Welcome from AFA president

[David Nicholls]

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the AFA forum. The intention is that this will be a place of free expression on any topic. The Forum Administrators have a great deal of experience allowing for just and fair treatment in adjudication on contentious issues. They will in turn be subject to democratic rule between themselves. My position of president will be one of veto when a resolution is not achievable amongst the moderators. I promise not to abuse this and please write to me through the AFA web site with any complaints.

Protium has worked very hard at getting the Forum up and running and the AFA is indebted to him. He is also one of the on-hand moderators.

I wish everyone a great time with the Forum and know it will be a big hit.

Good luck to it and all who sail in it.

David

David Nicholls
President
Atheist Foundation of Australia Inc
Private Mail Bag 6
MAITLAND SA 5573

Ph: (08) 8835 2269
Email: info@atheistfoundation.org.au

[Jonathon Byrd]

Hello David and all,

It’s so great you have this new Forum up and running. It really is necessary to combat the rampant superstitious nonsense in every facet of society today. I’m not one who interacts frequently on any forum except on occasions when someone or something gets on my goat too much. I am, however, an avid observer as are many. The posters may think they are dealing with only the combatants but from my experience, that is not so. Unknown lurkers read your words and those of others and gain comfort or pain from their presence. As it should be.

I certainly hold out very strong hopes this venue will be ultra-successful and I wish you all well. Might even get to know some of you via the crossing of swords in the future. :) Hope so.

Keep up the good work.

Jonathon

[yahpete]

Hi David, thanks for inviting me to the forum. I look forward to sharing my experiences with others in the forum. I can talk about such claims made by religious people such as ...warehouses in heaven being full of body parts meant for humans yet to be born (new age christians). People who make figures out of pottery as a means of expression leading to a higher state of being(scientology), people who throw egg yolks on pictures of an old indian woman to release her good vibrations(sahaja yoga) and other things like that.

[David Nicholls]

yahpete,

My pleasure and I am glad you finally made it :) There is a great bunch of people 'hanging around' here and you will enjoy their enlightened company and they, yours.

David

[yahpete]

Thanks David, I hope that I didn't talk too much about my experiences with new age christianity and scientology. I may disappoint some atheists when I mention my experiences with vipassana meditation. It is what you might call weird stuff but I experienced it for myself and believe me, I am as great a skeptic as anyone. It is a pity that the vipassana movement is so beaucratic, robotic , unyielding, anti individual and like an ant nest in how it runs. I refer to the SN Goenka movement.

[66 vegie]

Hi David.

I have spoken to you on the phone a few times...I'm now happy to be on the forum.

Take care.:p

[David Nicholls]

Hello 66 vegie,

Glad to no 'meat' you here on the forum:) (I'm half guessing about the vegetarianism - could be wrong) I like vegetarians and even those who are not.

David

[66 vegie]

Hi David.

You guessed it....i'm a vegetarian....have been for 20yrs.

Bye.:D

[davo]

Hi David.

You guessed it....i'm a vegetarian....have been for 20yrs.

Bye.:D

:) I was vegan for 17, recently been dabbling tho with just veggo (I have been having milk in my coffee)

And funny thing is I fish, but Dad talked me into that .. I used to fish a lot as a kid, and anyway the christmas before last, he said to me :

"Davo, you know how you hate it that people buy meat off the shelf, plastic wrapped, and couldn't do the killing themselves?"

Yea ... I said ..

"Wanna go fishing for some dog food?"

Bastard.

So now I do go fishing, using lures not bait, practice catch and release with the native fish, and keep the non-natives for my dog.

[Jonathon Byrd]

mmmm I feel like a steak

Didn't even know you were a vampire! Oh...steak...not stake. My mi-stake:)

[Prendo]

Hello David et al,

I was impressed by your positive outlook regarding the atheist movement when we met at the AGM last week. I have, for some time, felt a certain level of despair thinking I was virtually alone in a world of irrational believers. Most of whom seem to rely on all kinds of hocus pocus to make sense of their worlds.

Obama's book: "Audacity of Hope" gives me some hope that democratic parliaments may yet purge themselves of elected members who prefer to talk to the sky rather than their constituents. I would be interested to hear from other forum members who have read Obama's book - particularly his chapter on "Faith". He treads carefully, but he is clearly no believer. He purports to be a Christian, however he uses the G word sparingly (for an American at least). Is he really an atheist dressed up as an agnostic?

I would like to know about activities of the AFA relating to topics such as: opposition to the death penalty - stem cell research - access to safe pregnancy terminations - contraception etc. Am I right to assume that most members of the AFA are likely agree, or hold similar view about these issues?

Thanks,
David

[David Nicholls]

Hello Prendo, (David)


A very warm welcome to you and I am pleased you have at last found likeminded individuals to keep the insanity bugs at bay. We are out here and elsewhere on the globe in considerable numbers. No doubt, my speech to the AGM, revolving around Barack Obama has led you to this wonderful Forum.

