MovieChat Forums > Henry Poole Is Here (2008) Discussion > Im an atheist and I think...

Im an atheist and I think...


...that this movie was fantastic.

This film has a very beautiful and touching story about faith, hope and belief. A very entertaining and convincing film indeed. I enjoyed it very much even though im an atheist and dont belive this could happen in real life. I truly envy religious people, it must be wonderful to know that its life after death, and there always is a god watching over us. That miracles can happen. Its kinda sad that I cant belive in this myself, but I just find it to distant and hard to belive.

Anyways, people should stop hating eachother because of different religions and beliefs and start respecting eachother. It angers me that people can be so naive, let people belive in what they wish and leave them alone. Many humans lack respect and understanding.

But back to the movie. Its a wonderful film that I recommend to everyone, even if your not religious. Just watch the movie with an open mind.

(Sorry for my bad english)


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"Its kinda sad that I cant belive in this myself" translates to "I am a pretentious christian posing as an atheist to make it seem our lives are depressing and worthless without the belief of a of an imaginary "co-pilot" governing our lives."

If you indeed are an atheist you'd know there is no proof of god. Even if there was a god the deists at least have it right in thinking prayer, miracles, and other occurrences in life have rational explanations and that a supernatural being was not responsible for them.

"it must be wonderful to know that its life after death"

Its all wonderful that "Ignorance is bliss" as they say. So are you choosing teams on whatever looks more attractive now? Atheists are not concerned with the false security of "life after death". Most atheists are realists.

And this might just be me....But criticizing a theist for their beliefs makes me feel more like a humanitarian than a critic.

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What`s your problem with me accepting, and even envying christians Tasgo? You provoke me by claiming that im a false atheist.

I am NOT a pretentious christian posing as an atheist, and I do NOT think life is depressing and worthless without an "co-pilot" governing our lives. On the contrary. Im very happy with my life, and I will enjoy every bit of it before it ends. I know there is no god, and life after death - I belive in darwin and science books.

I simply stated that I envy christians for their beliefs and that its sad that I know better and will never be able to be a religious person. They know there is life after death, they know there is a god watcing over them - I mean, this must be a reasurring feeling.



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I tend to avoid this type of discussion online but your last statement has some real flaws in it. I'm responding to this not to question your beliefs but to maybe help you look at it in another way.

You state "I know there is no god, and life after death",yet you say you envy someone who believes in something you know does not exist. You go on to say "its sad that I know better and will never be able to be a religious person". Sad for who?

Lets say I was able to convince myself that I'm a genius and have a beautiful wife, But you knew it was not true. Would you envy me? Would you be sad you couldn't convince yourself? I'm not taking a side or denying a higher power exists. My point is, believe what you choose to believe. There is no reason to feel "sad" for others or yourself for what you or they choose to believe.

Believe in what your life leads you to believe. Why must we categorize our faith? I have no name for my what I believe in, but I could tell you. And it's fine to not know.

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I dont see the flaw here, I envy someone because they belive in something reassuring that I never could belive in... I know this might seem a bit off, but let me try to explain why I feel this way;

My mother is an christian. She has no doubt about her beliefs, for her there is a god and life after death.
A couple of months ago her mother (my grandmother) passed away, and she especially, endured a hard time with sorrow. During this time of grief, her beliefs became a really important consolation, and I saw how she would ligthen up when she mentioned that her mom was now in a better place. This is something I dont ever want to take from her, I was glad she had this type of consolation. In fact, at that time I wish I had that type of consolation also, but I didnt. I enyied her for her beliefs, even though I knew they were false.

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sounds like there's gonna be bloodshed in this thread.

atheists/christians/muslims/jews/scientologists should all just blow each other up. when there is none left, there will be peace.

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"atheists/christians/muslims/jews/scientologists should all just blow each other up. when there is none left, there will be peace." [jbernanke]

I don't believe there will be peace as long as there are people who reckon blowing everyone up who thinks differently will solve everything.

Ever heard it called the Ultimate Solution?

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I don't believe in your beliefs. its blow-up time!

