Comments on: On Gratitude http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html NIGHTTIME IS FOR DREAMING. DAYLIGHT IS FOR ACTION. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:02:24 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Tomas S http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28926 Tomas S Sun, 02 Dec 2007 03:13:56 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28926 One of the lessons I try to keep with me from my past as a Jesus Freak is to constantly live my life with a Spirit of Thanksgiving -- not that I always succeed, mind you, but it is something to aim for. Someone questioned what I might mean by this, seeing that I'm an Atheist. If you're not thanking God, who are you thanking? Would it not be beter to say that I am trying to live my life with a Spirit of being glad that things aren't worse? I don't think so. I haven't been able to put my finger on the difference, but there is one, and it isn't God. An Atheist can count his blessings and name them one by one (and even think of them as blessings without being amazed at what the "Lord has done". One of the lessons I try to keep with me from my past as a Jesus Freak is to constantly live my life with a Spirit of Thanksgiving -- not that I always succeed, mind you, but it is something to aim for. Someone questioned what I might mean by this, seeing that I'm an Atheist. If you're not thanking God, who are you thanking? Would it not be beter to say that I am trying to live my life with a Spirit of being glad that things aren't worse? I don't think so.

I haven't been able to put my finger on the difference, but there is one, and it isn't God. An Atheist can count his blessings and name them one by one (and even think of them as blessings without being amazed at what the "Lord has done".

]]> By: Becky http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28921 Becky Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:02:38 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28921 I worked in a medical office for over ten years and it never ceased to amaze me the christians who came in who spouted they knew god would heal them, yet they made a bee-line for the secular doctors office as fast as they could get there. Also, the NT says that if there be any sick among you(believers), have them call for the elders and annoint you with oil and pray the prayer of faith and you will be healed. Apparently, few believe that or take it at face value. Still christians preach faith and expect the world to do what they themselves don't do. Once their illness has been cured, you are correct, they give god the thanks and not the ones who did the work. What a bunch of silly hypocrites. They don't trust their own god to do what he said he would do. Could that be because they know it is all a lie? If not, why do christians bother going to a doctor? Wouldn't it be much easier and cost effective to just have some holy joe slap a handful of crisco on your head, mubble the good ole prayer of faith and be done with it? Hmmm, invasive medical procedures by man or a wonderful instant miracle from god, the choice seems simple to me if I believed this nonsense. What is the excuse from the christians? See you at the doctors... I worked in a medical office for over ten years and it never ceased to amaze me the christians who came in who spouted they knew god would heal them, yet they made a bee-line for the secular doctors office as fast as they could get there. Also, the NT says that if there be any sick among you(believers), have them call for the elders and annoint you with oil and pray the prayer of faith and you will be healed. Apparently, few believe that or take it at face value. Still christians preach faith and expect the world to do what they themselves don't do. Once their illness has been cured, you are correct, they give god the thanks and not the ones who did the work. What a bunch of silly hypocrites. They don't trust their own god to do what he said he would do. Could that be because they know it is all a lie? If not, why do christians bother going to a doctor? Wouldn't it be much easier and cost effective to just have some holy joe slap a handful of crisco on your head, mubble the good ole prayer of faith and be done with it? Hmmm, invasive medical procedures by man or a wonderful instant miracle from god, the choice seems simple to me if I believed this nonsense. What is the excuse from the christians? See you at the doctors...

]]> By: Ebonmuse http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28717 Ebonmuse Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:47:13 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28717 My friends, I'm truly humbled by all your gracious words. No matter what I may write, I'm only one person, and this blog wouldn't be anything like what it is without so many thoughtful, intelligent commenters. The way I see it, if I can attract commenters and discussion of this caliber, I must be doing <i>something</i> right. I wish I could repay these kind comments as they deserve, but I don't know how I could. (I'm open to suggestions!) The best I can do is to express my sincere gratitude to all of you, for the time and energy you're willing to invest in participating here. I strive to continue to be worthy of it, and never to take your presence or your attention for granted. Daylight Atheism's second anniversary is fast approaching, and monthly traffic continues to grow. The sky's the limit, as far as I'm concerned, and I'm thankful for everyone who's willing to be part of it! My friends, I'm truly humbled by all your gracious words. No matter what I may write, I'm only one person, and this blog wouldn't be anything like what it is without so many thoughtful, intelligent commenters. The way I see it, if I can attract commenters and discussion of this caliber, I must be doing something right.

