Funny how, after reading through such wonderfully insightful comments from everyone, who seem to be looking to share their points of view in simple statements of fact, and the asking of questions, to those with differing views, in an ongoing search for mutual understanding and enlightenment… that the person that should offer one potential explanation for the root origins of at least one of the symbols in discussion feels a need to do so in an incredibly hostile and defensive manner, and then follow it up with a statement to the effect that the other party is somehow unwelcome in a rational debate, simply for believing differently.

Last I checked, most rationalists welcomed calm and intelligent discussion. Or am I missing something here?

Stephen — I don’t know if you’re still reading comments after so long, but I’ve very much enjoyed reading what you have to say. I personally think the world would be much improved if more theists and non-theists alike were as open-minded and insightful, not to mention generally pleasant overall, as you. :)

Stephen,
Christians have been stealing symbols for their own purpose for such a long time, starting from the beginning. That fish you are so proud of is really a yoni that far predates your fish. A yoni is a woman’s vagina and is a pagan symbol…FYI, followers used to walk through large yonis and be “born again” do any of these things ring a bell?

You are as welcome here as an atheist in a Fundamentalist church and you aren’t converting anyone here either.

Jennifer

Thanks, TheeAtheist, that’s a really positive way forward, which I’m confident will do nothing at all to hinder or retard the progress of atheistic thought and influence. (Your fellow atheists will no doubt be bursting with pride that you have applied so much intellectual rigour to your dialogue, and have outlined such a forensically sound and articulate case.)

One can just sense and appreciate your concern for progressive dialogue and a reflective, constructive approach. I’m so glad you have such a mature and studious root to your chosen philosophy. You have added something valuable to the debate.

Retribution as a motivation for atheists showing why they are atheists? Hmm, that’s going to impress and convince lots of people, I should imagine, without doing anything at all to breed and foster further hostility.

Full marks on a carefully thought-out reason for wanting to display your atheistic credentials. I’m sure such a motivation will help us all no end, atheists and theists alike.

With thanks ~ Stephen.

My friend Pete has a permanent tattoo of the three crosses of Calvary (those of Jesus and the two thieves) on one of his shoulders.

Just thought you might like to know.

I do not, I’m afraid, have personal knowledge of any other tattooed (Henna or otherwise) body parts (theist or atheist). ~ Stephen.

I suspect the apparent lack of reaction to your symbol is to do with at least one of the following (feel free to mix and match, though)…

1) People haven’t even noticed it. (Sorry to introduce that stark possibility.)

2) People have noticed it, but have been gracious and mature enough to respect your point of view and your right to freedom of expression and have, therefore, declined to comment.

3) People have noticed it, but haven’t a clue what it represents.

Just out of curiosity, what exactly is it that you are “waiting” for?

Is it some kind of rational, positive discussion, in response to your symbol-placing?
(In which case, good for you. All power to your elbow. Cheers. Well done. Bravo.)

Or is it some kind of hostile response?
(In which case, I can only ponder with bemusement at why an educated free-thinker would attach something to their car with the sole aim of provoking people, rather than thinking of something more constructive to do, or something more conducive to progressive dialogue).

Or are you “waiting” for something else? I would be genuinely interested to find out.

I’ve just attached a tiny little England flag to my car, despite living in Scotland. Because I’m homesick.

Cordially, as ever ~ Stephen.

Many thanks for your kind and warm greeting. Good to hear from you.

My apologies for taking this long to respond ~ I’ve been away on holiday, and only just returned.

I’m certainly with you in admiring atheists who stand up for what they think. That’s got to be positive, and I would always encourage and support freedom of thought and speech.

It’s just deeply saddening when theists sometimes become defensive, rude and hostile. It’s equally saddening when atheists seem to feel a need to provoke, ridicule and belittle. I’m afraid I just don’t get any of that, and theists and atheists are often as intolerant as each other. It’s as thought theists forget all about courtesy, and it’s as though atheists feel it’s okay to be downright unpleasant.

However, that does nothing to dilute my respect for those who stand up for their convictions, and I would stand shoulder to shoulder with the right of any atheist to share their honest opinions. I would, as a Christian, expect the same in return.

I’ve never read Freurbach, but I’ll keep an eye out for his / her work.

Keep on believing!

Cordially ~ Stephen.

How interesting to hear such a different point of view on this blog. I’m a rational person who speaks to angels and saints on a daily basis, so I guess you could say I’m a rational theist. I truly believe that our brains are the greatest gifts we are given, and we are expected to use them to the fullest extent we are able. I question anyone who tries to control or manipulate others either mentally or physically by using any kind of belief system. My question to them would be “Why? Who decided that you should be god, or an interpreter for god, in someone else’s life?”

We are all so valuable, and all of our opinions and beliefs are so unique - Too bad we can’t respect and share them and love each other - not despite our different beliefs, but because of them.

As far as athiests in general go - I have great and sincere admiration for them - it’s not easy to be different in this society - or to stand up for your beliefs. I find that most people don’t understand athiesm, and I don’t hesitate to explain my understanding of it when someone questions or denigrates it.

I’m a great admirer of Freurbach, who I consider one of the first people to express athiestic beliefs coherently.

Again, nice to communicate with a fellow theist. I think the reason so many theists don’t like athiests is they’re afraid that atheism is some kind of threat to their own rigid beliefs. If they truly were comfortable with themself and their beliefs, they wouldn’t find it necessary to attack others who believe differently.

Peace to you and to all - especially those persecuted in any way for their beliefs.

Bernadette