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Every time my church starts talking about witchcraft and demon possessions (i.imgur.com)
submitted 2 months ago by callmenighthawk
[–]G4M3F4C3 80 points81 points82 points 2 months ago
That image also conveys my reaction to finding out people still go to church.
[–]YoureMyBoyBloo 16 points17 points18 points 2 months ago
Yeah, why does the atheist OP have a church?
Wait, did we get tax exempt status?!
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 34 points35 points36 points 2 months ago*
I've attended a non-denominational church with my long-term girlfriend, as it is a very big part of her and her family's (+extended family and all family friends) lives. I also like learning more about it and getting a well-rounded perspective and multiple opinions on things within their church, rather than just a view from an atheist's perspective. If that makes sense to you.
[–]Untiedshoes 4 points5 points6 points 2 months ago
I'll just leave this here for you. Relevant.
Here's a bit of insight into some of the crazy shit these 'non-demoninational' AKA Penecostal-but-not-really churches pull. A lot of what I said is from a mixed perspective--a more agnostic view if you will. I should really post a diary entry I wrote the day after, which will help give a better perspective of what a Christian thinks of all this.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 6 points7 points8 points 2 months ago
Whoa there. Non-denominational is just that. Grouping all non-denominationals as the same is like grouping all atheists as the same. Not all non-denominational churches are like that.
[–]DefinitelyRelephant -1 points0 points1 point 2 months ago
No True Scotsman
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 7 points8 points9 points 2 months ago
Different game. If I said, "whoa, those aren't truely Christians" then you'd have a point. But non-denominational isn't a specific group. They don't follow one doctrine or organization.
[–]DefinitelyRelephant 3 points4 points5 points 2 months ago
They don't follow one doctrine
Yes they do, they just pussyfoot around it because they don't like labels (and invented a new one instead).
[–]theyliedaboutiraq 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
'atheist's perspective'
Oh, you must mean 'reality'.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 17 points18 points19 points 2 months ago
To assume that we know everything either is ridiculous. But I mean to at least gain more perspective and information on the backgrounds, history, and contexts within religious texts, as well as understanding Christian lifestyles and ideas better. What gets posted on R/atheism is not a good indicator of the majority of Christians, and it never hurt anyone to entertain more ideas and perspectives.
[–]Revelation_Now -17 points-16 points-15 points 2 months ago
Hmm. Well, thank you. I guess it's rare to see that start of indoctrination first hand. These days it's usually the opposite. Be interested to hear from you again in a few years once ur conversion is complete. We wish you and ur wife a very happy Christian life together, and, I guess as ur people would say, "God bless!"
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 9 points10 points11 points 2 months ago
Wow. Are you serious? TIL you can't entertain and listen to other viewpoints without adopting them.
[–]Lurks_And_Votes 3 points4 points5 points 2 months ago
You're an idiot. Don't pretend to speak for me.
[–]gamertag543 7 points8 points9 points 2 months ago
I'm with callmenighthawk here. Even as an atheist, I go to church with my parents because it's interesting. As soon as I stopped viewing it as a way to drag me out of bed early on Sundays, and started viewing as a chance to observe something different from my beliefs, I began to enjoy myself.
[–]BoredomHeights 2 points3 points4 points 2 months ago
You're obviously not Catholic. AAAA-aaaa-oooo-OOOO-AAAA-ooooo. When will this end!
[–]gamertag543 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
lol, you've got me there.
[–]Fisheswithfeet -7 points-6 points-5 points 2 months ago
No, that makes no sense. Church is the last place you'll get well rounded opinions about anything.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 5 points6 points7 points 2 months ago
Yeah, all Christians are idiots and close-minded. Gotcha.
[–]UmphreysMcGee 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Pretty sure that's not what he said. To be Christian means that at least part of your world view is irrational, illogical, closed minded, and naive. Hence, going to a Christian church is the last thing you should do if you're seeking a well-rounded opinion.
To be human means at least part of your world view is irrational, illogical, closed minded and naive. Atheists fall into that just as much as Christians do. As for understanding context and variation of interpretation of religious texts and the purpose of churches. You'll find a lot more variation of opinion in any church than you would on r/atheism.