I wish I could repay these kind comments as they deserve, but I don't know how I could. (I'm open to suggestions!) The best I can do is to express my sincere gratitude to all of you, for the time and energy you're willing to invest in participating here. I strive to continue to be worthy of it, and never to take your presence or your attention for granted.

Daylight Atheism's second anniversary is fast approaching, and monthly traffic continues to grow. The sky's the limit, as far as I'm concerned, and I'm thankful for everyone who's willing to be part of it!

]]> By: Prof.V.N.K.Kumar (India) http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28710 Prof.V.N.K.Kumar (India) Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:06:38 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28710 By the time I log into this site to read the latest blog, the thread of comments will already be closing, thanks to the time differential between India, where I live, and the USA. Many of the commentators would already have said what I wanted to say. Sometimes what you wanted to say would appear so silly compared to the wise comments of others, that you feel it is best to keep quiet. Still, I would like to say, "Ebon, I am grateful to you for showing me how wonderful life can be even without God". So, in keeping with the Thanksgiving-convention of the christians, let me say, " Thank you Ebon". By the time I log into this site to read the latest blog, the thread of comments will already be closing, thanks to the time differential between India, where I live, and the USA. Many of the commentators would already have said what I wanted to say. Sometimes what you wanted to say would appear so silly compared to the wise comments of others, that you feel it is best to keep quiet. Still, I would like to say, "Ebon, I am grateful to you for showing me how wonderful life can be even without God". So, in keeping with the Thanksgiving-convention of the christians, let me say, " Thank you Ebon".

]]> By: shifty http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28709 shifty Fri, 23 Nov 2007 04:26:31 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28709 Ebon, I, too, would like to give thanks to you for this erudite and compassionate site. As befits the time of year, it's a breath of clean, fresh air when all around is choke d and congested. It's funny, but I've always thought thanksgiving's origins were pagan in nature. Many cultures have fall harvest festivals and I thought this was just another iteration of those. We thank.....whomever (mother nature).... for our bountiful harvest. Now, if only we could see fit to share our good fortune more readily with others......... Ebon, I, too, would like to give thanks to you for this erudite and compassionate site. As befits the time of year, it's a breath of clean, fresh air when all around is choke d and congested. It's funny, but I've always thought thanksgiving's origins were pagan in nature. Many cultures have fall harvest festivals and I thought this was just another iteration of those. We thank.....whomever (mother nature).... for our bountiful harvest. Now, if only we could see fit to share our good fortune more readily with others.........

]]> By: terrence http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28707 terrence Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:57:04 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28707 "Bless us, oh farmer and rancher and fisherman and truck driver and brewer and vineyard owner, for these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounties, through reason and compassion, amen." Happy Thanksgiving everybody! "Bless us, oh farmer and rancher and fisherman and truck driver and brewer and vineyard owner, for these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounties, through reason and compassion, amen."

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

]]> By: Mrnaglfar http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28705 Mrnaglfar Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:46:43 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28705 If people want to bring religion into thanksgiving, they can thank the religious persecution that drove most of the original people to america to the first place. Of course, that also ment they would eventually kill off almost all the natives already in america, but hey, that makes it sound a little less perky. Call me a cynic, but at least it would be consistent with history ;) Personally, I think people should be thankful and grateful every day of the year, same way I think earth day should come around more often. All that said, I do love thanksgiving dinner. Can't beat those turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sandwiches If people want to bring religion into thanksgiving, they can thank the religious persecution that drove most of the original people to america to the first place. Of course, that also ment they would eventually kill off almost all the natives already in america, but hey, that makes it sound a little less perky. Call me a cynic, but at least it would be consistent with history ;)

Personally, I think people should be thankful and grateful every day of the year, same way I think earth day should come around more often.

All that said, I do love thanksgiving dinner. Can't beat those turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sandwiches

]]> By: James Bradbury http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28703 James Bradbury Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:28:27 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28703 I'd like to add my thanks and congratulations on a great and well-maintained blog. Don't let it go to your head! ;) I'd like to add my thanks and congratulations on a great and well-maintained blog.

Don't let it go to your head! ;)

]]> By: yoyo http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28697 yoyo Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:48:47 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28697 http://jonswift.blogspot.com/ A very funny article on the rebranding of thanksgiving as thankstaking xx enjoy http://jonswift.blogspot.com/ A very funny article on the rebranding of thanksgiving as thankstaking xx enjoy

]]> By: Robert Madewell http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28691 Robert Madewell Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:44:13 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28691 Thank you Adam. Your brilliance with words amazes me again. Thankgiving is in my opinion a true secular american holiday. It's funny how some theist want to give the holiday a strict religious bent. Same goes for Independence Day with all the God Bless America going aroud. I love my country. Why do I have to ask god to bless it. To me that's as funny as asking Odin, Zues, or Rudolf the red nose reindeer to bless America. I don't want to cheapen my love for the land I was born in, by asking it to be blessed by ...hmmm (what was that word I was looking for?) ....oh yeah! Nothing. Blessed by Nothing! That would be a shame to say "Nothing Bless America". But that's what I hear when people say "God Bless America." Thank you Adam. Your brilliance with words amazes me again.

