Atheist Bibles-For-Porn Swap Riles Campus

(CBS/AP)  A college atheist group is offering students pornography in exchange for Bibles.

Atheist Agenda calls the exchange "Smut for Smut," prompting prayers and protests from Christian students at the University of Texas San Antonio campus.

Student Monica Cornado says it's offensive to compare pornography to "the Word of God."

University officials say the atheist group has the right to conduct the swap.

UTSA spokesman David Gabler says, "As long as students are not violating laws or violating the Constitution, they have the freedom of speech and assembly."

The Atheist Agenda started at UTSA in 2005, and their first "Smut for Smut" campaign blew up into a national media sensation, reports CBS affiliate KENS in San Antonio. Past president Thomas Jackson was deluged with interview requests, and debated Tucker Carlson, the bow-tie-wearing conservative pundit, on MSNBC.

This year, organizers said a group of Christians amassed to protest the event, and one protester ripped a sign from someone's hands. But police kept a watchful gaze over students involved in heated debates, and did not report any violence.

Click on the player below to watch KENS' report:

[wordpusher]

I don't get it? Atheist means you do not believe there is a God right? So why so hostile and combative with people who do.Why call their Holy Book smut? Even if you believe its a book of fairy tales... To me that would be like me arguing with someone about Santa or the tooth fairy...if you don't believe fine but I believe ther's more to it than that.

[Gener21839]

A lot of it has to do with the fascist communities that religion inspires. A lot of Atheist folk have to crawl out an existence without a family, without support from their communities because they simply question scripture. These communities are so common that it breeds disgust in these unfortunate children who only ask something as simple as, "If God made us, then who made God?"

I find that it is these communities that breed these militant Atheists.

It's understandable to me. These strict communities build the counter-culture you see before you.

Personally, my family sorta blew off the whole Atheism thing. They called it a phase for many years until they just accepted it. Members of my community called me a devil worshipper because they're retarded, and because they were raised that way by their community. You'd think they would know what an Atheist is when they take "Religion" as a subject since 1st grade till HS graduation.

The real fuel (for me) to taking down religion has more to do with issues like stem cell research/abortions/furthering science in general. Comforting and relating to oppressed Atheist makes me feel better, but for the most part, I had it pretty damn easy to the lot of them out there.

Simply put: Religion VERY often inspires hate and disgust for anyone different, even towards the children of these religious communities. These "forsaken" children eventually grow up. What do you think they're gonna feel about religion?

[Gener21839]

@nonameusername

You're certainly wrong about your statement of Christian's belief in terms of Catholicism. I cannot speak for the other denominations, but I feel certain that for the most part, you're wrong about them. Perhaps your pagan influences are involved with that? Perhaps your referring to the holy trinity. It's a real ***** to get a mind around it.

I most certainly believe in evolution and science, and am probably fundamentalist about it. I say probably because I'm not so sure exactly what you mean by it.

I am atheist by choice, and I'll grant you, it could very well be defined as a religion *in my case*. However, there's still the whole simple not ever been exposed to "God" part that I feel holds true to defining Atheism (for some others).

I'll even argue the definition in my case to show that I can be seen as religious. I make the assumption that something does not exist, simply because I have not experienced anything of the like. Being that the assumption is "faith" based, then it could be seen as a region. However, there's one great flaw that I noticed now that I mentioned it, but doesn't religion require a doctrine?

Atheists have no true universally unifying doctrine. A person could be Atheist by having never been exposed to the concept of "God". It seems to me that the definition of religion requires some supernatural belief, and a doctrine.

In short: I have the belief there is no supernatural being, so I have faith. It's trivially small since it's not attached to any other beliefs (like hating on gays or whatever), but it's definitely there. The thing that still throws me off though, is that I have no predefined doctrine that is NECESSARILY tied with my faith.

Do you know what I'm trying to say?

[jankebenzone]

by Gener21839 March 6, 2010 12:54 AM EST

A few thoughts for your consideration:

#1 "An Atheist may be simply because they may never have been exposed to any idea of "God" as we know it."
-Not likely as atheism is but the rejection of God in the sense of creator and ruler of the universe

#2 "Hitler was Christian, there's a great history of emblems with swastikas and crosses".
- Hitler was a christian like a chicken soars with eagles. To be a christian one must also do as a christian. Killing one, let alone millions, is in total opposition to claiming christianity.

That we and the entire universe "evolved" from nothing or chance is far beyond debate. The problability of such is one in almost infinity, thats why more and more scientists are changing to intelligent design.

[Gener21839]

The Hitler statement was not intended to suggest that Christianity is wrong. "Christianity" (as the word is often interpreted) is so... vague, much like atheism is. The comment was intended to sweep the suggestion that he had anything to do with atheism before, as it so often is, brought up.

I still believe a person can be an Atheist by simply not knowing the concept of "God" as even you defined.

The evolution debate is beyond my scope of expertise. However, you mention infinity, but as far as I've known the universe to be, it practically is infinity. Not only that, but there's the kind of circular reasoning that throws me off. That is, if we had to be made, then who made God? I don't understand why it doesn't work both ways.