[–]BoredomHeights -1 points0 points1 point 2 months ago
If you think Church is interesting that's fine. I could never get past that boring stage though. I'm just curious about how you can post that they talk about witchcraft and demon possessions, but then call it a well-rounded perspective. I'm not lumping all Christians together, or calling them all idiots, but your post implies that your church in general at least talks about some pretty ridiculous things.
[–]Fisheswithfeet -8 points-7 points-6 points 2 months ago
They believe bullshit fairy tales and use them as guidance. You're god damn right they're closed minded idiots. If they want to be open minded, they should just stop being Christians, eh.
[–]JohnMcGurk -4 points-3 points-2 points 2 months ago
Yes. The stupid tax that is paid by those who give their hard earned money to these evil, immoral, child-groping clowns. You sir are exempt.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
I still understand it. Lots of people use it as a support or for motivation in their life. Whenever I get frustrated and I think of telling someone that believing or going to church is pointless, I've always tried imagining telling it to my grandmother (who was deeply religious and a sweet sweet old lady) and it stops me and gives me a bit of perspective as to why people believe what they do. And I'm perfectly supportive of it, as long as they don't impose it or use it as justification to pester, discriminate against, or judge others.
[–]G4M3F4C3 11 points12 points13 points 2 months ago
You can't have religion without ignorance so I look down on the whole thing in general.
Everyone is ignorant to some degree. There's no such thing as a person that isn't.
[–]G4M3F4C3 7 points8 points9 points 2 months ago
I cannot refute this.
[–]YeNdEz -10 points-9 points-8 points 2 months ago
Perhaps because you are ignorant of how.
[–]G4M3F4C3 9 points10 points11 points 2 months ago
False. I cannot refute it because I agree with it. You almost sounded clever though, better luck next time.
[–]paulduve -7 points-6 points-5 points 2 months ago
He sounds more clever than you.
I disagree.
[–]lesser_panjandrum 5 points6 points7 points 2 months ago
This is fun to watch.
[–][deleted] 2 months ago
[deleted]
[–]callmenighthawk[S] -3 points-2 points-1 points 2 months ago
There will never be a human who isn't ignorant in regards to something. If someone wants to believe that a creator made them and their life has a purpose. Good for them. Are you trying to make an argument as to if we should let religion exist?
[–]callmenighthawk[S] -5 points-4 points-3 points 2 months ago
So what's the game plan to eliminate all ignorance from humanity here captain?
[–]callmenighthawk[S] -1 points0 points1 point 2 months ago
My logic that all humans are ignorant in some regard... is invalid? Please. Inform me of people that are not ignorant in any way.
[–]UmphreysMcGee -2 points-1 points0 points 2 months ago
That's true, but when someone is ignorant about something, you educate them on it, not support their ignorance by actively engaging with them in the practice of an ignorant activity.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 2 points3 points4 points 2 months ago
We don't always need to correct everyone. Some find comfort in faith. Go tell your grandparents that believing in God is stupid if you adhere to that idea. You wouldn't. Why? Cause we don't always need to be dicks going around pointing out to people that things they value or hold dear may be false.
[–]YoureMyBoyBloo -7 points-6 points-5 points 2 months ago
[–]TommaClock 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
For the double Karma!
[–]YoureMyBoyBloo 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
I don't even know how that double happened. Do you think it would be unethical to go back and delete the comment?
My religion believes that deleting a comment after it has been down-voted will get me sent to hell.
[–]DownpoursForAll 15 points16 points17 points 2 months ago
My college Roommate's girlfriend believed in witchcraft.
I know how you feel OP.
http://i.imgur.com/KSMwY.png
My girlfriend believes in it as well.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 3 points4 points5 points 2 months ago
Hahahahahahahahaha I have no comment
[–]Dissidius 11 points12 points13 points 2 months ago
I can confirm that there are christians who believe in magic, witchcraft, ghosts, spirits and demonology.
