between the two has been blurred by shoddy news articles and ill-informed journalists who learned about the internet by reading a book.

[MrPudding]

Originally Posted by bhamsteve

I have also seen religion bring out the best in people in their kindness, unity, tolerance and compassion.

Unity? Really? Personally I think it is the opposite. It has to be. Religion unites the followers of one religion against the followers of all others, or those who follow no religion. That is isn't real unity. Then when you consider, for example, a gay christian you find that a particular religion doesn't actually even unite its own followers effectively.

Religion can be accused of many, many things. Unity, of that kind that benefits and improves humanity, is most certainly one of them.

MrP

[robindch]

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

Can we -- collectively -- up the standard of posting so that nobody needs to post accusations of trolling in one direction or another? And can we drop the accusations of trolling too, please?

Your forum mods would be most obliged.

[gothictwilight]

Originally Posted by Nodin

My own feeling on the matter is that you were just trolling. Certainly the sub-standard commentary from you thus far does nothing to dispel the notion.

Well i do currently live under a bridge.

[Galvasean]

Originally Posted by gothictwilight

Well i do currently live under a bridge.

Down town?

[gothictwilight]

Originally Posted by Sarky

The really tragic thing is how the word troll has lost all meaning. These days it seems people think they're trolling if they just barge into a thread and fling sh*t aimlessly like an angry blind monkey. Where's the subtlety? Where's the wit? Where, indeed, is the art?

There's no trolling on this thread, no sir. What we have here is muppetry. The difference between the two has been blurred by shoddy news articles and ill-informed journalists who learned about the internet by reading a book.

I'm sure if i keep reading this i may find a point or humour here someplace.
Its probably very very subtle.
Very clever, sir.

[postitnote]

Hello people.

I read the first 12 or so pages of this thread and then gave up and clicked on the last page to leave a comment, so apologies if i'm repeating anything already said.

I joined boards to hopefully make a worthwhile contribution but have so far found myself making the odd remark here or there, and instead regurgitating what i read on here back to my GF.

Now, being that she's a believer in a protestant god, I regularly get accused of attacking her religion and beliefs (over muslims etc)

As i'm not actively trying to make snide comments or put her own beliefs down, rather point out the quirky side or darker consequences on society that religion causes. I think she feels the need to defend what she see's as her moral guide up to this point. So an attack on religion is as good as an attack on her own beliefs and attack on her.

I have called myself Pastafarian in the past but question if this was a wise move, I don't want to push those views on anyone. It makes me as bad as people waving a bible in my face (IMHO of course)

My thought are that, yes, there are irritating atheists, as with all types of people. But that most of the accusations flung about by religious folk of 'them irritating militant atheists' is no more than a bit of name calling caused when you run out of counter arguments.

Thanks.

[Zillah]

Robin I will pay you real world money of five euro if you fix the spelling and capitalisation in the thread title.

[Bannasidhe]

Originally Posted by Zillah

Robin I will pay you real world money of five euro if you fix the spelling and capitalisation in the thread title.

It is more irritating then being in a lift with Pope Benny and Dawkins while needing a wee (do I stay and go or do I go and go?)

[Jernal]

Originally Posted by Zillah

Robin I will pay you real world money of five euro if you fix the spelling and capitalisation in the thread title.

I sense an opportunity for Dades here. Dades, changes the thread title and forces Robin out of five euro. Robin now has no choice but to share some of the cut with Dades unless he wants the truth to be unearthed. Mwahahaha.

[robindch]

Originally Posted by Zillah

Robin I will pay you real world money of five euro if you fix the spelling and capitalisation in the thread title.

Given the OP's friendly attitude, I think I'll leave her error stand. Otherwise, well:

[Dades]

I also subscribe to the view that the poorly worded titles of accusatory threads should stand as a warning to users that the debate to follow may not be all that rewarding.

[Jellicoe]

Atheists have nothing in common other than being rational, ethical, and above average in education and intelligence and to promote free thinking atheism and reason over superstition and supernaturalism and promoting an ethical, secular society where the state does not support or finance or give special treatment to any religion.

[The Mad Hatter]

Originally Posted by Jellicoe

Atheists have nothing in common other than being rational, ethical, and above average in education and intelligence and to promote free thinking atheism and reason over superstition and supernaturalism and promoting an ethical, secular society where the state does not support or finance or give special treatment to any religion.

Um, no. Atheists have nothing in common except the lack of belief in a god or gods.

[Jellicoe]

Originally Posted by The Mad Hatter

Um, no. Atheists have nothing in common except the lack of belief in a god or gods.

Um, no, actually Atheists can have lots in common if they wish.

Check out Atheism+ or Atheist.ie