tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post1305328297262638627..comments2023-12-25T12:43:09.743-05:00Comments on Respectful Atheist: The Ellen EffectRespectful Atheisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03303760970096374936noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-39005215052569263872018-12-28T20:39:01.296-05:002018-12-28T20:39:01.296-05:00Jesus is the way the truth and Life. No one goes t...Jesus is the way the truth and Life. No one goes to the Father unless through the faith that Jesus Christ is Gods gift to the world. God loves His children, even the disrespectful ones like this blogger. I pray in the name of Jesus that you will live to tell your testimony, God is absolute love, it is not by works that we are saved but by the sacrifice on the cross by the Blood of Jesus if you have no faith in Jesus why you still believe. I pray an abundant of blessings in your life. That the Holy Spirit whisper Gods grand love and forgiveness to everyone through Jesus. AmenAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10578081342054557804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-61254189552741578992015-10-29T23:00:07.624-04:002015-10-29T23:00:07.624-04:00rekt,rekt,Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01629363537201457167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-14582450854501428842014-05-22T17:34:00.687-04:002014-05-22T17:34:00.687-04:00I get where you're coming from, and I used to ...I get where you're coming from, and I used to agree with you, but I also can't help but notice that you didn't even attempt to address the main thrust of my post (so there's really nothing for me to respond to). Are you sure it's me who has the closed mind? Please think about it. Respectful Atheisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03303760970096374936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-47914780570027877492014-05-22T17:04:50.807-04:002014-05-22T17:04:50.807-04:00Here is a comment from a God-loving Christian. I&#...Here is a comment from a God-loving Christian. I'm not delusional and I don't push away thoughts about why non-Christians are nice, kind, and caring.<br />I'm perfectly aware and support the fact that atheists or non-believers can be helpful and have morals. <br />There was a time when I was atheist myself, and let me share this, knowing God and His love isn't about making yourself a better/generous person. It's about knowing God and His son Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. It's about trusting in God and loving others because you can't help but love when you've been given so much love from God. Good deeds are great but they aren't equivalent to the love of the Lord.<br /><br />I get that you think I don't understand, but I do understand your point. I only pray that you will seek out God despite your inquisition that you are smarter than the Christians you've met.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-6338456893601683052012-02-06T14:07:45.390-05:002012-02-06T14:07:45.390-05:00R.A.,
Sure, that is a fair comment in response. ...R.A.,<br /><br />Sure, that is a fair comment in response. I'm just a bit sensitive to making the same sort of errors that christians make when trying to equate their particular beliefs with good/kind behaviour. <br /> <br />I do agree that we ought to point it out especially when we are being hit over the head with the argument that "the world is soooo evil, these people over here are doing such nice, wonderful selfless things and hey wouldn't you know it they're believers - therefore biblegod is true"<br /><br /><br />As far as my "blog" goes, it is just sitting there and I have not done a dang thing with it...but your comment has made me think its time to start reflecting and posting and not just lurking! <br /><br />Thanks for the encouragement! Have a great day!<br /><br />JasonAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07381078941305644235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-37785742025137047582012-02-05T16:26:36.783-05:002012-02-05T16:26:36.783-05:00These are some good thoughts Jason.
I agree tot...These are some good thoughts Jason. <br /><br />I agree totally with your point that we should do good, for good's sake, and that it's really just a "bonus" if it challenges people to re-examine their beliefs. I probably should have made that distinction more clear in the post. <br /><br />In terms of pointing out "The Ellen Effect" though...I do think there are ways to do this, in the context of conversation & relationship, that don't come off at all as bragging or pumping up our "in group". I know that when I was going through my own de-conversion it really helped when unbelievers would say, in effect, "hey, have you noticed this thing over here...how does that fit in with your belief system?". Often, these were dynamics that I hadn't noticed before, so in that sense I needed them to be pointed out (but in a sensitive way). So that's really all I'm suggesting. <br /><br />I notice that you've just started your own blog, as well, I look forward to checking it out. Hope you'll stick around here too.Respectful Atheisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03303760970096374936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1812241728597205774.post-76882863866516734492012-02-05T12:20:23.418-05:002012-02-05T12:20:23.418-05:00Great piece!
I especially like the definition:
...Great piece!<br /><br />I especially like the definition: <br /><br />"cognitive dissonance, created in religious believers, by non-believers who are well known for their good deeds and/or strong character"<br /><br />However (even as a former christian), I am not sure I feel comfortable with the idea that we should be challenged to do good to others as a motivation to make christians question their belief system. <br /><br />I think that would defeat the purpose of the kind/altruistic act itself. If a side effect of a good deed is that it challenges people to re-examine their presuppositions then that is a bonus. <br /><br />I also think atheists pointing out the "ellen effect" is just as bad as christians who make a big show of their own "do gooders" as proof that their particular version of god is the right one. <br /><br />I think people of strong character or those that choose do do good (when doing something less than helpful would be easier) have a much more contagious impact on others when nothing is said of it.....instead they just let the action flow from them without any expectation of reward or acknowledgement.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07381078941305644235noreply@blogger.com