My dad slipped a disk in his spine one day when I was a child and passed out due to the pain. He woke up in hospital after emergency surgery and to this day has a huge scar. I remember my Grandad, who was a surgeon at the hospital and always told me shit straight up regardless of my age, informed me of the "gory" details regarding the surgery. A few days after the surgery I remember a pastor from our church came to visit my dad with us. He gathered us around and informed us how a demon had climbed onto my fathers spine and ripped the disk out, and that it was the church's prayers that had cast away the demon - completely disregarding the work of the surgeons.
I think that was the first time I had atheist thoughts and saw the true nature of the church - malicious and brain-washing. Even as a child I knew that demons didn't exist and they were the stuff of myth and fiction. I was then told by the pastor that I am possessed by a demon who was putting these thoughts into my head that demons don't exist, when I questioned his idiotic logic.
To this day my parents still believe in demons and ghosts. I have an undiagnosed sleep condition and my sister has narcolepsy, and my parents straight up say it's because we are "cursed" or "possessed".
[–]Dissidius 4 points5 points6 points 2 months ago
I ask them why they hid my Hogwart's letter because I'm obviously a wizard who should be fighting demons. It's kinda a sarcy reply but I really have nothing to say when they insinuate I am possessed and that magic is real.
[–]UnholyGeezer 2 points3 points4 points 2 months ago
It's ironic. I'm a great Harry Potter fan, but I'd never believe magic existed.
But Christians do.
[–]TricksterPriestJace 10 points11 points12 points 2 months ago
If you believe the bible, then you have to face that it considers magic real. Demons are an actual thing. Harry Potter is a threat because they believe it is TRUE. Asteroids don't strike on their own, God threw a mountain at a city with too many gays.
[–]Taodeist 8 points9 points10 points 2 months ago
My Dad is a Christian and his church was trying to tell him and others the same thing on Harry Potter and how dangerous it is. He called out the bullshit instantly and told them what they really need to be worried about is that if kids read Harry Potter first there is no way in hell they're ever gonna believe the Bible.
I swear that man is just trolling the fuck out of that place, I just can't figure out his end game.
[–]TommaClock 4 points5 points6 points 2 months ago
Dude, he's not a Christian.
[–]Taodeist 6 points7 points8 points 2 months ago
Deep down I am aware of that. But he reads the Bible every damn day and always goes to church. The bastard is well aware of my deism and my brothers atheism and agrees very often on our issues with Christianity. He is either incredibly broken or plotting something of immense lulz.
[–]sinisterdexter42 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
actually in the story of Sodom the Hebrew word for "know" is different from the Hebrew word for "know, as in fucking"
Sodom what wiped out because they where a bit rude to some travellers.
[–]gareen5 2 points3 points4 points 2 months ago
1912 according to my windows 98. I think I may need an update.
[–]fish4me 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
Apparently it's 1692.
[–]GammaTainted 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
What year is it? Certainly not the 1560s, when consultant on the occult and famed skeptic Johann Weyer published his books which asserted that witchcraft was not real, that demons could not be summoned, and that magic was not credible. Weyer was allegedly one of the first to use the term "mentally ill" to describe those accused of witchcraft, saying that anyone who confessed to the crime was likely to be suffering some mental disturbance.
So, basically, people still talking about witchcraft today are even more behind the times than you thought.
[–]Pwnk 2 points3 points4 points 2 months ago
why do you go to church and browse r/atheism?
1)Why do you go to church
My family, as well as my girlfriend and her family, and most of my friends, are all extremely religious. I've gone to various churches with many people, but I regularly attend a non-denominational church with my long-term girlfriend. I somewhat enjoy the community that comes with the church, meeting new people, and volunteering to help people in my city. I'm also a huge reader into religious texts (pro and anti), and consider myself very well versed in discussion with both theists and atheists. I enjoy learning of various different interpretations, outlooks, and lifestyles associated with Christianity. It doesn't hurt to expand your knowledge of opinions, views and perspectives upon something.
2)Why do you browse /r/atheism
Because I'm a lifelong atheist.
Cool :D
[–]sludgefiend504 2 points3 points4 points 2 months ago
I did the same thing for a while. I was an atheist, but still went with my dad to his church because the people we knew were awesome and I got to go feed homeless in the French Quarter every Sunday.