I'm sorry to boil it down to semantics =/

What I was really trying to get across is that an atheist is more of a lacking of the concept of God in the sense of there being no pre-defined doctrine. Therefore, there's nothing to unite atheists in anything other than a *personal* level.

I do credit religion for helping establish civilization, but I think that purpose has long since been served, and it no longer need be. In addition, I believe that religion is retarding societal growth in culture, and in our understanding of our universe.

Also, this "doing as a Christian" statement really throws me off too. It's just so subjective. So many denominations, so many interpretations, and so many private interests really skew any objective means to understanding "the word of God."

The following is beyond my scope, so forgive my intrusion, but I do seek advice regardless.

I had a Catholic school upbringing, so I'm moderately well versed as far as conceptual knowledge of Christianity. In terms of the Bible itself, I believe it is corrupted by man. Regardless of the source of it, it has been very greatly tampered with. Therefore, even under terms of a religious debate, it is hard to stand by the bible. For as I know it to be, the word of the Christian God is Jesus (incarnate word), and NOT the bible. Too bad Jesus isn't around to set **** straight.

[dalelaura]

Hitler only gave the guise a christian to appeal to the masses. Hitler was devout in his belief and practice of the occult. He also was a Meth head.

[Gener21839]

I keep reading that Atheism is a religion. However, the way I know it to be is in the form of the following analogy: Hair style is to religion, as baldness is to Atheism. Atheism is simply the absence of religion.

The following should also be considered:
An Atheist may be simply because they may never have been exposed to any idea of "God" as we know it.

Atheists do not necessarily have a doctrine. Take that part in for a moment, it leads to a lot of other things which I'll simply sum up as: Atheists are individuals of their own. People, in general, have morals of their own by their own experiences. Please don't make this an issue. Religious folk have their own share of moral atrocities, likely even greater.

From my experience Atheists, more often than not, do not congregate.

The Atheist Agenda is a special case wherein they have congregated. These types of Atheists have been described as "militant" Atheists. They seek to challenge the notion of there being gods for various personal reasons. However, it should be noted that these type of Atheists (usually) seek the scientific method in their means for greater understanding. That is, they seek to be disproven. If you don't understand this statement, it's time to research the way theories ACTUALLY work. The thing is... how do you disprove something that may not even exist? Therein lies the trick to converting an Atheist.

Personally, I support the Atheist Agenda for *my* own personal reasons including:

1. Inspiring debate. To set a stage for public criticism of any idea, so that it may be refined by critical thought. This requires freedom of speech. A freedom religious folk often do not tolerate, as has been shown plenty enough on this board alone.

2. Making a stand. The religious folk keep claiming persecution. Do me a SIMPLE favor. Google "Most hated minority", and see what you find.

A few side notes. Out of my experience, it's sort of obligatory, and sad that I have to take these notions on.

Hitler was Christian, there's a great history of emblems with swastikas and crosses.

All Atheists are people, and people, more often than not, have morals.

Freedom of speech is a right to say ANYTHING with the exception of DIRECTLY inciting violence. That's the ONLY exception. BTW "directly" as in saying something along the lines of commanding, "Kill (person/group)."

[nonameusername]

Yes you do. You believe in evolution and science. Most atheists are fundamentalist about it to boot.

I'm pagan--I don't believe in a deity but I have general beliefs. Not all pagans adhere to a doctrine (and for those who have it twisted wicca and paganism are not the same thing) nor do they congregate (or perform rituals) It's still considered a "religion" by people like you although I don't consider it a religion in the traditional sense. It does fit the technical definition however.

Just because you don't like that you fit the definition doesn't mean it isn't true.

I think the thing that atheists often miss is that Christians, (and people of other various faiths) belive that God (and their belief systems' various deities and creators etc) is completely the Natural order of things. Not exactly "Supernatural". He is part of the natural order of things just as your belief that science is the natural order of things. I don't agree with this with respect to a Christian God but they see the Universe this way. You can't seem to wrap your heads around that world view. This is why atheism is a religion--you see the natural state of the universe as having been created via evolution and chemical reactions and science completely sans any God or creator. It's simply a different world view but a completely natural one for YOU.

You just don't agree that this is so.

[Warrior2034]

"Hitler was Christian, there's a great history of emblems with swastikas and crosses."

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but it is truly ignorant to say that Hitler was Christian. This is for two reasons. First, Hitler was adamant Darwinist. His entire plan was to enforce "survival of the fittest." That's why the first to be executed were the sick and old, those who he deemed unfit to produce. You cannot be both a Christian and Darwinist.
Second: What you must realize is that there is a clear difference between the Biblical defintion of a Christian and the World's definition, the one found in Dictionary's. A Christian according to the Bible strives to be Christ-like and above all else shows love. Unfortunately there are not many who actually fit this description. A person does not just claim to be a Christian, but is one because others see Christ working through them. Even you can tell this was not the case with Hitler.
So I only ask that when someone claims to be a Christian you compare their faith to their actions. For faith without works is dead, meaning a Christian does not really have faith if it does not match up with their deeds. Not saying that we must be perfect, only that we attempt to imitate Christ and perfection.

