AtheistNexus.org discussion on fake trolling in Bold print

Fake Atheist Trolling or Philosophical Limbo?
Posted by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:55am in Theism, Deism, & All Things Religious
View Discussions
.


I can understand there are atheists of all kind, but I can't help but notice a hand full of "atheists", who pop up on a regular basis through forums, that are VERY in tune with ALL the irrational philosophies of the evangelist right. From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp.
 Are these people trolling, maybe testing to see if they can destabilize the forum conversations, or is It that some people fail to reboot their philosophies after leaving religion?
 Any thoughts?
Tags: Fakes



 Like 

.
Share   
  

 

Views: 1129
▶ Reply to This
..


Replies to This Discussion
 Permalink Reply by AgeOfAtheists14 on January 1, 2012 at 12:28pm

I'm no fake! There sure are a few indeed! Holy scriptures and debates over creation? whipe they arse w/it. We got the Constitution to uphold! 2012
Relentless, just like their bigoted corruptions through faith-fraud!
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Maruli Marulaki on January 3, 2012 at 9:08am

If there is a question about morals, it is the question of how responsible and considerate a person treats another person.    With respect and appreciation as a valued partner or as a body to be used.    Reciprocally respecting and responsible partners can be homo or hetero.   Abusive degrading another by promisuity can also be done between homos and between heteros.  
I have much more sympathy for monogamous homosexual couples than I have for promiscuous heterosexual males behaving like dogs in the gutter.

▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on January 3, 2012 at 10:55am

Maruli Marulaki
You have left out monogamous heterosexuals. They constitute the largest portion of the society and it would be interesting to know, in your own words, what you think of them.
(I am one of tthose monogamous heterosexuals, so I am interested)
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Maruli Marulaki on January 3, 2012 at 11:02am

Madhukar, you have misunderstood the gist of my posting.   This was a reply to people discriminating against homosexuality.   I was only saying, that all monogamy, even when it is homosexual, is more considerate and responsible than is any form of promiscuity.   My point is that only the consideration for others' feelings by monogamy is important, not the question, if the respected partner is of the same or other gender. 

▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on January 23, 2012 at 6:05am

I think that we should undertake to define all attributes of atheism, by mutual consent. Mrerely not believing in god may not make a complete atheist. This is what appears from a few comments.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Russell20 on January 23, 2012 at 7:48am

Of course they may have been sent here by Dembski of "The Discovery Institute" think I'm joking then follow the link below

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/08/so_thats_where_some_of_o...

Then this message appears at RD.net 2 days ago on a thread last active in 2006, please note the reference to "homework" in the message

  "Comment 135 by Moderator

Moderators' message
Since we have a sudden influx of new posters on this old thread, it seems likely that commenting here has indeed been set as homework somewhere. That is fine, and you are all welcome, but please note that our Terms of Use apply to all users of the site, even if you are not planning on staying around.
So - this is a site for serious discussion, not standard internet chat, and we do expect users to treat other users with a modicum of courtesy.
Thank you
The moderators
Terms of Use
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on January 26, 2012 at 4:37am

I think some instructions need to be displayed on every discussion page. I first suggest is that there should be no personal attacs and second is that there should not be any attempts to create controversies due to personal grudges.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Russell20 on January 23, 2012 at 12:30pm

Matt vdb

 once again you indulge yourself with the argument from personal incredulity which amounts to "I don't believe it happens so it did'nt so there" I refer you to my post on page 7 of this discussion, Back to the drawing board for you little boy
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Minda Slade on January 26, 2012 at 8:06am

atheist are always polite
just like me :-P
▶ Reply


‹ Previous




http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/fake-trolls-or-are-they-in-a-philosophical-limbo?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A1792204&page=6#comments























Fake Atheist Trolling or Philosophical Limbo?
Posted by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:55am in Theism, Deism, & All Things Religious
View Discussions
.


