I upvoted.
 
Partly for the picture, which is adorable regardless of religion, and partly because about a year ago some people had a discussion about religion on the internet that was conducted calmly, respectfully, and maturely, which restored my faith in humanity after a day of wallowing through the “feminazi vs. MRA pig” hellhole known as Tumblr.
 
Godspeed, you magnificent human beings. Godspeed.

Fluttershy doesn’t like birds. She just loves killing worms.

I adopt the Voltaire style of thinking, I may dislike or even hate what you do, but I’ll fight to the death for your right to do it. I’ll admit right of the bat, I despise the “big 3” religions to their cores, but I will never tell anyone that they can’t worship as they please.

The source of the quote is yet unknown. Most people claim it to be from the Roman emperor and theological philosopher Marcus Aurelius. However, it doesn’t appear in the translations of any of his writings.

@Golden
 
That’s how I view it. An ethnic group that was the “slave race” of a lot of European history excluding usually the Poles and, of course, Russians. Bred of Nordic and indigenous people, as well as having Mongolian and Hun blood, they’re the mutts of humans in a pretty great sense. They were essentially screwed from all sides and after WW1 ended, got some Independence before being satellite states to a nation under the guise of using Pan-Slavic ideals to present day reformation. Obviously, I like.
 
@Zincy
 
Pretty much.

@Zincy  
Slow clap
 
Yes, those are wonderful words. ;_;

Trotsky, your outlook is reminiscent of the quote often misatriputed to Marcus Aurelius- “Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”

No judgements here. From what I understand the Russians and Slavic people lead a very rich history.

@Zombie_Trotsky
 
Oh yeah you do.

I know some stuff about Christianity and Islam, I admit that much. My main forte is with Russian/Slavic history. Don’t judge me, lol.
 
I tend to believe one can’t truly be a righteous person without gaining knowledge of the different stuff willingly. Intelligence also seems to be prominent with me next to compassion.

@Jackarunda:
 
A refreshing change of pace, huh Jack? :)

-> a thread where people aren’t flaming eachother over religion
 

@Trotsky:
 
nods  
Moar respect! You’re very benevolent.
 
And something I’ve noticed over the years, maybe you’ll agree:  
Some atheists look onto other beliefs with academic curiosity and attempt to learn what and why others believe simply for the sake of doing so. That to me is the biggest indication of intelligence (and I’m getting that same vibe from you).
 
On the other hand, the one’s with the least intelligence try to make themselves feel smart by constantly attempting to discredit someone else’s beliefs.

@Yorec
 
Yeah. I like to think I mostly avoid that, no?
 
@Jack
 
You’d be surprised how threads turn out when I’m involved…

-> come back after an hour or two to find discussion about ethics and such
 

@Zombie_Trotsky
 
Oh dear lord do I hate those people. Talk about a holier than thou attitude, seriously those people suck.
 
Whenever anything even remotely religious comes up here they come out of the woodwork to call for the abolishment of all organized religion and yadda yadda yadda.
 
Some people deserved to be slapped in the face.

@Golden
 
Jeez, do I really loathe atheists like that. Bunch of pretentious twits who think they’re smarter/more moral because of something as personal as the afterlife. That’s a main reason why I can’t stand Reddit. Or specifically, r/atheism.
 
I’ve always prided myself (If nothing else. I kinda suck in doing a lot of utilitarian things) in being as warm and generous as I can to others regardless of whatever. After all, I don’t believe in life after death, so I might as well make this one shot at glory of life meaningful by avoiding putting others down through something as trivial as beliefs, gender, class, whatever.

@Trotsky:
 
I respect that (you don’t allow your beliefs/lifestyle to overshadow who you are as a person). I share that same value.
 
Also it’s nice to see your open-minded about other people’s beliefs (I’ve met atheists who are just as close minded as ultra-conservative/borderline extremist religious people).  
No matter what one believes I think we can all benefit from an open mind and understanding of one another’s beliefs (which doesn’t mean we accept it as our own, only that we tolerate alternate ways of thinking for the sake of social harmony).

:D

@Golden
 
Well, it was a poll of Americans, and Protestants were pretty dang close. Obviously, I had no hope with the Orthodox ones (which the paternal side of my family was :I).
 
I like to think atheism isn’t that big of a part in my life. I simply am. I’m probably not going to be very happy with a woman who talks a lot about Jesus in a godly sense. Don’t get me wrong though, Jesus was a pretty cool guy.
 
And yeah, there’s probably no way I’d ever be in a healthy relationship with a (socially) conservative minded religious woman.

:D

@Yorec:
 
Really glad you think so bro :D

@Trotsky:
 
Catholics? I’m surprised it’s not Protestants. Interesting.
 
You might find a SO like that, but if religion is a large part of her/his life chances are they would want to share it with you (especially how you too will become a large part of her/his life).
 
It’s probably easiest to just be with someone who shares the same fundamental beliefs as you, whatever they may be.

Cool that we have a Muslim user here.

@Golden
 
I must’ve been a good/awful Christian, because I assumed everyone had a good chance at going to Heaven as long as they were just. Didn’t matter if they were gay, of a different religion, or what have you. Which is pretty ironic considering I was pretty much a total jerk. xD
 
I will say though, it would be neat to find a religious significant other who thinks I can go to Heaven (or another religion’s alternative) and still be a “heathen.” Funnily enough, a poll said out of any other Christian group, Catholics were the ones who were the most lenient in who could go into Heaven. Learn something new everyday.