Virtually all the comedians I know are atheists... Page 7

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ October 2 2009, 1:45 AM BST

Yeah, why not.

The delightfully attractive Guardian columnist and reported comedy writer Ms Ariarrrne Sherine has edited a book called "The Atheist's Guide To Christmas", featuring contributions from Ricky Gervais, Robin Ince, Richard Herring, Jon Holmes, Lucy Porter, David Baddiel, Charlie Brooker, Derren Brown, etc.

(and many more)

To the point, she states, in a Guardian interview: "Virtually all the comedians I know are atheists"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/27/atheist-christmas-book

Discuss.

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Isn't it just a reflection on today's British society in general though? How many people do you know who go to church every Sunday? Actually a better question these days is probably "How many people do you know who DON'T go to church on a Sunday?" We're living in an increasingly secular society, and comedians are still part of that society, surely?

Personally I don't buy the whole trad God thing. Just the word "God" is ridiculous if you think about it. At least other religions took the time to give their spiritual leaders real names and not just some generic tag.
But anyway, lazily eschewing all the high-minded theological reasoning in this thread, my opinion is it's all a load of old pissflap. But then I believe in aliens, so...

Quote: Tim Walker @ October 2 2009, 2:53 AM BST

Where's that recommended then?

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Just look at history it's obvious. They used to even have the "obey" part for women to say in marriage vows. But more specifically there's a passage that if you have sex with a guys daughter you have to pay him. It's in the same section that if you damage a man's oxen or goat you have to pay for it. Look it up. There's a list of weird stuff like this and the taboo on wearing two types of thread (blended fabrics) Think this stuff is in Leviticus

Quote: Little Jersey Devil @ October 2 2009, 3:10 AM BST

Just look at history it's obvious.

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OK then...

Quote: Tim Walker @ October 2 2009, 3:00 AM BST

You seem to just be preaching intolerance for the beliefs of others, whilst somehow demanding special dispensation for atheism.

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Did I? I missed that bit. I thought I was just engaging in a friendly discussion.

At least be consistent and honest by laying into the theological and practical faults of other religions, such as Islam.

Ok. Islam doesn't tolerate freedom of speech. Or jokes. It advocates killing people who disagree with it. I find that despicable.

What persecution are you suffering at the hands of Christians, Kevin?

No persecution that springs readily to mind.

You live in a country with a very clear separation between church and state.

I used to, but I live in the UK now. We have vicars in the legislature.

Sorry, didn't mean to be presumptive. I guess I just always find people who seem to really despise religion as strange as those who life their lives by their religion. Don't really like to be told what to believe and what not to believe. (Like most of us, probably.) Doesn't mean I don't appreciate science or "facts" - my background is in science - just that I'm sceptical of any polarising argument.

Anyway, Kev, no hard feelings mate.

Quote: Tim Walker @ October 2 2009, 3:19 AM BST

Anyway, Kev, no hard feelings mate.

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Genuinely none taken.

Quote: Tim Walker @ October 2 2009, 2:13 AM BST

I'm not an atheist however. I do believe in a spiritual existence, which is not the same as believing in a religion.

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I have a hard time believing that when we die, that's it. So I choose to believe there is higher spiritual plain we all bugger off to when we kick the bucket. In my mind it's a "heaven" of our own choosing - be that sensual, spiritual, artistic, whatever. I think there are probably long-lost truths within all the global religions, but over the millennia they've been changed and misinterpreted so much that they mean virtually nothing. As for one all-powerful being looking over us - I can easily buy that image if I visualize him/her/it as a vastly-superior alien being. Which isn't that different to what Christians believe, I suppose. So umm...yeah.

Dunno.

Quote: Lee Henman @ October 2 2009, 3:09 AM BST

Just the word "God" is ridiculous if you think about it. At least other religions took the time to give their spiritual leaders real names and not just some generic tag.

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'God' is short for 'Godfrey', like 'Kev' is short for 'Kevin'.

It was shortened because 'Godfrey the Father, Godfrey the Son, and Godfrey the Holy Spirit' was a bit of a mouthful.

Quote: Morrace @ October 2 2009, 3:33 AM BST

'God' is short for 'Godfrey', like 'Kev' is short for 'Kevin'.

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I go by "Vin" usually.

Quote: Morrace @ October 2 2009, 3:33 AM BST

'God' is short for 'Godfrey', like 'Kev' is short for 'Kevin'.

It was shortened because 'Godfrey the Father, Godfrey the Son, and Godfrey the Holy Spirit' was a bit of a mouthful.

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Quote: Lee Henman @ October 2 2009, 3:32 AM BST

I have a hard time believing that when we die, that's it.

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How do you explain the billions of years before you were here?

My concept of a "higher power" is based very much in quantum physics, if that helps to confuse issues more. "Spirituality" for me is a personal thing, not a faith in an ultimate creator, more a journey of personal change and discovery which is linked to the interconnectedness of all people and all things.

(Blimey, if I didn't seem odd enough already... )

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ October 2 2009, 3:36 AM BST

How do you explain the billions of years before you were here?

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How do you mean?

Quote: Lee Henman @ October 2 2009, 3:37 AM BST

How do you mean?

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Well, if you have a hard time believing that you will some day cease to exist, what do you reckon was going on before you existed?