I can understand there are atheists of all kind, but I can't help but notice a hand full of "atheists", who pop up on a regular basis through forums, that are VERY in tune with ALL the irrational philosophies of the evangelist right. From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp.
 Are these people trolling, maybe testing to see if they can destabilize the forum conversations, or is It that some people fail to reboot their philosophies after leaving religion?
 Any thoughts?
Tags: Fakes



 Like 

.
Share   
  

 

Views: 1130
▶ Reply to This
..


Replies to This Discussion
 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on January 23, 2012 at 8:53am
Ya, but if we start "fixing" humans, I'm pretty sure we will all end up like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IoyAP8LcqA&feature=youtube_gdat...
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Prog Rock Girl on December 31, 2011 at 5:40pm

And it's so much easier! Not to mention money-saving!
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Daniel W on December 29, 2011 at 1:26pm

I'm amazed at the allure of same-sex sex for some so-called heterosexuals.  It's like heroin.  They can't stop thinking about it.  The only way to avoid it is to be eternally vigilant.  It's sooooooooo addictive.  Just one touch, just one, maybe even just one look at an internet site, and you are hooked forever.  It's like, once you go gay, it'll never go away.....   Well, for some writers, of course, THEY cant be converted, but so many souls are so much weaker, they need to be protected.

Unfortunately, homophobes are bad for the image of heterosexual people.  Their arguments are so stupid, it's like you are talking to a 2 year old.  It's maddening.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on January 2, 2012 at 11:00am

 
Unfortunately, homophobes are bad for the image of heterosexual people.
This appears to be a comical argument assuming that all heterosexuals support homosexuality. The heterosexuals KNOW what is good for them.
 
Their arguments are so stupid, it's like you are talking to a 2 year old.  It's maddening.
I am in total disagreement with you. My actual experience is that it is the other way round. It's easier to avoid discussion that way.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Daniel W on January 2, 2012 at 11:33am

Its so obvious that not all heterosexuals support LGBT people - in fact, the majority don't.  The existence of homophobes, and the presence of religious-based antiLGBT laws around the world proves that.  The statement that "the heterosexuals KNOW what is good for them" proves what?  It's an assertion of what?  This is the kind of language that is used by bigots.

There is nothing in the LGBT rights movement about wanting heterosexual people to do anything except to accept LGBT people for who they are, and to realize that all LGBT people have a right not to be persecuted, and should have the same rights and responsbilities as everyone else.  The fact that you are against LGBT people having the same privileges that you have shows what you believe.   Whatever else you are or believe, your attitudes about LGBT people show prejudice.

This really is like talking to a 2 year old.   It really is maddening.  I accept your right to exist, and your human rights - the fact that you don't accept mine tells me much. 
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Prog Rock Girl on January 2, 2012 at 12:43pm

If heterosexuals knew what is good for them, they'd stop popping out so many kids.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on January 3, 2012 at 1:46am

Prog Rock Girl
Unfortunately, homophobes are bad for the image of heterosexual people.
My reply was for the above comment. Does your reply remain the same? This homo-obsession is going so far that I am already thinking of returning to my post on this subject. I can understand the homos getting angry at me, but why almost every atheist should become emotional on the issue,  as I have pointed out, neglecting other important issues they should address presently.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on January 3, 2012 at 2:29am
I don't think it's a gay obsession, I think it's a passion for fair human rights, which is one of cornerstones of why communities like this exist. And perhaps this is translation issue, but referring to gay people as "homos", is often considered derogatory.
 It's not neglecting other issues by bringing up that one, nobody is saying its the only issue in the world.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on January 23, 2012 at 8:58am
No, no, you need to give up man love and instead embrace the warm, sweaty and often half naked man bound to a wooden cross, Jesus.
 ...um...nevermind. :)
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by bobh on December 29, 2011 at 5:51pm

Recently I met an atheist who accepts astrology and reincarnation!! Isnt that weird?
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Alev on December 30, 2011 at 12:05am

There are atheist religions in the world :)
And I'm pretty sure that before we had sky-gods we had mountain-top gods and before that simply spirits/wights and stuff like that.
"God" is but one of the irrationalities people have had throughout the history.