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I have to agree with the OP. It's kinda hard to explain that you don't believe in something, but envy some people for managing to do it. The thing is, there is something in life called logic. And if you read a lot, and start to investigate about the past, the creation of different religions... etc. Some people just think logical, and do not accept that there is a god or something similar, because of the facts that there cannot be one!

That said, I still envy some people because they really got where they are with their faith in god, praying, and believing it. And for me that's nice to see, but still, I just couldn't do it!
I suppose it has a lot to do with how open your mind is, how religious your enviroment is, how strong your family is involved... etc.

PS: I DO believe in life on another planet though... I do not worship them, :P but that's another logical thougt right there, and hey, if god really created the universe, we must be very selfish to think that our planet is really the only one with life on it!

EDIT: Just seen the movie, and I really liked it!

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Nobody is denying people think logically....I've even known some Christians who were logical thinkers, even somewhat rationalists. I understand what you mean referring to seeing other people pray/have faith. It definitely is nice to see, and I will let them be. But if you are a true Atheist.....as you state.....then you KNOW god does not exist. So why would you envy someone(in you're perspective), who believes in a fake god, prays, and believes in this falsehood of life after death?

I am a tweener......a confused man in his 20's that doesn't know what to think of it all.....

But if you state yourself as a true Atheist....shouldn't you actually believe that you are right in your beliefs and therefore would not envy someone of a religion? As a confused, "untitled" individual, leaning towards theism, I hear remarks so often of "ignorance is bliss" and the likes. So you are saying, as an Atheist(know there is no god).....that you wish you could be ignorant enough to not actually know there was no god, and believe in it for the sake of it's psychologically benefiting ways? I've heard this argument before....and have trouble truly grasping it.

Then again, I find myself sometimes wondering if it's possible. I just think a true Atheist lives their beliefs and is proud of them, and wouldn't "envy" anybody else because of the "so called" benefits of their religion like praying, etc. Spirituality exists in realms beyond religion....they are not exclusive to one another. Spirituality and religion are totally different entities.....and I am completely rambling.......

I'm honestly just curious....I am in a sorts of crisis one could say, questioning my beliefs, seeking further knowledge in them........But honest feedback of why you would envy someone who prays and is Christian when you believe it is just a false philosophy confuses me........

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Josh, you seem to refer numerous times to the concept of a "true Atheist". Where have you got this absolute dictionary definition from that you follow so resolutely? As i understand it, you have a believer (whatever religion), an agnostic (someone who admits to not knowing and doesn't give a damn either way), and an atheist, (someone who doesn't believe).

As far back as 1772, Baron d'Holbach said that "All children are born Atheists; they have no idea of God." They do not know that God doesn't exist, they simply don't know that he does.

So, "true Atheism"? Is this your own concept?

Also by the way, there is no "knowing" involved. There is only belief. An atheist can no more "know" there is no God than a believer can claim to "know" there is. It comes across as fairly arrogant and patronising to insinuate that only Atheists "know" the great mysteries of the cosmos.

----------------------------------------------

"oh mummy, oh daddy - lets all play Kabadi!"

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I am so glad that you were all able to change each other's opinions on things.
That is just crazy.
Anyhoo, I thought this movie all in all was very good, Luke Wilson's best since Royal Tenenbaums.

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No Message

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I understand what the OP is saying. He's not envious because he realizes those of faith are blissfully ignorant. He's envious because faith is beautiful, and to have something so beautiful to believe in brings a different sense of warmth and happiness to a person.
I would envy you if you believed were a genius with a beautiful wife, even if I knew otherwise. That's a level of happiness I could never reach no matter how satisfied I am with my life.
I am completely happy in my own life, but i don't have a sense of reassurance that everything will be okay. I just see things as they will be, so I have no hope. And I envy those with hope, because being a realist usually leans more towards being a pessimist.

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hahaha "I belive in darwin and science books." worst try ever. If you're not a christian troll, then I'll eat my own balls.

What kind of a *beep* retard atheist would say something like that? Believe in Darwin? Haha and "science books". Try harder to understand what goes on in the world outside your little bible-club.