It is not totally obvious to the world yet, that Barack with his secular views of existence offers possibly the only hope for survival of civilisation with regard to the many fronts eating at the heals of humanity. I have not read the book you mentioned but as I stated in my talk, it would be no surprise to find he is a nominal Christian.

I can assure you, the issues mentioned and more are policies of the AFA. There may be some members with minor variant views on these matters but most are big enough in mental attitude to accommodate our stance.

As you are pleased to find us, we likewise are pleased to have made your acquaintance. I hope and I know our mutual association will benefit each other and the wider community.

Welcome on board for a ride of the life in the most interesting times the planet has ever witnessed.

David

[SchizoDeluxe]

Hello David et al,

Obama's book: "Audacity of Hope" gives me some hope that democratic parliaments may yet purge themselves of elected members who prefer to talk to the sky rather than their constituents. I would be interested to hear from other forum members who have read Obama's book - particularly his chapter on "Faith". He treads carefully, but he is clearly no believer. He purports to be a Christian, however he uses the G word sparingly (for an American at least). Is he really an atheist dressed up as an agnostic?


He was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ but mostly due to his work with the black community, not of faith. He has since left the church but still mentions faith and god in some of his speeches, and I think it's mostly to do with election votes and appeasing the public who do believe. Both sides of the argument will claim him to be either atheist or a believer but he has never really said what he is and I don't think he will, at least not while he is in office. Again, there is a public perception to uphold and unfortunately that's the reality of it. But I think we can at least take to heart in the fact that he won't be basing political decisions on religious crusades like bush did.

[jimdene]

I was furious at the knock back for advertising opposing views to religion on buses, re the "sleep in on Sunday" and wrote to several newspapers for a say in the matter, but none were published.
A suggestion, is it possible to carry our own slogan, and have printed on the front and back of T shirts with a message containing John Lennon's face and the words, "Imagine no religion" not very confrontational, but a start and one could possibly win over the younger members of society
Jim Williams

[Peanuts]

Hi there Mr. President! Thankyou for your warm welcome to us newbies.

I am now forever grateful to AFA for giving me another link in my 'favourites' where I can visit and get relief from the lovely people I know who insist on believing in fairies at the bottom of the garden.

Cheers to all and I look forward to learning more! Keep up the good word...I mean work!

Lizzy

[louise]

Hi Everyone! I'm Louise, 21, female from Tasmania. I'm really excited I found these message boards. For about the last year (since I read the God Delusion) I've really defined myself with atheism and have been desperate to meet other people who think the same way. Unfortunately Tasmania is a bit lacking in people who think for themselves (I'm probably looking in the wrong place) but yay for the internet!!

[Fearless]

Welcome :)

[Peanuts]

Hi and welcome Louise :)

Hope you enjoy your time here....but be warned!

You may find yourself getting so engrosed you lose all concept of time!

:D:D


Lizzy

[Mister Pervert]

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the AFA forum. The intention is that this will be a place of free expression on any topic. The Forum Administrators have a great deal of experience allowing for just and fair treatment in adjudication on contentious issues. They will in turn be subject to democratic rule between themselves. My position of president will be one of veto when a resolution is not achievable amongst the moderators. I promise not to abuse this and please write to me through the AFA web site with any complaints.

Protium has worked very hard at getting the Forum up and running and the AFA is indebted to him. He is also one of the on-hand moderators.

I wish everyone a great time with the Forum and know it will be a big hit.

Good luck to it and all who sail in it.

David

David Nicholls
President
Atheist Foundation of Australia Inc

Ahoy David! Can I be a moderator too?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Just kidding ;-)

[davo]

Ahoy David! Can I be a moderator too?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Just kidding ;-)

Why not join AFA?

Otherwise you are just one of the crickets chirping ;) :P

[Chris Mirana]

Declaring oneself an 'atheist' by joining the world atheist foundation, of which Australia is a part of, is considered an honour.

It is one's contribution to the liberation of mankind.

Atheism is the new force, which will liberate humanity from the tyrany and darkness of ignorance.

No more mental suffering. No more slavery to an invisible god or to claims of supernatural powers.

Our minds, having been freed from this tyranny, will function freely and therefore correctly.

It is US who make the world into what is. Not God.

Every atheist will be a light to himself/herself.

[NickW]

It's only in the past couple of years that I've come out of the closet and declared myself a true non-believer. Before that I just described myself as a skeptic. More recently I've listened on YouTube to Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Pat Condell, and others, and have been relieved to find some sort of community spirit out there. Mainly amongst people who are tired of watching the powerful lobby groups backed by organised religions that have a disproportionate, and hence undemocratic, influence over government policy. But also people tired of listening to religious leaders claiming a monopoly on morality (how ironic is that??), and generally working to marginalise atheists (best effort in the west was from George H.W.Bush, but there are many examples).