Sometimes people just need to believe in something .....
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by charles defrates on December 29, 2011 at 5:53pm

 
   You are correct, they trying to derail the train that is about to pass through their unstable base. The fear of falling from such hieghts must be terrorifing for them. Their strenght in numbers is dewindling and the voice that use to be well recieved is now falling on ears that have been alerted to their motivation of power prestage wealth and most importantly their insanity.
▶ Reply


‹ Previous



http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/fake-trolls-or-are-they-in-a-philosophical-limbo?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A1792204&page=5#comments

















 










Fake Atheist Trolling or Philosophical Limbo?
Posted by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:55am in Theism, Deism, & All Things Religious
View Discussions
.


I can understand there are atheists of all kind, but I can't help but notice a hand full of "atheists", who pop up on a regular basis through forums, that are VERY in tune with ALL the irrational philosophies of the evangelist right. From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp.
 Are these people trolling, maybe testing to see if they can destabilize the forum conversations, or is It that some people fail to reboot their philosophies after leaving religion?
 Any thoughts?
Tags: Fakes



 Like 

.
Share   
  

 

Views: 1131
▶ Reply to This
..


Replies to This Discussion
 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 26, 2011 at 2:17am

John D
Thanks for your prompt explaination.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Maruli Marulaki on December 26, 2011 at 12:18am

Most active people on AN are far above average in education and intelligence, having become atheists as a very conscious mental self-evaluation. 
It is possible, that some people appear as trolls, even though they are not even aware of trolling.  They may have personal reasons to define themselves as atheists, even though they are hardly capable of comprehending the real meaning. 
There are people, who accept labels for themselves for secondary benefits without really understanding the meaning of the label.   They may just want to belong to a group, they admire some role model, but they lack the comprehension of what they are adhering to.    They may find some label as cool because of their buddies or they imitate a celebrity.   
As an example, I know someone, who after an average christian upbringing first became in his own self-labeling a mormon, then a buddhist, then an atheist, and by now he calls himself a daoist.    He was convinced to really be everything in this list, he just had no clue, that it was only skin deep. 
Some apparent trolls may just lack the mental capacity to be aware, what atheism really means.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Maruli Marulaki on December 26, 2011 at 1:51am

John, do you imply, that I am a "pompous self-righteous know-it-all"?
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Alev on December 30, 2011 at 12:13am

"pompous self righteous know-it-all?"

If it is self-righteousness to claim someone who speaks against homo rights doesn't have adequate mental capacity to progress humane concepts of empathy.
I'll gladly take the title...

▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 26, 2011 at 1:51am

Maruli Marulaki
What you say is not wrong and could be a reality in some cases, but evrybody who may be "trolling" may not be so simple minded. Some of them at least are fake atheists.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Maruli Marulaki on December 26, 2011 at 1:55am

I am not denying the existence of trolls and consciously fake atheists.   I was just pointing out, that the problem can be more complex than just being either genuine or troll. 
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on January 23, 2012 at 8:48am
That's kind of why I wonder if some could still be in a transitional state. Still culturally driven to side with religious views.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Alev on December 26, 2011 at 2:07am

Does he ever speak about atheism?

A person who understands atheism and the faults of religions, and can defend it well MUST(ok maybe not MUST, it is highly unlikely that a person can know all that and keep being religious) be an atheist - but the opposite cannot be said of religious people.
I can fake religious people perfectly well :)
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 29, 2011 at 9:01am

Hate for religion or god can never be a cause for true atheism. If someone's mind has stopped here, then his development as an atheist has stalled. Being a free thinker and a rationalist is an absolute requirement for an atheist. Otherwise an theist will not be analytical and be able to address related issues.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Alev on December 29, 2011 at 11:59pm

Agreed.
There was this guy in our Turkish forum that used to be a very active Muslim that turned to atheism. Some among us were not convinced about him, but after reading his first 10 posts I was :) He understood "it".
We get many "fake atheists" and the difference is usually obvious, I was just pointing that out.