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they dont "know" it they think it. theyre assuming something that cant be proven exists. which is completly irrational because life doesnt work that way. whats the point in trying to prove something that cant be proven?


it's a good thing that trends fade away,
cause it's so much cooler in the shade

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Did you know that Darwin had evolution right except for one thing: it is caused by God.

How do elephants know that they are being hunted for their tusks and then evolve to without tusks?

They don't know english. They can't read lips.

God changed them. I love how scientist just want to believe that animals can understand everything humanity does and change to better it. In the end it comes down that people don't want to believe in God so they think elephants just guessed they were being hunted for their tusks.

I respect you for tolerance and respect of my beliefs. There have been some very rude atheists that I have met lately. Thank you for that.

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You really don't understand how evolution works do you ...

im what i like to call a confused Atheist,i tend not to believe in a God and certainly dont believe in any religion ..i suppose im really more of an Agnostic because my head and my heart says no to God but i can easily dismiss those who advocate total Atheism even while using logic,
An Atheist says god doesn't exist and a theist will say prove it,you can get the reverse argument the theist says god exists and the Atheist prove it ..but the arguments not the same because no matter how intelligent you are or what your IQ is you can not prove something doesn't exist while proving existence can be done using evidence(if you have it))

Evidence of absence
Absence of evidence


Nee ta ma duh tyen-shia suo-yo duh run doh gai si

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Envying a religious person because of the comfort they get from their beliefs is like envying a child for their happy naiveté.

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The only way out is through.

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You two guys that claim to be atheists...I have a question for you? When was it that you crossed the threshold of the knowledge barrier that makes it possible to believe in the non-existence of God? Do you know enough to actually know without a doubt that there is no God, or do you only believe there is no God? Where is your definitive proof that God does not exist?

I don't think anyone has absolute knowledge of the existence or lack of existence of God. We are all making our decisions based on experiences and faith or pride and shame. Sure you don't want to believe in God, because then you can't just get by by stating that you are generally good person. If God were real, then you would have to be accountable for your actions and do more than just not murder anyone. You would have to learn how joyous it is to love unconditionally, treat your neighbor as you would treat yourself and, gasp!, give up control of your life to the CREATOR of it.

I believe in God because I want to. I am humble enough to know that I am not good enough. But, I do know that his grace and mercy will cover any multitude of sins. All, I had to do was believe and accept Him as my saviour. Without believing and accepting that, His grace cannot save me. It was my choice that God gave me the free will to make.

God doesn't believe in atheists.

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why spend time proving something that cant be proven???? huh??? u dont do that with anything else in life ...that is such a stupid thing to say.

it's a good thing that trends fade away,
cause it's so much cooler in the shade

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While it did seem that I was asking for their proof in the nonexistence of God, I was merely pointing out that I don't think they, or anyone else for that matter, have enough knowledge to KNOW without a doubt that there is no God. They only believe it.

(Most) Christians don't go around and beat people over the head with definitive proof that God does exist. They only speak about their beliefs in Him. If there were definitive proof that God exists, then that would pretty much make Free Will a moot point because who wouldn't choose Heaven over Hell as they are described in the Bible? God didn't create us as robots to do His bidding. That is not love. He created us with Free Will to choose Him. Would you rather make someone love you or see if they do it on their own free will? Which would be more rewarding to you and the person doing the loving?

BOYCOTT SHAMPOO! DEMAND REAL POO!

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It's sad like when we find out Santa isn't real.

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What! Santa isn't real?!?!?!?!?

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"And this might just be me....But criticizing a theist for their beliefs makes me feel more like a humanitarian than a critic."

No, it just makes you look like a dick. - from an agnostic

"Pretending that we live doesn't make us alive."

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there is no evidence against god either... evolution could have been started by god, every scientific fact, god could have made true, in the end, none of us will know until the day we die. its about faith. Science doesnt disprove god. anything can be true

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Science is the tool God gave us to discover His creation. Any honest thinking person would realize that. I reside quite comfortably in both the physical and the spiritual worlds. It's not an either/or thing.

