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Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by Chance on July 27, 2004
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Not too long ago a thread was made asking for all the Christian herpers to speak up. Now I'm asking for all the non-Christian herpers to. It seems like, in this hobby, there is a pretty big skew toward the former, but not a huge number of the latter. So I just thought I'd ask, of the people who frequent this forum, which of you are non-Christians, which could include anything from atheist to any other deistic belief? I figured I'd open it to anything non-Christian, as, at least in the US, Christianity is by far the norm so I thought it would be too redundant to ask for specific other belief systems.
So, all that being said, I guess I'll start. I'm an atheist with a strong belief in all facets of natural evolution. I'm a student of biology and base my belief system around factual, measureable evidence. I tend to not believe in anything supernatural.
Now I'll leave it up to you. I'm just curious to hear about all the different belief systems making up our hobby. As wide of a variety as there is regarding things like personal appearance and living conditions, I imagine there are some pretty wide views in regards to religion. Of course, there is no need for flaming here. The other thread about Christian herpers seemed to go really well, and I hope the same thing occurs here. This is not meant to be a debate, and if it turns into that, I'll personally ask the moderators to delete it. Also, I realize some people aren't going to be comfortable identifying themselves as something other than the mainstream, so I think the anonymous option would come in handy there if you feel like posting anyway. I look forward to everyone's responce!
-Chance
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by LarryDFishel on July 27, 2004
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I too am an atheist. I normally keep that info to myself unless specifically asked to avoid upsetting people like Adam. (Adam, email me if you want to talk.) Most religious people are comfortable enough with their beliefs that hearing my opinions doesn't bother them, and I normally don't see any reason to try changing their minds unless they attack first. :)
I believe in evolution because I can sit and watch it happen on a small scale. I think that humans probably evolved from something apelike because that's what the physical evidence strongly suggests (and besides, I have a strange fondness for bananas).
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by Buzztail1 on July 27, 2004
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At this point I will add:
THIS IS NOT TO BECOME A RELIGION ATTACK THREAD.
To that end:
We will list Adam Hoyt (hoyta) as a Christian.
And Phillip (timberrattlesnake89) as an atheist.
Any further attacks (against Christianity, Wicca, Hindu, or ANY OTHER non Christian religion) will be removed.
If you so desire, answer the question, as written, politely and move on. If you can't do that, don't answer at all.
For what it is worth, I am Christian. I do not discriminate against anyone based on their religious beliefs (as required by Federal Law).
Be polite!
Karl H. Betz
Vice President
Southeastern Hot Herp Society
Buzztail1@hotmail.com
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by psilocybe on July 27, 2004
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I wouldn't call myself an atheist, but at the same time I don't subscribe to any organized religion. I have my own beliefs which I won't bore anyone with here...:)
I do believe strongly in evolution, and put a lot more trust in the constantly evolving fields of science than any ancient scripture or religious text.
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by jv4man on July 27, 2004
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Unfortunately those who think they are believing the "facts" of evolution are not believing in facts at all. I was once on that side of the fence as many of us were. Then when life felt out of my control and going down hill very fast I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Since then there was no two sides about it. With Jesus living in your heart it changes your life imeasurably. Its nice to know that I'll be living eternity in the non-smoking section! I encourage anyone that reads this to read the book of John in the bible and ask God to reveal himself as you read. I GUARANTEE anyone that does this with a heart eager to see if there's a God, will with out a doubt find him waiting for you!
Spoken from a living witness
Jarrod Forthman
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by Buzztail1 on July 27, 2004
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Alright now, Fair is Fair.
I just reviewed the "Are there any Christian herpers on this board?" thread which asked if anyone on this board was a Christian.
Not a single person of ANY other faith entered that thread with an attempt to convert the people responding or to prove that their religion was the one true way.
This thread is not asking for proof of any religious beliefs. Please refrain from "proving" any faith or lack thereof.
This question is clearly just looking to find any other board members that are not members of the Christian faith. I understand the need to bring the word to those who do not have it. It has clearly been made available here.
Please keep responses to a basic "I am (whatever religion or non-religion)." Any other development of discussion regarding religious beliefs can and should be conducted via emails.
Thank you for your patience, forbearance, and tolerance.
Karl H. Betz
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by Dadee on July 28, 2004
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Chance,
I'm not sure what "faith" I am. I know that I believe in the Jesus, who as historians have tried to do, actually was crucified. What I am unsure about is whether or not he was the messiah. Now that being said, I truely and whole heartedly believe in evolution. I too, once was one of those "born agains". But I am reserved in my beliefs, as I have always been one to need evidence. Just as anyone would rather not be given a bad name, I am one who holds everyone at the same level, until they prove me otherwise...then I will make my decision.
With all that I've listed and some that I haven't listed, I'm not sure what you would call me. I don't do church. I don't read the bible. I don't care too much for the preaching kind. If any of this makes some sense to anyone, please help me to "figure" it out.
Now as Karl has so eloquently put it (as is always his way), let's not slam anyone just because of their religious beliefs. Heck, I hang out with some Hindu guys at work all the time and am even planning a trip over to India with them so they can show me the "real" country-side and the reptilian abundance there. I have learned a lot from them regarding their religion and not once do I try to "show them the way" to a darwinism based reality. They don't mind sharing and I don't mind learning. So, with that I think that some of us who happen to be devout christians or otherwise could give those of us who don't have a real faith, a chance to just be ordinary people (however, I don't think most of society would label anyone of us herpers as ordinary).
Just a regular guy,
Matt
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by Nechushtan on July 28, 2004
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I am a practitioner of Hermeticism who also regularly participates in Neo-pagan events. I currently am devoting myself to the sacred serpent as manifest as a healer and bringer of wisdom but I'm in no way dogmatic on anything. I believe in everything and in nothing simultaneously. I do not keep venomous (due to family with children and me having no experience) but I am enamored with them and hope to some day (in the distant future) take communion with a Naja.
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by JTEDENS on July 28, 2004
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I am simply non-religious. I don't subscribe to or agree with any organized/disorganied religion. I guess I am athiest but never think of it that way. I believe strongly in evolution, and therefore can't agree with any religious beliefs regarding a higher power. I have studied christianity a great deal, I went to a Lutheran school as a child. If you don't know, Lutheran is sort of a light form of Catholicism. I would expand more on why I(dis)believe the things I do, but Karl has asked to keep this short and simple.
Regards, John
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RE: Any non-Christian herpers out there?
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by hoyta on July 29, 2004
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i am sorry for any inconveniance i caused the society.i did take offense to the word "supernatural" being used.i am not against atheists-i ahve my beliefs and so do they.i felt like chance's post was kind of a lash out against christians.
once again,i appologize for my misconceptions.
thank alot-adam hoyt
if anyone wants to talk,e-mail me
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