I think that perhaps I needed to elaborate, to me a person who understands the faults of religions is not "God, why did you let my son die?", "Why did god force Adam's children to have incest sex?".
It is more like someone who understands that religious logic is completely circular and self-approving, any real evidence we have on the matter basically screams "your book is wrong" and that those guys who wrote those books were simply people thought that sky was a dome (among their many other shortcomings).
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Prog Rock Girl on December 29, 2011 at 10:16am

Being that the "island" person has made all of one post, this person might be a troll. Others have posted discussions not too favorable of homosexuality and I don't think they were fake atheists. Some of the people who posted were from parts of the world where gay rights/understanding hasn't come about yet. Madhukar posted a discussion like this and got flamed pretty well. I don't think he was a troll but some of the things he posted were along the lines of demonizing gay people because of sex acts. Still I think he was not trying to be offensive. One of the other participants I thought was a troll just because of the demeaning way he talked (and of course the "if everyone was gay humanity would go extinct"...facepalm). Another person who posted an anti-gay discussion was some guy who said homophobia was good based on some drivel about "it's a defense mechanism against sexually transmitted diseases"...hmm, because only gay people have STDs, right? And everyone knows STDs are prevented by disapproving of homosexuals.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Alev on December 30, 2011 at 12:16am

:)
Yeah why not just take away everyone's sexual freedom and the STD problem is no more!
Who needs condoms, right?


▶ Reply


‹ Previous



http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/fake-trolls-or-are-they-in-a-philosophical-limbo?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A1792204&page=4#comments















 









Fake Atheist Trolling or Philosophical Limbo?
Posted by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:55am in Theism, Deism, & All Things Religious
View Discussions
.


I can understand there are atheists of all kind, but I can't help but notice a hand full of "atheists", who pop up on a regular basis through forums, that are VERY in tune with ALL the irrational philosophies of the evangelist right. From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp.
 Are these people trolling, maybe testing to see if they can destabilize the forum conversations, or is It that some people fail to reboot their philosophies after leaving religion?
 Any thoughts?
Tags: Fakes



 Like 

.
Share   
  

 

Views: 1132
▶ Reply to This
..


Replies to This Discussion
 Permalink Reply by Russell20 on January 23, 2012 at 2:19pm

Ah I see now the penny has dropped well yes that can be the case that not all "I'm an atheist butt-head" (AKA as atheist buttery) are not necessarily closet theists. However, how one seperates the genuine crtic from the theist out to de-rail discussions is fraught with difficulties. Even Dawkins was fooled by a fake Muslim in one exchange on Dawkins own site, it only ended when members of RD.net pointed out that the comment made by the "Muslim" had appeared on every thread that day. No matter what the subject.
 As for skepchick I have seen her in action before, on the occasion that you linked to she does make a good point though. Some of the comments aimed at that young girl were revolting.

 As for your age my apologies the last time I looked at your profile you said you were only 17. Perhaps I should have checked before posting.
 Permalink Reply by Matt VDB on January 23, 2012 at 11:35am

All lies.

Only closet theists criticize the atheist community.
 Permalink Reply by Rob van Senten on January 23, 2012 at 12:29pm

@The Nerd,
You broke my dream! Atheists are perfect, everybody always agrees on everything and there are no atheists in prison. And if you don't agree, I'm going to use capslock in my next reply.
Hah! That'll teach you!

Seriously though, I've heard people call others on AN psychopaths, sociopaths, murderers, sexists and whatnot, being called a secret theist is not the worst. Depending on the person who uses the label, it can really be a badge of honor.