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"But criticizing a theist for their beliefs" makes you a dick if their beliefs don't hurt anyone ..

Nee ta ma duh tyen-shia suo-yo duh run doh gai si

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Tasgo, they're all the same. Atheists (posts something like this), a vegetarian (eats veggies but drinks milk), and feminists (I need no man!, has a husband). You can easily spot them 'cause, well, they announce themselves. So let's just ignore them and accept the fact that this dude actually enjoyed the film. He didn't have to mention he was an atheist if he really was. So you're right, it's bogus.

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You DO realize that you can't prove God doesn't exist any more than they can prove that he does...right?

To believe that there isn't a God is to claim that you have intimate information about a situation of which, the scope is most probably beyond your earthly comprehension.

To believe in something that you don't concretely know is, in itself, a fantasy that you decide to tell yourself.

As vast as the known universe is, it is only a partial component and given its seemingly infinite existence, who is to say, at this point in our species development, that we know that there is no God, is awfully pretentious. What then if not who? How if not why?

I suppose you think that our specific existence is due to a simple "accident..."
It may indeed be such but how would anyone be so foolish as to claim that they know this to be fact?

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Maybe the endning wasn't totally miraculous. The doctor did say, the disease was never there! god, I love when Luke wilson plays roles like this in movies like this. It reminded me a bit about bottle rocket - and that's a great movie.

about the discussion about atheism. I don't think it's illogical wanting to belive in some religion, when it comes to things such as sorrow, moral and ethical questions and such, it's easier for them. They can read in the bible how to act in certain situations, whereas atheists has to figure them out for themselves - our culture and social relations of cause raises us to have a moral fundament (e.g. don't steal), but atheists has to use different arguments to figure out what to think about gay marriage and abortions.
Fundamentally religion is just a shortcut in life, and for some people if it isn't there, they'll just worship an earthly sect such as communism or nazism.
I'm glad when having to face these problems on my own, and not just read the solutions in an old book. I think ir's a waste of life not to deal with these problems, and I'm glad not to have chosen the short cut.

The best argument speaking against religion is the fact, that no religion is known to all people. In protestantism you're besically guaranteed salvation if you belive, in Islam you have to perform certain rituals on a daily basis. But some tribes in Africa has no chance of knowing these - if there were an allmighty god, why would it want to make people behave in a certain way without telling all how to do it?

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Okay, religion is a shortcut? How so? The way I see it, religious people are tied to their beliefs, they have commandments they follow and rituals they perform. The commandments and rituals don't solve problems; they give the believer a way to handle the problems, a God to turn to, a reason for the suffering. If anything, non-believers are taking the shortcut. If they take all belief out of their lives they have no commandments to stick to. They're basically set free of guilt.

True, no religion is known to everyone everywhere in the world, but everyone everywhere in the world knows some religion. The tribes in Africa believe in something. Granted, I'm not sure what, but I know that everyone (or almost everyone) believes in a higher power. You can't deny this.

I was raised Catholic, and I still believe in my religion. I don't go to Mass as much as I should, as dictated by my religion, but I do believe and I do choose to believe. My beliefs wavered throughout high school, even though I went to a Catholic high school. I like believing in God and in my religion. I choose to do so. And trust me, it's anything but a short cut. I always imagine how much easier my life would be if I didn't believe. I'd be guilt-free about not going to church. I'd be able to do things and be able to feel guilt-free about them. Sometimes the only thing holding me back from breaking the law or hurting someone is my religion. I'm happy I believe because if I didn't, I wouldn't be as good a person. I know some people will think I'm putting myself above everyone by saying I wouldn't be as good if I didn't believe, but I'm not. I'm just saying that if I didn't believe in God, I wouldn't be as patient as I am.

I don't shove my beliefs down other peoples' throats. I don't care what other people believe. I think it's sad, sometimes, to see people who don't believe and are so adamant about it. I had friends in high school that turned away from the church and thought they were happy, but I could tell they weren't. It's not just that they didn't have religion, it's that they simply weren't happy. They were searching for something - a reason for what was happening - and couldn't find it, so they turned away from God. It happens. I feel sorry for them, that they can't find it in themselves to believe, but I don't try to force them to believe. If you want to be atheist, go ahead. Enjoy your life! I'll choose to be Catholic, and I'll enjoy my life too.