Anyway, thanks for creating this forum. Is it only online or can I attend atheist revival meetings? :)

[Snoberts]

Hello,

I was less than 5 years old when My mother had me ask Jesus into my life. It was a great comfort to me, but I was so frightened of hell I had her help me say the prayer on a number of subsequent occasions just to make sure. I thought it was perfectly normal for every aspect of my life to relate to God.My life was soaked with religion. As a child I got into the habit of asking forgiveness for sins every couple of minutes just in case the second coming happened and I had accrued some sins that were not yet forgiven. I figured Santa Claus wasn't real when I was about 8 years old and it was the same for God when I was probably 19, but I stll kept going to church on and off for another 10 years or so because of social pressure. I have not called myself a christian for about 5 years I guess. It can take a long time to recover from religion. I look at my childhood now and realise how hurtful it is to tell children that the world is coming to a cataclysmic end very soon. My mum was only trying to protect her child from what she thought was a threat to my safety. I love her for that and I understand that she was only doing what she thought was best for me. My hope is that the indoctrination of children with religion will begin to come to an end. If you wish to embrace a religion as an adult that is your right, but children do not have the capacity to make reasonable judgements as adults do, and religious doctrine contains many horrifying threats which children should not be exposed to.

My first doubt came when I was probably about 8 and I asked my mother how the bible actually came to be written. She told me how the prophets had written it, inspired by God. I thought at the time that God should probably have written such an important book himself. There were many stories from the bible that I thought just didn't sound right. One of Jesus' miracles confused me a bit. The one where he cures a blind man by making mud with some spit and putting it in his eyes, then sending him off to the river and washing it away. He seemed to be able to cure everyone else with a word, so why the need for mud? These were only minor confusions for me and I considered any doubt in my mind to be the work of the devil, or a result of that feared evil force, "the wisdom of men". When I began reading the bible myself I wanted to know what was in all those books in the bible that weren't in my children's bible. They were the ones that were never really read at church. I was horrified by what I learned. There were so many killings ordered by God. My God was a God of love and caring. A God who would search me out like a lost lamb if I were in trouble. Here he was ordering the complete destruction of men,women,children,babies, and even the animals of any tribe that happened to occupy the land that he had promised to his chosen people. I had three choices to make. I could ignore these verses as most christians seemed to do and insist that my God was a God of love. I could reject the bible completely as a work of ridiculous and barbaric fiction, or I could embrace these verses of the bible, justifying the swift vengeance of the Lord and accepting that the people killed were an evil force that were doing the work of the devil. I'm ashamed to say now that it was the latter option that I took. In my teenage years I drew a secret pleasure from my understanding that everyone that harmed me or insulted my god would pay for it by burning in hell forever when they died, or at the second coming, whichever came first.
I grew up some more and I began to think about what heaven would be like. I knew that only those who believed in Jesus as their Lord and saviour would go there. Hell was not just for bad people. It was for good people who just didn't share my beliefs. I didn't think that was fair. I knew that if I were to go to heaven I would still know that just about all my friends from school, most of the people I knew, from my father to the school crossing lady will be burning in agony forever in hell. I couldn't enjoy heaven if that were the case.
I met more people. I read more books. I thought a lot. I grew up. Religion began to smell a bit. The christians making arguments against science or any philosophy which contradicted the bible didn't seem to understand what they were arguing against. I did well in science and even though I was still a christian I knew that christian arguments against science were seriously flawed. I still called myself a christian for many years even though for all intents and purposes I wasn't. I could not bring myself to admit that there was no god because that would mean that I was an atheist, and therefore evil. I can probably thank Richard Dawkins for helping me out of that

I have been on a forum called Iwonder for about a year (it was wondir but changed, my name is Mortal) arguing with believers and supporting those with questions about their faith. I was really pleased to help a woman recover from her faith. I did find the whole experience so absorbing that it took up too much of my time. I'm looking to chill a bit and spend some time speaking with reasonable people.
Thanks for reading this
Snoberts

[daynasdad]

Gooday David,
Looking forward to a bit of (dare I say) enlightenment!! I am just overwhelmed with the world around me and the time, expense and suffering the futile act of God Worship expends.
It is not my duty to change peoples minds or even point out to them their lack of humanity and their wasted time, but it is certainly my duty to ensure I take no part in it. I thank you for this site and the release and piece of mind, I believe, it will offer me.
I must learn not to be so hurt and bewildered by the rantings and righteousness of the many (mostly.....I'm positive.....pretending). Perhaps that is the one piece of baggage I carry. Oh yea and the fact I depend on 'spell check' to keep my writing ledgable......
Cheers

[David Nicholls]

Hi daynasdad,

And welcome to the Forum. I hope you spend a happy, entertaining and ‘enlightening’ time reading and contributing to the numerous topics available. The site is a result of the efforts of many people and I am but its caretaker momentarily.

