Is this where I disrobe? (ritual, testimonies, reject, virtual)

[s2a]

Ahem...

Pleased to make everyone's (virtual) acquaintance. From first blush, this seems to be a well-established community, with many frequent contributors. Thank goodness. ;-)

Sparing everyone any lengthy introductions, I'll do my best to be brief, yet concise.

I am a died-in-the-wool atheist and skeptic.
I respect reason, and revile rhetoric.
I do not "reject" anyone's god(s), nor do I "favor" anyone's god(s). Simply put, in my nearly five decades of existence, I have determined that (as yet) there is no compelling evidence (or testimony) that suggests beyond any reasonable doubt that supernatural cause/effect relationships/explanations are valid, or meet same said burden(s) of proof.
I have no interest in disabusing adherents of any specified or generalized religion/spiritualism/mythology/individualism of their self-proclaimed affiliation/beliefs (ie., if you claim to be a Christian, Muslim, Wiccan, etc., I accept your self-defining/affiliating declaration)...
...ergo, I have no interest in personalized testimonies or revelation/redemption offered as compelling evidence/rebuttal of self-professed faith/beliefs. If you "believe" in: an omnipotent divine entity; "the force"; planetary/interstellar alignments; or karma...it is of no consequence or interest to me to bother indulging efforts in debunking dogma. I consider such claims of supernatural cause/effect as bunk, but I have no interest in keeping you from believing what you accept as a matter of personal faith.

My interest in (both) contribution and debate is (primarily) in discussion of "why" people believe "what" they believe (especially as such may apply to matters of social policy and civic law).
In matters of reasoned discussion/debate, any proponent/adherent of a premised position (or abject opinion) should be able to foundationally establish and support "why" they believe "what" they believe. If one's beliefs are rooted in religious doctrine/dogma/texts/ideology, then said adherent should be able to provide such as support of their position.
[PS. Arguments along the lines of: "God said it. I believe it. That settles it."; or, "Why quote Scripture to an unbeliever?"...don't cut the mustard. If your position is predicated upon dogma/religious text, then *use* that source as foundation and support.]

While participation within discussion forums (such as this one) is an indulgence of free time and effort as opportunity and commitment to more pressing priorities permit, I always try to offer courteous, thoughtful, and prompt reply (as time and tide afford) to all posts addressed to my specified attention. In kind, I hope/expect equal consideration from other participants.

Ignoring, evading, or deflecting someone's direct entreaty/commentary (in reply/rebuttal) is simply rude and discourteous, and behavior I will neither instigate, nor long endure.

En garde. ;-)

"Loyalty to petrified opinions never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul."
-Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

[PPS. Only for those that *really* want/*need* to know...
I am doing my level best (ineffectively) to deflect the looming benchmark of five decades of existence within this mortal realm.
I have been married for nearly 16 years to the one and only woman I have ever bothered to engage in such a protracted, yet uninterrupted display of love/affection.
I am not "searching" for a "reason", or "purpose" [of existence], or any existential "truths" (most especially...yours).
I am confident, self-assured, and unfailingly skeptical of all claims that seek to assign or impose (for my "benefit") any such assignations. Save your (virtual) breath, and spare me your personalized "insights" that you deem to be in my best interests. Chances are I'm older than you; more experienced than you; and even, wider than you. Stick to reason, logic, and established fact, and who knows? Maybe, just maybe, all will profit from the mutual exchange of ideas.]

[Zlot]

hello and welcome

[michel]

Hi S2A, Namaste.


Welcome to the forum;
I can think of one one or member here who might well be 'up your street'!

You might find this helpful: Articles for New Members ; from there, there is a link to forum rules, which you might also like to look at.

I guess there is no need to encouragee you to 'Talk', you seem to be quite good at that.

and I know you don't give your age, but you hint at it; I'm 'seasoned' as well !

Enjoy!

[Ori]

Revile rhetoric?
Uh oh, i'm in trouble.

[michel]

Oh, by the way, how much are you going to 'disrobe' ? - do I need my dark glasses?

[Fluffy]

Heya s2a,

What a remarkably eloquent first post! Welcome to RF and I hope you enjoy your time here.

Fluffy

[Watcher]

Namaste, welcome to the board!

Sounds like you are going to fit in just right here

[EnhancedSpirit]

Welcome, that was a very detailed intro. Thank you for all the upfront comments. You really know how to enter a room.

You can disrobe in the Hot Tub thread, if you like

[Ceridwen018]

Welcome aboard, s2a.

Let's see how you do.

[Sunstone]

Welcome to the Forums!