"I swear by my pretty floral bonnet I will end you."

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Whenever i hear statements similar to this - "I'm happy I believe because if I didn't, I wouldn't be as good a person." it just makes me think that religious people are weak and narrow minded people. I know, quite harsh words. But from what you've described yourself to be, religion, for you, is there to hold you back from your true potential (living "guilt-free"). Whoever said that living "guilt-free" is a bad thing as long as yod don't break the law? Again - another sign of a weak person - not being able to handle the guilt. And as my personal "god", G. Carlin, has said - "religion is a disease of the mind".

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I say that because my religion has helped form me as a person and if I abandoned it, I'm not sure where I'd be or who I'd be. It probably isn't right for me to say that I wouldn't be as good a person, but I can't say that I'd be any better off for giving up my belief in God. I'll never know who I'd be without religion because I intent to stick to my religion, even though it isn't "cool" or politically correct to believe in God.

As for guilt, I can handle guilt just fine because of my relationship with God. I know he'll forgive me and that eases my guilt somewhat, but I still need to find it within myself to forgive myself. Everyone has to search themselves for forgiveness, whether they're religious or not.

My religion isn't holding me back from my true potential. Rather, it's helping me ensure that I stay on track with my potential and I don't stray from me, my family, or my God. Without my religion to tie me to my surroundings, I can't say for sure that I'd be who I am. Would you be you if you did believe in God? Can you say for certain that nothing in your life would change if you suddenly found religion?

There can be no such union, and to speak of it is heresy.

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I can not say for cetrain that nothing would change if i found god, but the chances of that happening are rather slim. Which brings us to the ultimate qustion in a discussion between a religious person and an atheist one - what is god? If god (with a lower-case 'g') is something personal and individual to everyone, then i'm in no position to question it. This can be as real as one's dreams or any other thought for that matter. On the other hand there is this common God (with a capital 'G') that rather many seem to believe in. Now this one puzzles me - so many people are mesmerized by this supernatural (which it ultimately is) entity which they can't touch, see, hear, locate nor precisely describe it's apparance. There is this understanding that God is in the skies, or generally above us. Now science has studied the near and far reaches of space to the limits of it's capabilities and nowhere there is any trace of God to be found. If so many people can talk, or the very least feel the presence of God, please share the know-how of how it's done. Maybe then all the hatred and pointless discussions can finally come to an end and forum threads, much like this very one, can seize to exist.

In my circle of friends and acquaintance i know just one person who somewhat seems to believe in God. But then again that is no coincidence as Estonia is one of the most unreligious countries in the world - a mere 7% of the entire population state that religion plays any part in their daily life at all. This might be one reason why i like to participate in such discussions as i've never really met anyone who actually believes in God and it's (can't quite name the gender :) ) existance. I'd really like to know how religious people rationalize (maybe not the best word) their understanding of God and related.

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In any religion, Jesus Christ is mentioned and used as a guide and learning tool. Christianity is separate from that because Jesus Christ isn't used as a tool. He is the reason. Even in Islam, the idea of Christ is reckoned with but not acted upon. Islam teaches that Christ was a prophet. But when you (historical fact) look and study Jesus' life, you find that no other "prophet" or "philosopher" or "person" for that matter, lived (historical fact) the way HE did. Socrates was the only documented human life/thinker/writer/learner/teacher that ever got even remotely close. He was beautiful. Except for the immorality of having sexual relations with young boys. Why are we born with the sense that having sex with little boys is wrong? Why? Socrates knew it was wrong and even documented it. WHY? How did he "know" this was wrong?

The prophecy WAS and still IS being fulfilled today. Educate yourself and then observe. You can't miss it. One did not back up their claims with "proof" through action like Jesus did.. And He was the only one to do so (historical fact).