[jankebenzone]

Just more proof that atheists are "depraved of mind" as Romans 1 describes them.

[smoknmirrors]

"Let every eye negotiate for itself
And trust no agent; for beauty is a witch
Against whose charms faith melteth in blood."
Much Ado About Nothing (II, i, 178-180)

[Obsydian8]

Even if I were to accept the (warped) view & interpretation of this quote from the Great Bard, ur ignorance of the man is simply astounding !

Try this out & choke Mr.Smoke !

William Shakespeare was a Catholic !
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/15492

The Quest for Shakespeare !
http://www.**********/Quest-Shakespeare-Joseph-Pearce/dp/1586172247


Try Again my deluded friend !

Bring It On !

"The problem with Christianity, is not that it has been tried & found wanting, BUT, that it has been found difficult & Not Tried At All" !!
- GK. Chesterton.

[NowBeWithThat]

by Its_goodtogivein March 4, 2010 6:23 PM EST
Think before you post.
________________________________

Take your own advice.

Kaufman v. McCaughtry, 419 F.3d 867 (8th Cir. 2005), 2005 U.S. App.

ATHEISM IS A RELIGION

[Its_goodtogivein]

Seriously? An American first amendment court case is your argument? Did you even read it?
It said "FOR PURPOSES OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT".
The Supreme Court also declared, for the purposes of the first amendment(campaign finance=political speech), that corporations are beings.
So by your logic, businesses are people? Good one!

religion-the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
Key Words: GOD, FAITH, SUPERNATURAL, COMMITMENT

[edthebed]

People are insane for even thinking there is a god to begin with. Who's to say when you die you won't meet Votan, or Thor, or Apollo, or Allah, or Kishnu, or Attis, or Horus.... Get the point. What makes this Jesus god any different? Think about this... what if you were to take away all the atheists from the USA? I can tell you two things for sure. The jail population would not shrink by much at all, and a vast majority of scientists, researchers, professors, scholars, and many others would disappear. The USA's IQ would drop quite a bit as well. Think about it.

[wordpusher]

insane? its insane to say that. how do you know? Bottom line is if God does exist He is who He says He is not who you or I say He is. And if Jesus is God and did die for your sins to rescue you from eternal damnation in Hell, you are making a terrible mistake. If not you'll be dead and unfortunately won't be able to say "I told you so"

[ToolMangler1]

Atheism is a 'religion'. Its 'Dogma' consists of "there is no god but man" and seeks to eliminate 'all' other religions.

Islamic Fundamentalism is a 'religion'. Its 'Dogma' consists of "there is no god but Allah" and seeks to eliminate 'all' other religions.

Christian Fundamentalism is a 'religion'. Its 'Dogma' consists of "there is no god but God" and seeks to eliminate 'all' other religions.

The truly religious simply pray "Dear GOD in heaven, Thank you for all you have given me, Forgive me my failures and Teach me to be a benefit to my neighbors. Amen.

[Its_goodtogivein]

Atheism DOES NOT "seek to eliminate all 'other' religions". It is preposterous to assume atheism has some universal agenda- the people don't all congregate, plot, or even all agree.
Why should we care that others believe in a god? It's like caring about others' favorite colors. It's a waste of time.

[smoknmirrors]

An offer was made. No one has to accept. No one is forced or coerced. You don't want to trade? Don't trade. But why do you get to decide if it is right or wrong for someone else to accept the offer? Why do you even believe you are entitled to a voice in their choice? It's that God complex thing, right? Well, here's the skinny.
No one cares whether you like it or not. No one cares if you like what it's called. No one cares if you turn your back or your mind. No one cares if you are insulted or if you claim God is insulted. Not even your God. He has more important things to do than get all worked up over what some mortals call His Word. He'll deal with them soon enough.

[Obsydian8]

Freedom of Expression is a Right - But NOT a Right to Insult & Blaspheme against anyone U wish !

U lot always talk of RIGHTS, but NEVER ever, do U consider the commensurate responsibilites that go with it !

Freedom to insult is not freedom - but LICENCE !

&... that my bigoted friend is ONE thing I'll never fight to defend as a Right of ANYONES !

Get It !

U may not be going away, & Neither are WE !

If U wish to wipe ALL religious belief off the face of the Earth, then by all means U can try, But Please Start with your own Religion FIRST !
AKA - Athestic Humanism / Scientism !

[Its_goodtogivein]

@Obsydian8
Actually it is, Freedom of Speech ensures that anyone can say what they want(within reason of course). Maybe your ideals would fit in better in, say, China or Iran?

PS. I have never heard of this "Athestic Humanism / Scientism". Do you have names of any adherents?
PPS. You spelled Atheistic wrong and 'scientism' isn't a word.