@Matt VDB,
I wonder how many people here would really think that you for instance would be a secret theist. I mean, it was said about you here, so some people at least think that way.
As I said before, that'll teach you to insert facts into a discussion where before ignorance prevailed.
About that Skepchick article, if Youtube and internetfora have taught us anything, it is that people hide behind their anonymity on the internet and it takes little motivation for them to act extremely derogatory for comedic effect.
 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on January 26, 2012 at 4:29am

Only closet theists criticize the atheist community.
Matt VDB
I agree with you. I have not come across any atheist criticising any atheist as atheist. There can be criticism on many other isues.
 Permalink Reply by Kyle Simpson on December 22, 2011 at 2:38am

The gay island person I'd definitely call a troll. But I think there are plenty of atheists who are very conservative politically, and there are plenty of atheists who are not too intelligent. As Pat said, atheism just means a lack of belief in any deity, nothing else.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 22, 2011 at 4:48pm

Kyle Simpson
"there are plenty of atheists who are not too intelligent"
Being an intellectual is more necessary than having a high level of intellegence. A person  posseing high intellegence is not necessarily an intellectual. An intellectual believes in free thought and rationalism. All bright people are not necessarily intellectuals.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 22, 2011 at 5:00pm

Jeremy
"From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp. , rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp."
 
First of all, we must not define atheism to suit our thoughts. An athiest has to be a free thinker himself and has to be able to rationally accept free thinking of others too. Calling names and personal attacks "derails conversations" as you say. Why a free thinking rationalist would want to derail discussions?
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 5:24pm
I never said you needed to define atheism, or that free thinkers are derailing conversations.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 25, 2011 at 11:01am

Atheists are supposed to be free thinking rationalists. However, you may find atheists who permit only themselves to be freethinkers.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on December 25, 2011 at 12:28pm


atheists who permit only themselves to be freethinkers
Sadly, I agree. Isn't it funny how the most narrow tend to be so vocal.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 25, 2011 at 8:48pm

Free thinking first creates doubts, rationalism then provides the answers. When one starts thinking about religion and god, this process first leads to secularism and then to atheism. This is the true route to atheism. If you wish to find trolling atheists, you may find them among those who have not taken this route.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 26, 2011 at 2:03am

John D
I truely and honestly believe that I have described what you call sacred journey. Im not well acquainted with informal American language, so please explain to me what you mean by 'Yes Grasshopper"
▶ Reply


‹ Previous



http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/fake-trolls-or-are-they-in-a-philosophical-limbo?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A1792204&page=3#comments





















 








Fake Atheist Trolling or Philosophical Limbo?
Posted by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:55am in Theism, Deism, & All Things Religious
View Discussions
.


I can understand there are atheists of all kind, but I can't help but notice a hand full of "atheists", who pop up on a regular basis through forums, that are VERY in tune with ALL the irrational philosophies of the evangelist right. From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp.
 Are these people trolling, maybe testing to see if they can destabilize the forum conversations, or is It that some people fail to reboot their philosophies after leaving religion?
 Any thoughts?
Tags: Fakes



 Like 

.
Share   
  

 

Views: 1133
▶ Reply to This
..


Replies to This Discussion
 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 2:25am
I'm sure there are a few, though I would bet that most people with mental disorders are likely to be religiose.
 That aside, with this group being the largest atheist community online, it's too big of a target to brush aside the possibility we have a few theists or people still in unstable grey zones.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 22, 2011 at 2:37am

Indian laws do not permit bigamy among hindus but permit 4 wives to muslims. So, some hindus who wanted to marry a second wife started converting to Islam.  When muslims realised this, they banned such conversion. In a similar manner, it is possible that some persons may become athiests for some personal reasons. 
 
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 2:40am
That's certainly another possibility, though I can't imagine there is an advantage to being an atheist in Christian majority community, in which atheists don't receive a special privilage like 4 wives.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 22, 2011 at 9:34am

Jeremy
You seem to have got my reply completely wrong. No atheist is likely to want to marry 4 wives. My point is that " it is possible that some persons may become athiests for some personal reasons." This personal reason won't be wanting 4 wives!
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 5:27pm
No, i understanding what your saying, i just cant see why you would be right. What reason would they join an atheist list, or call themselves an atheist if they were not? Unless they were looking to just be a troll.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Madhukar Kulkarni on December 23, 2011 at 8:03am

Jeremy
"Unless they were looking to just be a troll."
I am not very familiar with American slang, but from whatever I know about the meaning of the word 'troll', I would say, there are many other places where this could be done without become an atheist.
I have said that some may be becoming atheists for some personal reason. This means they do become atheist but not in the natural rational and free thinking way, but for restricted personal reasons. I can't imagine all such personal reasons, but examples could be protection from religion, dislike of some specific religious authority etc. I think you also can think of reasons why a person may become an atheist due hate, anger or frustration. 
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Prog Rock Girl on December 29, 2011 at 10:00am

Reasons like being mad at god but not really thinking past that.

▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Andrew cummins on January 22, 2012 at 10:13am

I agree with Jeremy. I've noticed, whilst debating online, a number of people who seem to turn up from nowhere and say "I am an Atheist but........" and then go on to deride the atheist community.
They are without a doubt religious people, using fake accounts in order to derail a debate.
They usually witter on saying things like "you are giving us moderates in the atheist community a bad name. Or we are sick of the attitude you express. They do it in an attempt to make atheists who are perhaps not very confident, feel as though they are having a negative impact on the atheist community.
Keep an eye out for them.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Matt VDB on January 22, 2012 at 12:27pm


I agree with Jeremy. I've noticed, whilst debating online, a number of people who seem to turn up from nowhere and say "I am an Atheist but........" and then go on to deride the atheist community.
They are without a doubt religious people, using fake accounts in order to derail a debate.

And your evidence for this rather extraordinary claim at certainty would be...?
I'm an atheist but I like other atheists to back up what they're saying with cogent argumentation rather than simply throw assertions out like it's second nature for them.

Also I think it's a good idea to not view anyone with dissenting opinions as a Satanic demon to drive me away from the faith religious infiltrant aimed at sabotaging the community.
I don't know, the attitude seems familiar...
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Russell20 on January 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

The infiltration by theists happened recently at RD.net when William Lane Craig supporters popped in and began almost every comment with, I am an Atheist but is'nt Craig cool etc etc. Or comments equally ludicrous.

They were spotted and comments removed as the intent was to de-rail the thread as Craig was not the subject under discussion.The incident prompted a post from the moderators about how un-funny it is when people post pretending to be Atheists simply to antagonise people and de-rail discussions.

 I will attempt to find the thread in question and if I am succesful will post a link
 Permalink Reply by Russell20 on January 23, 2012 at 12:45pm

 once again you indulge yourself with the argument from personal incredulity which amounrs to "I dont believe it happens so it does'nt so there" I refer you to my post on page 7 of this discussion.

 And your point for posting the link would be what ? that some atheists can be sexist jerks ? well yes they certainly can be, but your point in this discussion would be what exactly?

 I know you are only 17 but if you want  costructive dialogue then calling people liars with no evidence whatsoever is not the way to go.
 Permalink Reply by Matt VDB on January 23, 2012 at 1:02pm


once again you indulge yourself with the argument from personal incredulity which amounrs to "I dont believe it happens so it does'nt so there" I refer you to my post on page 7 of this discussion.



Did I now.
Problem is, my dear Jeremy, I was replying to the statement that people who use the phrase "I'm an atheist but" are "without a doubt" closet theists out to sabotage.
And this is not only stupid, but also demonstrably false as the example of Skepchick shows: she criticises the atheist community often and very heavily, yet unless she's a closet theist, she serves as a perfect counter-example.



So not everyone who criticizes the atheist community while declaring themselves an atheist, is a theist. Q.E.D.



Let me know if there's anything else you need help with.




I know you are only 17 but if you want  costructive dialogue then calling people liars with no evidence whatsoever is not the way to go.



If I'm 17 then I guess I faked my passport.

‹ Previous

                



http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/fake-trolls-or-are-they-in-a-philosophical-limbo?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A1792204&page=2#comments


















 



.




Fake Atheist Trolling or Philosophical Limbo?
Posted by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:55am in Theism, Deism, & All Things Religious
View Discussions
.