It’s easy to become disillusioned by the madness of humanity and feel hopeless in its wake but we are all a part of its rich tapestry with different genes and circumstance our lot. I always figure how fortunate I am to now be an Atheist when the chances for that are quite low.

If we can get by without too much judging of those who are trapped by the ubiquity of religion and attempt to limit the indoctrination of children as well as keeping dogma based decisions out of politics, then that is about as noble as one needs be.

Enjoy your stay amongst the likeminded.

Kindest regards,

David

[Chris Mirana]

The ancient atheist sages transmitted one thing - balance.

Not being biased, not being prejudiced - this is the substance of balance.

Not going too far, not falling short - this is the function of balance.

If we apply ourselves intelligently to balance, then like a river which finds its own flow, we will certainly go home - safe and sound.

[Praxis]

The ancient atheist sages transmitted one thing - balance.
Who're you calling ancient? ;)

[Jon]

Afternoon all,
You can thank the recent denial of service incident that made the pages of our newspapers for giving me a heads up as to the existence of this forum and my becoming a member.
I'm an atheist and have been most of my life, come from a Methodist family but neither my family or the church could convince me there was a higher being, I'm not a drum beater but am happy to engage in debate/conversation re religion and it's implications over a glass of red with friends.
I don't feel a need denigrate the beliefs of others (what they choose to believe or not is their business) however I do object strongly to people knocking on my front door and trying to shove their brand of religion down my throat, they will be told in no uncertain terms what they can do with their message/good news or whatever else they want to call it.
I do eat and enjoy meat, I like good red wine and like to play golf.
So there you go, that's a brief run down on what I'm about.
Of now to roast some coffee beans, another of my loves (espresso coffee)

Cheers,

Jon.:)

[boxsey]

welcome to all the newbies!

[fassbinder]

Hi David

I would not congratulate you on setting up such a welcoming website, regardless of one's philosophical, religious or ideological position (within reason :)
Despite my persuasion I have only had the warmest and most respectful engagement with others. (Like Philip Adams who welcomes people of faith whom he admires even though agrees to disagree). :cool:

May that environment long continue.

Nikolai

[fassbinder]

Of course I meant NOT to put in 'not'! :o

[Praxis]

Of course I meant NOT to put in 'not'! :o
Paging Dr Freud? ;)

[AtheistVetStreetFighter]

Thank you to all in the Southern Hemisphere and felicitations to all world Atheists.
I've read of many people who think Atheism is mere disbelief in alleged deities. If this were so, then how could any of us have a complaint with theocracy?
I frankly do not object to the religious knocking on my door.
I intend to do the same, whether campaigning for office, circulation petitions for reforms or raising money for curing some insidious disease or injury affecting a neighbor.
I stand for freedom of the mind and the scientific method, some of which includes trial and error.
We Atheists are with facts and successful trials.
Our neighbors of faiths are with error.
They have a right to be wrong if they do not harm anyone.
Let them pay taxes equally with all other businesses and let us not pay a single penny for the support of delusional faiths.
I live my life according to such a vision and message.
Life is a street fight with theocracy here in the United States of America. We have a 'dejure' secular republic with no single word: "god" written into our Constitution. However we have defacto religious bigots allowing perpetrators of theocracy to run amok. Religious nuts are alllowed to violate many laws no other individual or group would be allowed such criminality.
Accordingly, women are screamed at, intimidated and shown obscene photographs at abortion clinics outside from the streets and sewer ditches.
Vatican loyalists and bible thumpers could not do this at city hall or at school boards. There is such a thing as disorderly conduct and racially motivated hate speech. The KKK is not allowed to burn a cross on public property or threaten African Americans on account of race.
But women are suffering open season as the new face of a KKK are tampon terrorists in nurses uniforms holding photos comparing dead Jews to scrambled fetal parts, both labeled: "Hitlers Holocaust" and "America's Holocaust." And these same fanatics hold signs and scream aloud: "Abortion Is Black Genocide" when African Americans get out of their cars and walk through the parking lot into the building.
I hear these insane lies every Saturday in my neighborhood streets.
We can defeat these zealots for zygotes.
It won't be done by pretending we must not "offend" believers.
Larry Carter Center
20 Wespanee DR
Charleston, SC 29407-6066

[NME]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading through the forums with great interest and decided that after a long break from newsgroups and forums, the time was right to get my feet wet again.

Looking forward to stimulating discussion and debate :)

NME

[philphil1]

hello there my name is Phil,
like a bunch of other people here im just writing to thank you and the AFA for giving me a chance to connect with many other atheists and free-thinkers.
i often feel great frustration with the world and the powerful force that is ignorence, this forum should be a great avenue for me to connect with like minded people.
i concur with the message of the AFA and i am sure i will enjoy being a member (i actually sent off the members fee today in the mail). looking forward to some great conversations and interesting dicussions with other forum members.