Thankgiving is in my opinion a true secular american holiday. It's funny how some theist want to give the holiday a strict religious bent. Same goes for Independence Day with all the God Bless America going aroud. I love my country. Why do I have to ask god to bless it. To me that's as funny as asking Odin, Zues, or Rudolf the red nose reindeer to bless America. I don't want to cheapen my love for the land I was born in, by asking it to be blessed by ...hmmm (what was that word I was looking for?) ....oh yeah! Nothing. Blessed by Nothing! That would be a shame to say "Nothing Bless America". But that's what I hear when people say "God Bless America."

]]> By: KShep http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28689 KShep Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:16:39 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28689 May I also chime in with deep gratitude for this blog? My thanks go to all who comment as well---I feel like a member of a vibrant, dynamic community of people of all stripes. I have learned much here, from Ebon as well as all the regulars. This is without a doubt the best place on the web for great information and discussion. <blockquote>How do others deal with the big religious holidays?</blockquote> Thanksgiving is bigger than xmas at our house. We just started hosting last year, as it became just too much to try and be everywhere at once. My mom and dad, divorced when I was ten, are now both widowed (widowered?) and each live alone so they love coming here and eating for free and being with all the kids. The in-laws aren't happy about it because they expect us to be wherever they tell us to be but I just don't give a shit what they think anymore. Hosting has been a great success----we eat, watch football (Go LIONS!!!!) play music and drink beer. Then cry over how the Lions blew it again. Could it be any better? Xmas is now just another excuse to be together. My Grandmother decided years ago that she wasn't going to tolerate no-shows because of other family commitments so she started having gatherings at her house about 2 weeks prior to the big day---with no excuses for not being there. And she further dictated that there would be NO gift-giving. Instead, everyone is expected to bring a wrapped anonymous gift worth no more than $5 which become prizes for a spirited game of BINGO. Sounds goofy, but I have to say this has turned out to be the greatest idea I've ever encountered to avoid the crass commercialization of the supposed holy day. It's a day we all eagerly look forward to each year. One more time---thanks, Adam, for bringing this community together, and to all, have a great holiday. kev May I also chime in with deep gratitude for this blog? My thanks go to all who comment as well---I feel like a member of a vibrant, dynamic community of people of all stripes. I have learned much here, from Ebon as well as all the regulars. This is without a doubt the best place on the web for great information and discussion.

How do others deal with the big religious holidays?

Thanksgiving is bigger than xmas at our house. We just started hosting last year, as it became just too much to try and be everywhere at once. My mom and dad, divorced when I was ten, are now both widowed (widowered?) and each live alone so they love coming here and eating for free and being with all the kids. The in-laws aren't happy about it because they expect us to be wherever they tell us to be but I just don't give a shit what they think anymore. Hosting has been a great success----we eat, watch football (Go LIONS!!!!) play music and drink beer. Then cry over how the Lions blew it again.

Could it be any better?

Xmas is now just another excuse to be together. My Grandmother decided years ago that she wasn't going to tolerate no-shows because of other family commitments so she started having gatherings at her house about 2 weeks prior to the big day---with no excuses for not being there. And she further dictated that there would be NO gift-giving. Instead, everyone is expected to bring a wrapped anonymous gift worth no more than $5 which become prizes for a spirited game of BINGO. Sounds goofy, but I have to say this has turned out to be the greatest idea I've ever encountered to avoid the crass commercialization of the supposed holy day. It's a day we all eagerly look forward to each year.

One more time---thanks, Adam, for bringing this community together, and to all, have a great holiday.

kev

]]> By: Soitgoes http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28685 Soitgoes Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:24:33 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2007/11/on-gratitude.html#comment-28685 I've said it elsewhere but, it bears repeating. Instead of thanking god, the pilgrims should have been thanking the American Indians without whom there wouldn't have been this festival! I've said it elsewhere but, it bears repeating. Instead of thanking god, the pilgrims should have been thanking the American Indians without whom there wouldn't have been this festival!

]]>