I can understand there are atheists of all kind, but I can't help but notice a hand full of "atheists", who pop up on a regular basis through forums, that are VERY in tune with ALL the irrational philosophies of the evangelist right. From the homophobic remarks, to a blatant support of politicians with very well known theocratic view points. I won't name, names, but they seem to only post with the intent to antagonize and derail conversations, rather than discuss. They use the very same methods and diatribe often seen by S.E. Cupp.
 Are these people trolling, maybe testing to see if they can destabilize the forum conversations, or is It that some people fail to reboot their philosophies after leaving religion?
 Any thoughts?
Tags: Fakes



 Like 

.
Share   
  

 

Views: 1128
▶ Reply to This
..


Replies to This Discussion
 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 2:29am
I actually find most are very blunt, but polite.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by zeeman barzell on December 21, 2011 at 3:18pm

You mean like that wack-a-doodle blog about gay island?
I say trolls...
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:41pm
That one was a gem.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Steph S. on December 21, 2011 at 6:59pm
Yeah I saw that one - I say troll.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Daniel W on December 21, 2011 at 8:51pm

I thought that would make a good reality show.  Then again, take a small island and fill it with heterosexuals and come back a couple hundred years later, and you basically have the story of Easter Island.

I think that writer was not smart enough to be a troll.  Maybe a republican presidential candidate?
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 12:40am
http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/homosexuality-biological...
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 21, 2011 at 3:44pm
Well if they are trolling on the atheist nexus, there is a good chance they are not real atheists.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 12:19am
Yup, I'm very aware, in fact, I can very much understand a fiscal conservative. But there are some who seem to go beyond being a passive conservative, showing more signs; the irrational bigotry, the support of known theocrats, the disragard of rational science and socialogy and the blatant intellectual dishonesty in how they argue. That's what I'm talking about.
 You know, like those dumb irrational nuts who oppress gay rights, and say evolution is unproven. That's not just conservative, it's stupid. Though being an atheist might only be defined by the lack of belief in gods, there is a foundational view in the community that we should strive for a rational way of living which includes the scientific method and equality amoung all people.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Matt VDB on December 22, 2011 at 7:27pm


Though being an atheist might only be defined by the lack of belief in gods, there is a foundational view in the community that we should strive for a rational way of living which includes the scientific method and equality amoung all people.

That's a little bit of hand-waving there, I think. The people who are "in the community, i.e. the atheist communities we see in many places now, are largely the people who are motivated by the Four Horsemen. I don't think I've met anyone on this site who hasn't read a book by either Dawkins, Dennett or Hitchens.
And yes, the people who read those books (and were drawn to them in the first place) are largely people who aligned themselves with science, rationality and equality. So obviously the community that comes forth from that is going to have those foundations.

But I'd be careful in assuming that that means that the majority of actual atheists believe that too.
Are the majority of atheists committed to a rational life-style? Of the people who chose to read the New Atheists' books and come to forums like this, possibly yes. But when we're talking about the collective group of people who don't believe in God? I think it's self-evident that they've done just as little work to make their life rational as the average religious believer.

You seem to be discovering that being an atheist actually isn't a very impressive thing to be. What ultimately matters is whether you value rationality, reason and intellectual honesty and things like that... And the truth is atheism is neither necessary nor sufficient for that.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Pat on December 21, 2011 at 8:04pm

Agree with John D.  The fact that an atheist has differing ideas on politics, economics, social policy, or sexual mores means that he/she has differing ideas than (maybe) you do.  It does not mean he or she is not an atheist.  One thing I would add.  Just because someone is an atheist does not automatically equate to a high IQ, or brilliant insight into the human condition.  There are some really stupid theists and really intelligent atheists.  Likewise, there are some really stupid atheists and really intelligent theists.  Atheist means lack of a belief in god(s).  Nothing more.  It's certainly not a synonym for intelligence.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Ted E Bear on December 22, 2011 at 12:20am
See message above. It's not just about being conservative on some issues.
▶ Reply

 Permalink Reply by Dustin Martin on December 22, 2011 at 1:43am

Crazy people can be atheists too.
▶ Reply


‹ Previous





http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/fake-trolls-or-are-they-in-a-philosophical-limbo?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A1792204&page=1#comments