[robertkd]

welcome aboard philphil1

I dare say like all of those here we what to subvert ignorance and belief of the supernatural.
:D

[atheist_angel]

welcome aboard philphil1

I dare say like all of those here we want to subvert ignorance and belief of the supernatural.
:D
Can we make that a mandatory and compulsory National and International Law?

Welcome DoublePhil+1 :)

[Milawe]

Hello All,

Pharyngula pointed me to the AFA and being a Melbournite I was stoked to learn that the Rise of Atheism would be held here.

I’m hoping to hear some decent arguments from within the left about the ‘atheist movement’ at the conference (and perhaps on these boards). While I’m a bit of a socialist myself, I think it’s a mistake that many Marxists have criticized atheists as being cheerleaders for the ‘War on Terror’ but then ignore or dismiss people like PZ who are confronting issues such as creationism in school and the rise of antivaxxers in the US.

On the other hand, I disagree with arguments that oppose religion without taking social, historical and political contexts into consideration.

Anyways, thanks to the AFA for all their efforts and I look forward to meeting some of you in March.

[Praxis]

Hello All,

Pharyngula pointed me to the AFA and being a Melbournite I was stoked to learn that the Rise of Atheism would be held here.

I’m hoping to hear some decent arguments from within the left about the ‘atheist movement’ at the conference (and perhaps on these boards). While I’m a bit of a socialist myself, I think it’s a mistake that many Marxists have criticized atheists as being cheerleaders for the ‘War on Terror’ but then ignore or dismiss people like PZ who are confronting issues such as creationism in school and the rise of antivaxxers in the US.

On the other hand, I disagree with arguments that oppose religion without taking social, historical and political contexts into consideration.

Anyways, thanks to the AFA for all their efforts and I look forward to meeting some of you in March.
Welcome Milawe - another Melbournite is always welcome :D

If you like, you can make an individual intro post in this forum, that way more people are likely to see you and stop by and say hi and welcome.

Looks like there's going to be a lot of new people to meet in March. Bring it on!

Cheers.

[philphil1]

wish i could go. usually love it but right no i hate living in Tas right. +being a student therefore having no money :( :(

[jayftr]

Hello Everybody,
Glad to know that there are like minded people out there :), would like to meet people/groups in and around the sunshine coast area. Lookling forward to meet other members.

Regards
Jay

[BornAgainAtheist]

Hello Everyone,

I have been a longtime reader of the forums on this site and have appreciation for the wise and and often witty words of the many like minded subscribers. I am looking forward to contributing to some of the interesting threads I have been reading and meeting up with members at the GAC in March.
Thanks for the welcome!

Cheers
Robyn

[Praxis]

Hello Everyone,

I have been a longtime reader of the forums on this site and have appreciation for the wise and and often witty words of the many like minded subscribers. I am looking forward to contributing to some of the interesting threads I have been reading and meeting up with members at the GAC in March.
Thanks for the welcome!

Cheers
Robyn
Om my! I thought you were someone else altogether!! I know a BAA who uses that name on several forums (Dawkins, Rationalia) and just assumed he had joined us. Lucky I read this before I sent a "hey you, it's ME!" PM, which would have had you wondering what the FSM was going on! :)

Anyway, welcome Robyn. There'll certainly be a lot of people to meet'n'greet come March. I'm getting very excited indeed :D

Cheers.

[billraro]

Hello to All
I am pleased to be able to join the AFA forum community.
I am another "foreign" member as I live in the Cook Islands. I am going to attend the GAC in Melbourne next month and look forward to meeting many of the avatars here in person.
I don't tend to post much myself, but do enjoy following certain threads and "lurking" around a bit.
I have been an atheist for more years than I care to remember but have only in the last few years become a bit more interested in actively promoting the non, or anti -religious "gospel" - for lack of a better term at the moment.
Unlike Australia, Europe and other more secular countries, the Cook Islands is highly religious (like 90% attend church) and an out of the closet Atheist is highly unusual so I find myself often engaged in "discussions" which can become quite heated :eek: and in which I am usually outnumbered, - if not out argued. It keeps things interesting at least!!
Best Regards
Bill

[Bruce Calvert]

I wonder if David Nicholls ever posts here.
I am hoping it will be possible to talk with him at the convention. I have followed the writings of Mr Nicholls on OnLine Opinion and various other forums and have been impressed with his open and honest approach.

Good work.

Bruce

[Praxis]

Yes Bruce, David occasionally posts here. You can send him a PM if you like, as well.

You'll need to get in line to meet and say hi to him at the Convention though. I suspect there's a rather long line of people who want to introduce themselves and say thanks.

