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Viewing comments for Chapter 48 "7 Questions to Ask an Atheist"Fiction and non-fiction prose
15 total reviews
Comment from themillerswife
This is very well written in terms of being an "interview article" more than I would call it an essay. That is just more of a technicality on formatting than anything. Otherwise, I think this has exceptional readability, and although it is opinion based so to speak, it does give fair insight to many who would have the same questions of other atheists.
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2019
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This is very well written in terms of being an "interview article" more than I would call it an essay. That is just more of a technicality on formatting than anything. Otherwise, I think this has exceptional readability, and although it is opinion based so to speak, it does give fair insight to many who would have the same questions of other atheists.
Comment Written 02-Oct-2019
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2019
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Thanks for the thoughtful review. Yes, I agree, it's more of an interview type piece, but "essay" was the closest I could find when selecting a style. Most grateful for the comments, Craig
Comment from Debbie Pope
This is why I enjoy reading your posts so much. You are the FanStory philosopher. You, more than anyone else, have thought out opinions on matters of importance. You seem so secure in your beliefs, even when they are tough, such as there is no afterlife. Personally, I often skirt issues because I prefer to be happy.
Thank you for addressing hard issues with simple answers. That is so inspirational.
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2019
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This is why I enjoy reading your posts so much. You are the FanStory philosopher. You, more than anyone else, have thought out opinions on matters of importance. You seem so secure in your beliefs, even when they are tough, such as there is no afterlife. Personally, I often skirt issues because I prefer to be happy.
Thank you for addressing hard issues with simple answers. That is so inspirational.
Comment Written 02-Oct-2019
reply by the author on 02-Oct-2019
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Haha, hi Debbie :) I've never been honoured with that title before, but it made me giggle. (Oh wait... tough guys don't giggle.. make that "chuckle").
I like to be happy, too (believe it or not). The no life after death thing doesn't bother me so much. If I go to sleep one day and forget to wake up, will I be sad? I don't think so. Though, to be 100% honest, I do sometimes feel that I'd hate to be missing out on "all this". That's irrational, though! My thoughts about the likelihood of us dragging ourselves out of the mess we've created can be a little off-putting, I'll grant. I write about them in the slim hope maybe if enough people make a noise, people will start to listen. In the main, I try to do things that will make me happy -- like surrounding myself with friends (many of them non-human), and activities that are fun... like getting out and about in nature, and getting together with other folk who enjoy playing ukulele and singing badly!
Sorry, I'm raving. I haven't been on here much in a while, must be making up for lost time. Anyway, thank you for the lovely comments, the humorous, but much appreciated title, and the lovely gift of an exceptional rating. Most grateful, as always. Craig
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Oh, I can tell you are happy. You seem to live in the moment. You accept things as you see them and don't try to make life what you want it to be. That is admirable. They say that is the key to happiness.
Comment from aanneee
Very interesting read here, I must admit a bit over my old head, I have an Empath like personality and have been unbelievably so well looked after, even when I certainly didn't deserve it I cannot place my name with Atheist
I have a lady friend, known her for about four years, she was a bit of a toughy, and an Atheist until one of her two daughters (who had minds of their own) became very ill - cancer. I don't know the whole story, I am a bit of a gabbler but she is tight-lipped. In fear of her daughter's illness she turned slowly somewhat I imagine and is now a devout Christian. The daughter, many years in and out of the hospital and tests is considered a bit of a miracle and my friend is accepting, reading Biblical and praying and helping her daughter who lives many states away with a loving kindness that when younger she didn't own. She tells me she is softer and kinder and likes herself better as A Believer. She is 83.
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reply by the author on 01-Oct-2019
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Very interesting read here, I must admit a bit over my old head, I have an Empath like personality and have been unbelievably so well looked after, even when I certainly didn't deserve it I cannot place my name with Atheist
I have a lady friend, known her for about four years, she was a bit of a toughy, and an Atheist until one of her two daughters (who had minds of their own) became very ill - cancer. I don't know the whole story, I am a bit of a gabbler but she is tight-lipped. In fear of her daughter's illness she turned slowly somewhat I imagine and is now a devout Christian. The daughter, many years in and out of the hospital and tests is considered a bit of a miracle and my friend is accepting, reading Biblical and praying and helping her daughter who lives many states away with a loving kindness that when younger she didn't own. She tells me she is softer and kinder and likes herself better as A Believer. She is 83.
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Comment Written 01-Oct-2019
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2019
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Thanks for sharing these most interesting comments. Oddly, I used to be a believer, many decades ago, and I like the non-believing me better. I definitely think I'm kinder than I was then. We had a funeral for my father-in-law just over a week ago. He was a non-believer, and that didn't change, in spite of the fact he knew he was dying. Most of his family are also non-believers, with the exception of his wife. Out of respect for him, and the wishes of the rest of the family, she went along with a totally non-religious funeral service. We had many comments from guests that it was one of, if not the, best service(s) they'd been to. I think that might have been because it focused on celebrating the man's life, and the loving family of which he was a part, rather than on the religion.
