I was always under the impression that Hitler was a creationist/christian. Of course, he never really acted like a good christian.
Hitler seeking power, wrote in Mein Kampf. “… I am convinced that I am acting as the agent of our Creator. By fighting off the Jews. I am doing the Lord’s work.”
Either way, I don’t feel anyone owes any debt to Stalin, Hitler or Mao, atheist, satanist or otherwise. 'Cept on how to be an asshole. 
Communism? Mao and Stalin, according to the books linked, weren’t especially knowledgeable, idealogical or especially interested in Marxist theory. But they were really, really good at gaming the system, and willing to kill anybody who could possibly be anything besides their puppet. And their death lists included just as many Communists as religionists.
Atheists need to apologise for Stalin and Mao like heterosexual males need to apologize for Jack the Ripper.
And there is really no good evidence that Hitler was an atheist. His religion was a very peculiar one.
If Stalin’s or Mao’s troops came to your door and asked if you were Communist, and you replied, “No, but I’m an atheist-is that good enough?”, what do you suppose their reaction would be? If Hitler’s stormtroopers asked you if you were Jewish, and you replied that you were a lifelong atheist, do you think you would get a firm handshake and a thanks for a life of non-devotion?
And theists are motivated by greed and lust for power. What’s your point?
Strong theists are motivated by the voices in their heads. Weak theists are motivated by the voices in other people’s heads.
Are we done playing the dozens now?
Like Martin Luther King needs to apologize for Jerry Falwell, like Ghandi needs to apologize for Ferdinand II of Aragon. Do you have any more impeccable atheist logic to use?
Okay. I’m bored.
Now, that anti-rapture helmet might come in real handy some day.
No. That would be saying “I don’t know.” That’s a much better answer than picking some crap at random to believe in.
If you think a scientific answer can be found, that would be weak induction, since many answers have been found already, assuming this problem is at least somewhat like them. There is no evidence that any higher power is directing anything, especially because if one is he is doing a piss poor job of it.
If you develop a model of a random world, and one with a god, the random one is a much closer match to reality.
If you have this faith, you must not look both ways. I do. I also cut the cards.
Throughout my life, living in several different regions of the country, I have repeatedly had visits at my door from representatives of several different religions. Haven’t you?
Have you ever had an atheist come to your door to encourage you to disbelieve? I never have.
Also, do you have any US currency on you?
It’s like they are trying to equate 1000 rock-throwing protesters with a lady who writes a protest letter to the local newspaper-“You see! Both sides are protesting-you are no better than we are!”
In what ways do you think Communism was motivated by atheism? I’m not asking how atheism fits into a Communist framework, mind you; I’m asking how Communism was based on atheism. I would also like to know what ties you see between Stalin and modern day atheists in the United States.
Personally, now that I know that lack-of-a-belief is sufficient to group otherwise disparate people together and condemn them, I’m shocked by how truly awful all of us non-unicornists truly are.
Why, isn’t it obvious? Complaining about “in God We Trust” and anti-SSM laws is clearly no different than rounding up dissenters and killing them after show trials.
If you’re referring to my “Jesus is savior or just a prophet”, that was meant to compare Christians and Muslims – sorry if that wasn’t clear. I would think that being Christian, in 90% of cases, means that at least one believes that Jesus was the savior.
On the other hand, you’re right – someone claiming to be Christian can convey conflicting information (creationism vs. evolution, works/deeds, different paths to salvation). But at least they have some sort of dogma or reference book. Atheists have none. Atheists have as much in common with each other as people who don’t collect stamps.
I’m sorry.
I am an atheist. I believe and don’t believe in Zeus and Jehovah in the same way that I believe and don’t believe in James Bond and Harry Potter.
Other people claim to be religious. Apparently, they “believe” in the existance of things like Zeus and Jehovah in the same way that I “believe” in the existance of JK Rowling and Robert Mugabe.
When they try to explain how their belief and my belief are the same, I confess I find it very, very difficult to understand what the hell they are talking about. Sorry about that. The mysteries of religion are beyond my comprehension.
One further point – it’s not really fair to come into this specific thread and complain about atheist proselytizing. This thread specific asks questions of atheists – discussing atheism here seems like fair game to me.
I think this is far too monocausal to be anywhere near reality; Stalin was far more driven by a psychotic will to power (if I were to name a communist politician who was motivated by the ideas of the ideology itself, I’d much rather point to Trotzki) and Mao’s so called Marxism had very little to do with Marx’ works. To label Stalin and Mao communists makes it hard to define that term in any clear way - unless you consider it a synonym for butcher.
[aside of less than dubious value]
You have a troubling stamp fetish, RitterSport.
Shrugnostic, panache45? I’ll so steal this!
And there it is. That is the only way to respond.
At the point when someone can define their god or gods in falsifiable terms then we can talk.
If they can’t then there is no point in carrying on the conversation further. If you are clear about the entity you believe in then fine. Tell me the evidence and I’ll find it convincing or not. Up to now, the evidence is non-existent so I have no reason to believe in any god and remain atheist.
Not a belief, not a positive claim on my part. I am willing to be persuaded otherwise but I’ll not be holding my breath.