:)

[David Nicholls]

Hello Bruce and welcome,

Flattery will get you everywhere, as they say. Thanks. Running the largest Atheist organisation in Australia, especially now with the Global Atheist Convention preparations in full swing, doesn’t leave much time to write on the AFA Forum.

Allow me add here; don’t let that put you off writing as this is one of the better Atheist forums on the planet and is growing in popularity by the day. Considering that Australia has a minimal number of people, it is doing an exceptional job. We are very fortunate in having an excellent team of dedicated, clever and knowledgeable persons overseeing many wonderful and insightful posters. The range and depth of topics never ceases to amaze me

I expect to meet many Forumites, other Atheists and I guess a few religionists :) at The Rise of Atheism Convention in Melbourne in only a few weeks from now. Please make yourself known to me at that time. I look forward to the occasion.

David

[davo]

Mr Nicholls is a big huggy bear :)

Seriously tho, I too admire the bloke, he has been very patient with me in the past when I have chatted with him about some pretty wild topics :)

[Robster]

How good is it to have this here, err as in, in Australia. How good is it that Oz is hosting what is being touted as the biggest ever Atheist conference ever, next month! I'm proud. It's good too that the religious right seem to come up against a brick wall in Australia. This 'wall' is hopefully a rational one, but is probably a result of disinterest or motivation. Hey, doesn't matter, as long as it keeps those nasty people under control. I can't figure how they can look at people in the eye when selling their nonsense, knowing full well it is nonsense and expecting the person/s listening to actually believe it. Let's make a noise!

[atheist_angel]

Welcome Robster. :)

[Bruce Calvert]

Hello Bruce and welcome,

Flattery will get you everywhere, as they say. Thanks. Running the largest Atheist organisation in Australia, especially now with the Global Atheist Convention preparations in full swing, doesn’t leave much time to write on the AFA Forum.

Allow me add here; don’t let that put you off writing as this is one of the better Atheist forums on the planet and is growing in popularity by the day. Considering that Australia has a minimal number of people, it is doing an exceptional job. We are very fortunate in having an excellent team of dedicated, clever and knowledgeable persons overseeing many wonderful and insightful posters. The range and depth of topics never ceases to amaze me

I expect to meet many Forumites, other Atheists and I guess a few religionists :) at The Rise of Atheism Convention in Melbourne in only a few weeks from now. Please make yourself known to me at that time. I look forward to the occasion.

David

My apologies, I've been away plus I'm not a huge forum type person. Thank you so much for responding David. I really appreciate it and hope there is a chance for a catch up at the conference.
I've seen a bit of dissent recently in the atheist groups (I'm still catching up), what with the Dawkins forum and various other atheists taking you to task for your basic observations in recent newspaper articles (I hope I don't sound like a groupie but you are a voice of reason for me).

I look forward to meeting you and hope there is an opportunity to become more involved in the AFA post conference.

Bruce

[David Nicholls]

Hi Bruce,

There is no need to apologise or even respond but thanks anyway. The internet, socially speaking is a new kid on the block and of course, there will be upsets such as the hiccup on the Richard Dawkins site. We would be silly to expect this recent massive addition to communications to run like clockwork without uncomfortable bumps. It will all average out eventually.

As for people taking me to task, well that is mainly by a small intertwined group of folk who wish for Atheism to be bigger and better than it is or can be. I have explained to them the error in their thinking and there has been a moderation in their stand of late but the damage done, not so much to the AFA or me, but to Atheism, even though it is permanent it is not serious. :)

I look forward to meeting you at the Global Atheist Convention and for your further input into the AFA.

David

[Robster]

Hi Bill. What is it with the Pacific islands that has made them so pious? I'd blame the missionaries, they really do have a lot to answer for. I've read that a number of island states count themselves as so devoted to the point that movies with themes that do not agree wth the notion of xian devotion, end up being banned. I've read the favourite target is gay themed movies. Samoa is famed for this. They of course suffered a terrible natural disaster a few months ago. That suggest to me that 'devotion' simply doesn't work.

[billraro]

Hi Bill. What is it with the Pacific islands that has made them so pious? I'd blame the missionaries, they really do have a lot to answer for. I've read that a number of island states count themselves as so devoted to the point that movies with themes that do not agree wth the notion of xian devotion, end up being banned. I've read the favourite target is gay themed movies. Samoa is famed for this. They of course suffered a terrible natural disaster a few months ago. That suggest to me that 'devotion' simply doesn't work.
Hi Robster
Yes -you are right, the missionaries really have "done a number" on the people in the Pacific Islands.The islands have ludicrous numbers of churches with all the major christian cults being heavily represented. In most of the Pacific there are prayers said before and after every meeting or gathering of both public or private groups.
Sports teams often try to "out-pray" their opponents before matches???!!
They don't seem to make the connection that the winning teams usually find that "Practice" usually triumphs over "Prayer"!!
That said; the level of hypocrisy in the church attendees is high and in many areas the Sunday devotions have more of a social get together feeling than a total "praise the lord and pass the money" vibe that is prevalent in most of the other xtian gatherings.
A lot of the overly rabid religious beliefs are fostered by many of the islands not having a very advanced education system available and so the religious dogma is not ever questioned until a child might visit Australia or NZ - I've known young islanders to return literally in a state of shock at having met people who actually thought that there WAS NO GOD!!
Until recently the religious leaders all over the Pacific used to use the threat of hurricanes to cow the people (or sheeple) in their flocks. It is quite interesting to see the effect that scientific weather forecasting is having as the assorted cult leaders can no longer pretend that "BIG G" up in the sky is the only one that can say when and where a hurricane will strike!
Sorry but gotta run now - later Bill