Being an asshole doesn't make atheists look any better. If you think a single logical and reasonable argument against a lifetime of indoctrination is going to change anyone's mind... you're wasting your time. Trust me.
[–]MotherFuckinMontana 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Its not an argument that changes someone's mind, its a question that does.
Trust me. I'm from Montana.
[–]Ghillieonaire 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
JUMANJI!!! that's what this picture is from!! I've been trying to remember for quite some time now.
http://i.imgur.com/4GWuO.gif
[–]constro 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Which church is that?
I attend a non-denominational church in SW Canada (won't say exactly what city as to remain somewhat anonymous, as non-denominational churches are pretty uncommon here)
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
That's kind of weird. I personally have never known anyone to possess either witchraft or demons.
[–]yaysuekristy 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Christian response: It's the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twelve
[–]Extravajohnza 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Even though I find christianity ludicrous, witchcraft and possessions aren't necessarily ridiculous fears if you know what I mean.
[–]UnknownArchive 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
I posted this earlier, but it was bad timing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLLw2MXDqTE
Occult influences include TMNT, He-man, Thundercats, Super Mario Bros., Simpsons, and meditation
[–]Lexlimo 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
My buddy went on his Mormon mission because he was conflicted about the church and wanted to see for himself what it was all about. After two years he came back and had seen for himself that the Mormon church was absolute truth. Today he votes against gay marriage because he's afraid if he doesn't, his church will lose tax exempt status for calling gays an abomination. This was a bright guy who is now an instrument of a corrupt organization. Go to church once if you want to see what ts about. But when they start talking about witchcraft and demon possession I'd say you've found all the answers your going to find. From here on out, it's indoctrination or bust.
[–]woodchuck_pie 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
I have a family friend whose parents actually asked her if she was practicing witchcraft when she painted a picture of some badass fairies for her kids room.
Yep.
[–]Electricrainbow 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
When I went to a youth group everybody had to pray for the wiccans who had devoted their life to Satan.
Christianity always hates on other religions no matter how similar they are.
[–]monstereddit 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Je suis un espion
[–]lebanon100 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
Haha i feel this way during summer but its more like "what day is it?" lol
[–]Robolenin 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
THAT SOME DUUUUUMMMBBBBB SHIT
[–]Not_Me_But_A_Friend 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
what church are atheists going to that talk about witchcraft and demons?
[–]wikipediaBot 1 point2 points3 points 2 months ago
Atheists:
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. Most inclusively, atheism is simply the absence of belief that any deities exist. Atheism is contrasted with theism, which in its most general form is the belief that at least one deity exists.
For more information click here
[–]kingdomcome3914 -1 points0 points1 point 2 months ago
I have a better suggestion: use one of Zero's official artwork from the Zero series, and caption it, "WHAT CENTURY IS IT". Just some of my two cents
[–]rizziam -1 points0 points1 point 2 months ago
What the fuck church do you go to?
[–]VanDerVeale -9 points-8 points-7 points 2 months ago
Your Church? You do know which sub-Reddit this is?
Seeing as I'm an atheist, and I posted this on r/atheism... yeah, I think I know.
[–]UnholyGeezer -2 points-1 points0 points 2 months ago
What year is it?
It's The Year Of Our Lord, silly.
[–]123American -3 points-2 points-1 points 2 months ago
still goes to church
[–]DTA132 -3 points-2 points-1 points 2 months ago
I don't think that word means what you think it means.
[–]Fisheswithfeet -3 points-2 points-1 points 2 months ago
Why do you go to church!??!
[–]paul_mendoza -3 points-2 points-1 points 2 months ago
Why are you still going to church?
[–][deleted] -3 points-2 points-1 points 2 months ago
What exactly did you expect from church?
[–]borg_assimilate -14 points-13 points-12 points 2 months ago
We are Borg. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated, callmenighthawk.
[–]callmenighthawk[S] 10 points11 points12 points 2 months ago
what a shitty novelty account
[–]Jeezafobic 0 points1 point2 points 2 months ago
I'm sure you did similar things when you were eleven. He does this everywhere.
all it takes is a username and password
create account
is it really that easy? only one way to find out...
already have an account and just want to login?
login
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