Therefore, the "religion" you talk about CAN BE known to all people. But the "logical" road that it's presently taking in our world moment-by-moment shows that only one self-proclaimed "religion" is going to be known. Christianity. In the old testament and in the gospels (Also including Ephesians, James, and Revelation)... there is talk that "all four corners of the world" (or the entire world in lamens speak) will hear of Jesus name before the earth dies off. Every self-proclaimed "religion" knows the name of Jesus now and always will. Only one (real Christianity) teaches and acts (as Jesus Christ did) upon it. The prophecy has been and IS BEING FILLED as we speak. It's right in front of our eyes. Seeing is believing, right? Seeing is proof,right?
Tribes in Africa have a chance to know these truths. And they will. They are right now. Just use "logic" and watch as it continually happens across the globe...

Technology? Media? Missionaries? War? Even through civil war in countless nations, the name of Jesus is sadly misused. The beautiful thing about the name of Jesus being misrepresented is that because of that fact, they have a "chance" of knowing this...Once again, the Bible mentions that the aforementioned WILL happen! The actual truth? you may ask. You may ask, "How"? Well, that's why the Holy Spirit is a unified but separate entity from God the Father, and God the Son (Jesus Christ)... Once the "misused" name of Christ is heard by the nations, the Holy Spirit exists to exemplify the heart and soul and PLANT the actual truth in the hearts of those who hear. Once it's planted, that person must make a choice to believe or not believe. Free Will.


It's actually pretty solid thinking. It's actually irrational? It's actually unbelievable? Of course it is. The answers lies in the next step. Faith. Faith isn't just defined in a sentence. It's defined in experience. It's defined by what happens AFTER one steps out in this so-called faith. It's the blessing that follows the decision to step out in faith. It's being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.

Could you say an athiest has faith in something then? Well, maybe. If they are sure of what they hope for (are they hoping for "no" God) and certain of what they do not see (God). I.e. - A person doesn't think about it, they just "know" through habit that a chair will hold them upright when they sit on it. They don't really know/see how it will, but they're certain it will. Why?

Therefore, if it happens to be an athiest sitting down, they SURE HOPE the chair will hold them up and they're certain of the physical reasoning why it will hold them up, but they do not INSTANTLY see the direct physics of "why" it IS holding them up. As a child they didn't create that habit by choice, right? Right. The fact that sitting in a chair isn't thought about in the context of "will this hold me up? and why will it hold me up?" EVERY SINGLE TIME someone sits down, proves that it's a subconscious action. Faith. Why?

Why? Why? Why? Why?

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Atheism:
The belief there was once absolutely nothing. And nothing happened to the nothing until the nothing magically exploded (for no reason), creating everything and everywhere. Than a bunch of the exploded everything magically rearranged itself (for no reason whatsoever), into self-replicating bits which then turned into dinosaurs.

Or….

• "An atheist is someone who believes and/or knows there is no god."
• "An atheist lacks belief in a god."
• "An atheist exercises no faith in the concept of god at all."
• "An atheist is someone who is free from religious oppression and bigotry."
• "An atheist is someone who is a free-thinker, free from religion and its ideas."

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I'm an atheist too and I don't need to believe there is life after death, I don't need to beliefe in miracles magic witches santa gods and so on. I can live a perfectly happy life without living a lie.

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Coming from a Christian, and a free-thinking one at that (I was an athiest that found God in a grocery store parking lot), reps to the mother'f'n OP on this post. I only read the first few posts so anything said after that, the OP could have sounded like a complete dee-de-dee.

Everything the OP said was legit, and everyone posting, slamming the OP, sounded like idiots. I would pick apart each post but I don't care enough to. I just wanted to shine a little bit of light on the poster! It's nice to see people thinking as positively as you do without sounding insincere (I hate the people that think/talk like they were raised on self-help books).

Don't let these negative tools bring you down to their level. Keep preaching, my friend. I appreciated your post! Because of it, I will be watching the movie (even though many people I know have sided against it).

Good day to you!