[Darwinsbulldog]

Darwinsbulldog A.K.A. Rob Hunter is now a card-carrying AFA member! [Well, maybe after the committee meets on 24th March, according to my enrollment pack].

I tremble with fear at what horrid and painful initiation rites await me at the Conf! [Eeeek!] :)

[Praxis]

Darwinsbulldog A.K.A. Rob Hunter is now a card-carrying AFA member! [Well, maybe after the committee meets on 24th March, according to my enrollment pack].

I tremble with fear at what horrid and painful initiation rites await me at the Conf! [Eeeek!] :)
Oh just you wait, my little penguin friend :D

[Darwinsbulldog]

Penguin wings flapping in terror now........:D

[Lee]

Darwinsbulldog A.K.A. Rob Hunter is now a card-carrying AFA member! [Well, maybe after the committee meets on 24th March, according to my enrollment pack].

I tremble with fear at what horrid and painful initiation rites await me at the Conf! [Eeeek!] :)

Damn and blast it...we owe you a certificate.
Sending in the next few days.

Lee and Janine

[Darwinsbulldog]

and don't bend it this time :)

It's laminated! I nominated the posh version ! idiot, I mean DB-proof! :-)

Welcome all newbies! Too lazy to type more, just had 8 hours of classes with undergrads......:confused: Why do I teach???? :rolleyes:

[Sanity personified]

Congratulations Dog.

I hope to follow in your footsteps, though I am taking the first tenative steps of what I hope to be a wodrous journey of enlightenment.

Enjoy your membership and keep us informed of the initiation pranks... err, I mean rituals. :D

[Lee]

and don't bend it this time :)

Come on now Prote...let it go, I sent a replacement. :)

[Agate]

Hi
I started disbelieving in God as a teenager. The more I read the less I believed. I once was a church every Sunday (in white gloves no less) child. I remember that I used to pray everynight that the starving in Africa would not be so. Guess when that kept getting worse I stopped believing.:confused:

Then I found out more about my favourite authors/ people I looked up to, Douglas Adams, Richard Attenbrough and their reasons for being athiests. That made sense to me. I studied other religious thoughts (pagans, wiccans etc) and once scored a remarkable trouncing by a bunch of pagans for daring to suggest that it was simply people trying to expain the natural world around them. They did not like it at all. :rolleyes:

Reading about the catholic cult really had me concerned about what kind of god would allow these people to damage so many. (my father is an excommunicated catholic for marrying my anglican mother) The hypocracy of churches and a good dose of feminism (thanks mum) helped to drive me even further away.

Studying science at school helped even more.

So now I tell people I know there is no god. I have many friends who still believe but as I am also a vegetarian they don't know which aspect to mock.

My mum was pretty stoic about my athiesism I don't think my father understands at all.
But then he did accept me being a vegetarian so there is hope for him yet.

Agate :D

[atheist_angel]

Welcome Agate.

Now there's the makings of a coming out story!

[Mystie]

I'm a 'veggie' too so I loved the part about people not knowing which aspect to mock. I think there's a link between the slaughter of animals and the bible anyway. Or have I opened a can of worms here? Oops :D

[jwhitto]

I just received my AFA membership certificate, I was surprised, it was A4 size. Could I recommend a small membership card to place in your wallet..........you could whip it out whenever you sneeze and someone says "God bless you"

[davo]

I just received my AFA membership certificate, I was surprised, it was A4 size. Could I recommend a small membership card to place in your wallet..........you could whip it out whenever you sneeze and someone says "God bless you"

That's a great idea jwhitto, you may want to email info@ with the concept and take credit :)

[Imagination Theory]

Thank you David Nicholls for this forum! ~Very happy face~


Cheers!
(http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/member.php?u=6)

[David Nicholls]

Hello Imagination Theory,

Thanks for the thanks but credit for the AFA Forum must largely go to Protium who set it up, the moderators who make sure it runs well, the Forumites such as Imagination Theory who use it and the AFA as an organisation, which supports it.

