tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post9167471607402905020..comments2023-10-23T14:30:58.157-07:00Comments on www.thedan.us: A Conversation about GodDanThomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14653002394217075254noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post-81948380774502753502009-12-31T07:20:42.285-08:002009-12-31T07:20:42.285-08:00Yes, toxic religion can throw one down a path one ...Yes, toxic religion can throw one down a path one never imagined.<br />Nuff said.<br /><br />We were just sitting here this morning talking about how you, Phil, and your dad used to sit and talk and debate. I used to be in awe of the relationship you all had. It seems all the debate practice has served you well.<br /><br />As a side note, on the same day that I was in awe of you and Phil and your dad having such a deep relationship, your dad told Jon that he used to go to bed wondering if you and Phil would kill each other in the night. It has always done my heart good!melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15338117397077909574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post-34909453111358597502009-12-29T09:28:57.847-08:002009-12-29T09:28:57.847-08:00I used to be an atheist. I like to think I wasn...I used to be an atheist. I like to think I wasn't judgemental and condescending like your friend, but I'm sure I was. I agree with you, toxic religion probably drove him away. For me, that certainly was the case. Now I like to say that my greatest sin is judging judgemental people. <br /><br />I congratulate you for this conversation. While you probably didn't convert him, I'll bet he'll think twice about making the curtain man comment again. And then perhaps God will lead someone to talk to him in a way that he can hear. I'm a firm believer in small steps!Not Too Oldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04538155349999330906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post-53832662757975142432009-12-28T12:21:53.910-08:002009-12-28T12:21:53.910-08:00@ Kelly and Fran I don't think that he's a...@ Kelly and Fran I don't think that he's always felt this way. I would imagine that toxic religion started him down this path.<br /><br />@ Fran It's true that a lot of atheist do for some reason develop a superiority complex. My friend has always been rather outspoken so with him I'm not sure if this is a change or not. Fact of the matter is we went to high school together so he knows that I'm smart. I have another friend who is an atheist and he told me, "I used to believe in Santa Clause." I thought that was a good line too.DanThomshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14653002394217075254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post-26233227127413186772009-12-28T08:00:53.243-08:002009-12-28T08:00:53.243-08:00Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing Kelly is. N...Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing Kelly is. Not to dis your friend, but he has a bit of that "intellectual superiority" that is common in atheists. I fear that will be a very difficult thing to for him overcome. It's interesting that when you two reconnected, he immediately made the condensending remark, "wow i would've thought a smart guy like you would've seen the man behind the curtain by now..." My sister-in-law is an atheist and she considers herself an intellectual. She makes comments, like your friend made, all the time, I think, to get people upset and defensive about their faith. I just remember that "love wins" and don't let her bother me. I pray for her also because I think she's hurting on the inside. You did a great job discussing your faith with your friend. Maybe you will be influence on him over time. Great post -- thanks for sharing it.<br /><br />Sorry about the deleted comment above. That was me. If they let you delete your own comment, they should let you edit your own comment!Francyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16786507556145403912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post-29691648362049480932009-12-28T07:54:11.804-08:002009-12-28T07:54:11.804-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Francyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16786507556145403912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-893530172326201103.post-40291296685867932112009-12-28T04:11:20.215-08:002009-12-28T04:11:20.215-08:00Very interesting. I wonder if your friend always ...Very interesting. I wonder if your friend always felt this way, or if religion brought him to this.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03224833358119608135noreply@blogger.com