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What an outstanding movie. I am just about as miserable as they come and this movie brought tears to my eyes. I hate feel-good movies and I loved this one! The only point in the movie I didn't like was the song that came on just before the one that led to the credits. I thought it was too much. Other than that, I really don't see a single flaw in the movie. I have been in Henry's shoes more often than I would like to admit. Maybe I took it in on a personal level? Any way, I think this movie is phenomenal! I will watch it at the theaters if it is there when I go (just watched it online). I will own it when it comes out. I can only hope someone gains as much from this movie as I have.

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Many thanks for your kind words keta! Its nice to get some positive feedback as well.

Im glad that you liked the movie!




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If you want to read my religious thoughts keep reading.

As for the movie I loved it. I love movies that rely on the actors and plot rather than the special effects. This is a very good example of it.

Luke Wilson and the rest of the main characters were believable. I was pulled in could relate to the characters on varying levels. I would have liked to see more of Cheryl Hines.

Though this did have some elements I didn't like, such as the really corny music played through most of the movie, overall I really enjoyed this movie.


I don't what I am, I want to have believe but I don't. I believe when I die there will be no remaining consciousness and my energy will be converted into a another medium such as food for the worms and plants and that's that. Not very exciting.

Religion has brought lots of conflict and death to the world. And I really hate the atrocities that have been in the passed and are still being done in the name of god.

But what I do like about christianity.
It brings hope to so many people, and there aint a damn thing wrong with that,
Faith is kinda a neat thing sometimes. It brings people together and gives them an overall sense of well being. They will see their loved ones in heaven etc. death is not the end.. and whatnot. Positive thinking can go a long way, so I will give it props there.

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if u r an atheist ,then go *beep* ur self.u will go straight to hell,then u believe in GOD

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i is an agnostic hoo bereieve in Mister Ed; what has u got againt them? ehh, bee sea a$$wipe?

Nothing is more beautiful than nothing.

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The girl's speech impediment was mental. Its only logical that something mental (like believing the wall could heal her) would snap her out of it. As soon as she found out Henry was going to die she went straight back into it. Then she could speak again when she discovered he would live. Nothing miraculous about that and certainly no healing involved.

I'd like to add that the movie isn't dogging on Henry because he's an Atheist. Its basically showing people that getting depressed and angry despite your situation just doesn't help. You know why people get angry at this movie? Because they are miserable and they would rather get on forums like this and troll their hate banter at the world rather than get anything useful out of it. It has nothing to do with being religious or atheist or agnostic.

You know what I'm guilty of? I get tired of people on the internet pissing all over everything because they are sad and bitter people. That makes me mad so I guess I'm not better than anyone else here.

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I don't think it was about faith in God or religion, but about faith in humanity. Faith in anything that makes you have to will to live.

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I did not read all the posts on this thread but I'd like to comment on a few of the ideas that were expressed.

I see nothing wrong with people wishing that a loving Father is watching over them or that there is somewhere to go after death. I, a Christian, do believe that and I feel a peace that helps me to be more understanding to people who react in a less peaceful manner in times of stress. If that isn't what you believe, so be it, but in the meantime it is pretty unfair to say someone shouldn't want something that gives them peace.

Religion and Faith are not the same thing. Religion is a set of rules that set you apart. Faith is something that can, if you let it, draw people together. I do not intend to change what I believe because someone else believes something else but their Faith is as valid as mine. Religion is what causes discord not Faith.

Being a Christian does not preclude belief in science including Evolution. There are things that can be explained and things that cannot. To say that Evolution doesn't exist is putting limits on God and the God I believe in is limitless.

I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that some situations can be explained away. My Mother was treated for a malignant Melanoma in the early '60s. Certain aspects of her life were guided by that diagnosis for years. Sometime after the year 2000 she needed some surgery and in studying her records it was found that there was no record of there ever actually being a malignancy. She had a large piece of her leg removed that left her leg weaker but there had never been a positive diagnosis. This was not a miracle. It simply was an explanation.

As for Henry Poole, it's sad when mistakes are made. Some people would say that maybe Henry Poole needed a wake-up call and this was it. Since we don't really know who he was before the movie begins, we can't speculate but in the long run it "looks like" his life is going to change for the better...no matter what he believes.

"No opinion negates another...it just enriches the discussion"

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