I see you admire Anna Andreevna Gorenko, who reported poetically on, lived through and outlived one of the worst tyrannies on the planet. Not a bad choice of someone to hold in high esteem. :cool:


David

[AWarGuy]

Well I never said hello to you David, so hello :)
1 year one and I'm still loving the forum.

[Praxis]

Well I never said hello to you David, so hello :)
1 year one and I'm still loving the forum.
That's what we like to see! :D

[aussietyke]

Thank you for your welcome, I am very pleased to join you all.

[Fearless]

Thank you for your welcome, I am very pleased to join you all.

Pleased to have you :)... please feel free to create a new thread New members section (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2) and tell us a little (or a lot) about yourself if you would like to.

Hope you enjoy your stay :)

[northodox]

Thanks, David.
I look forward to reading and contributing on matters where the theme is common sense and reason.

Regards,
...Patrick.

[Praxis]

Thanks, David.
I look forward to reading and contributing on matters where the theme is common sense and reason.

Regards,
...Patrick.
Hi Patrick, you might like to pop over to the New Members section and put up a post telling us a bit about yourself so people can stop by and say hi and welcome you to the forum :)

[trilobitologist]

Thanks for the welcome.

I am indeed a person and will attempt to stop myself foaming at the mouth when something preposterous is posted.

As worldslaziestbusker will tell you, we have had mutual dealing with gullible fruitcakes at our place of employ who believe that: sticking a quartz crystal in one's sphincter will cure piles; crop circles are messages from aliens; fairies exist; there are indigo cats as well as children; stars wink at him; triangular arrangement of buildings can affect the wisdom of its inhabitants etc., etc.

As is clear from the above, this person has no understanding of the scientific method. Indeed, he seems to think that if he can conceive of anything then it must be true. Coupled with this, his diatribes on the organisation's soapbox bulletin-board are so poorly written and with such bad spelling, that he makes anyone with a modicum of understanding of the nuances of English feel like a bleeding genius

[DrPhil]

Thanks for the welcome. I was born and mostly educated in Sydney,used to be a Sunday School teacher (Methodist/Uniting) but lost the faith in my early Uni days (71-76). I'm now a senior medical professional who tries to practise evidence based medicine, and I'd like the world to practise evidence based living....
I recently arrived to live/work in Melbourne (after stints in country NSW and Hobart) and am now "in the thick of it" just north of the markets.
For the rest of the life story, I may well write the book one day.....we all have a book in us......just need to take time to write it.
Regards to all (if I had a hero it would be RD)

[amazon196969]

Thanks for the welcome AFA...
looking forward to being a part of this forum, nothing better than communication with people who are in the real world n not fairy land...

[AFA Admin]

Hi, amazon196969.

This is a message sent to all who find their way to these forums.

We like people, and we like facts too!

We're friendly but we're skeptical, and if somebody calls for proof, it's not an accusation. Only the strong ideas thrive here: we try to respect people. (We do not tolerate personal abuse.)

If you're an AFA member and need your membership status recognised in forum access, please send a Private Message to Admin (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=13), including the name on your AFA membership.

You may already have visited these other handy places:
* New Member Information (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=12)
* Welcome from AFA president (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=18)
* For those interested in learning, I recommend the Atheism Resource Thread (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=7608) maintained by Fearless.
* And a quick look at our reserved spot for belief-based discussion, Fantasy Island (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16), includes The Great Big List (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=4784), a sort-of "things we've seen before" for those of faith, and general rules of argument for the forum.

If you've got questions, please ask. Moderators have red name tags, but many of our friendly people may have the answers you need.

Enjoy the forums. We hope to see plenty from you in discussions.

Have fun.

[Brutus]

Hello everyone
Looking forward to intelligent chats on a important subject which affects us all.
Hope my input can be of some relevance & my intellect not embarrassing.
Cheers

[AFA Admin]

Hi Brutus

This is a message sent to all who find their way to these forums.

We like people, and we like facts too!

We're friendly but we're skeptical, and if somebody calls for proof, it's not an accusation. Only the strong ideas thrive here: we try to respect people. (We do not tolerate personal abuse.)

You may already have visited these other handy places:
* New Member Information (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=12)
* Welcome from AFA president (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=18)
* For those interested in learning, I recommend the Atheism Resource Thread (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=7608) maintained by Fearless.
* And a quick look at our reserved spot for belief-based discussion, Fantasy Island (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16), includes The Great Big List (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=4784), a sort-of "things we've seen before" for those of faith, and general rules of argument for the forum.

If you've got questions, please ask. Moderators have red name tags, but many of our friendly people may have the answers you need.

Enjoy the forums. We hope to see plenty from you in discussions.

Have fun.

[Logic please]

Hello everyone
...
Cheers
Hi and welcome to the forum Brutus, looking forward to your take on things. :)

Please feel free to post an intro thread for yourself in the Welcome New Members forum (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2) proper, to give everyone the opportunity to come over and say "howdy". :thumbsup::D