In any case, thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the kind comments. Craig
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I wear The Robe of Thomas and have written so many pieces about it and I always apologize for my doubt and it is the fear I have of Humanity that robes me. I talk to the Father, my style and he accepts my apologies for my doubt because I have been so well looked after in spite of. Every day I thank him for the day and for forgiving me of my doubt and if when I pass I see Him not, so be it for apologizing, in this life makes me feel better. I am sorry about your loss but the way you say it went sounds like the way of much good and done rightfully well. There is a big difference I believe in non-believer and Agnostic.
Comment from pome lover
Mr. Richards, I think you answered those questions in a reasonable, easy-going way, giving us your feelings and the reasons for them. I think you did a very nice job, and I applaud you for your comments.
I grew up Episcopalian, taught Sunday school, was on altar guild, etc, but I am, I guess, a wishy-washy person when it comes to the question of my belief. I want to believe in a Heaven where I would be cognizant of my loved ones and there was a life there, but I find it hard to believe. I won't bore you further - you didn't write this to attract this kind of response.
So, again, good points and a nice explanation. thanks.
Katharine - pome lover
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2019
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Mr. Richards, I think you answered those questions in a reasonable, easy-going way, giving us your feelings and the reasons for them. I think you did a very nice job, and I applaud you for your comments.
I grew up Episcopalian, taught Sunday school, was on altar guild, etc, but I am, I guess, a wishy-washy person when it comes to the question of my belief. I want to believe in a Heaven where I would be cognizant of my loved ones and there was a life there, but I find it hard to believe. I won't bore you further - you didn't write this to attract this kind of response.
So, again, good points and a nice explanation. thanks.
Katharine - pome lover
Comment Written 01-Oct-2019
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2019
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Hi Katharine. No part of your answer bored me. I'm happy to receive all comments, providing they aren't nasty, and yours are far from that. I too would like to believe the sorts of things you mention, but we both seem to be aware that reality isn't dictated by our desires. I'm most grateful for the thoughtful comments and the wonderful rating. All the best, Craig
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Thank you.
quick question - are ya'll getting hot there yet? We still are, in Texas. Am ready for cool weather.
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Not getting really hot yet. It's a very pleasant 70 degrees here right at the moment. I think they are predicting a rise to low 80s by the end of the week. Our temperatures here are not typical of the rest of the country. We've had snow on 30th November (the day before the official start of summer). But we still get temps of up to 115 or so mid-summer. I love spring and autumn where we are. The other two seasons I'd happily pass up ;-)
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115 - whew! that is hot. Ours is very humid. good for the skin, but not for the hair. :)
I love spring and fall, too, but our springs don't last very long.
know you're busy.
bye
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Bye , thanks again :)
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
who think differently to ourselves helps to increase understanding. (who think differently than ourselves helps to increase understanding.)
In terms of hope for humanity and the future of life on our planet, I don't hold out a great deal. All the evidence points to the likelihood that humans will destroy themselves and most, if not all, other life. I believe this will happen sooner than many expect. (This is so very sad. I think that is where belief in God offers comfort to many)
Great answer to # 5. The benefits of religion whether or not there is a good offers much to those with like-minded individuals. I think the bond we writers share here on Fanstory does much of what attending a church can do.
and are better experienced that way, (I would change are to can be) I don't think belief in a higher power is wrong)
Well written commentary, my friend~Debbie
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reply by the author on 01-Oct-2019
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who think differently to ourselves helps to increase understanding. (who think differently than ourselves helps to increase understanding.)
In terms of hope for humanity and the future of life on our planet, I don't hold out a great deal. All the evidence points to the likelihood that humans will destroy themselves and most, if not all, other life. I believe this will happen sooner than many expect. (This is so very sad. I think that is where belief in God offers comfort to many)
Great answer to # 5. The benefits of religion whether or not there is a good offers much to those with like-minded individuals. I think the bond we writers share here on Fanstory does much of what attending a church can do.
and are better experienced that way, (I would change are to can be) I don't think belief in a higher power is wrong)
Well written commentary, my friend~Debbie
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 01-Oct-2019
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2019
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Hi, Debbie. Thanks for the great comments. I've reworded the first phrase you identified, removing the "ourselves" bit altogether, as I thought, on reflection, it's not really necessary. Also, I don't think belief in a higher power is "wrong" (as in bad), I just don't think there is such a thing, so in my view, it's "incorrect". I think, for that reason, "are" expresses my intent better. I really appreciate the thoughtful response. Cheers, Craig