Atheist Nexus

The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!

Mark Johnston's Page

Latest Activity

Mark Johnston replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Dislike for Religion
"Thank you for your replies, booklover."
Apr 9
Mark Johnston replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Dislike for Religion
"I agree that there is a lot of trash-talking -- I would say that there is too much of it. This post was specifically about the topic so I felt free to voice my (unpopular) opinion. Trash-talk is not done in a vacuum. Believers see it and dismiss us…"
Apr 9
Mark Johnston replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Dislike for Religion
"I do not think that you have to hate someone in order to engage in hate speech.  I am not saying that the person trash-talking believers actually "hates" them, just that he is trying to get people in his in-group to see them as…"
Apr 9
Mark Johnston replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Motives of the Religious
"Yes, though it is not universal, kindness does indeed exist among the religious.  SeeSocial Gospel."
Apr 9
Mark Johnston replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Dislike for Religion
"That is my problem.  If you intend for theists to see the ridicule, then it would potentially (but not likely) help them to see the light. If that were the case, then I could see a role for ridicule.   If the audience for your ridicule is…"
Apr 9
Mark Johnston replied to Anthony Jordan's discussion Dislike for Religion
"There would be nothing wrong with it only if it were actually possible. Pointing out the foibles of hypocrites or absurdities in dogma or scripture will only cause the faithful to become defensive.   If you seriously want to help people see…"
Apr 8
Mark Johnston replied to Steph S.'s discussion Jury Duty for Atheists
"The "so help me god" during the swearing in process is pro forma -- it is like "bless you" after a sneeze. When I have jury duty, I just go along with the crowd. I would be more than amazed to find out that someone's oath…"
Apr 5
Mark Johnston replied to Regina Goodwin's discussion I've died and now I have come back in the group Texas Heathens
"Dang it. I never get any fun ones. :("
Mar 9

Profile Information

My URL
http://backporchstatus.blogspot.com
About Me
So, do we have enough unicycle riders to start a group??

In this world you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart; I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.
- Elwood P. Dowd

I'm not nearly as pleasant as Mr. Dowd. Probably not as smart either. But I think his advice is worth taking.

Win friends, not arguments.
Atheists, be visible, honest and kind.
Profession
Programmer
Age Group
51-60
City and State (For Member Searching)
Frisco, TX
Country (For Member Searching)
USA

Mark Johnston's Blog

Meet the Pastor

Posted on April 6, 2009 at 6:27pm 4 Comments

The Frisco Atheists will be sharing their meeting with a local pastor.

This post is actually for Frisco Atheists but I thought that other groups might enjoy trying the same thing.



A local pastor has tentatively agreed to meet with us on Thursday, April 16, 2009. All of the Frisco Atheists are urged to come out and:

1) have fun

2) be seen

3) do something constructive for atheists everywhere.

This is a great opportunity for us to influence the way that atheists… Continue

Reason #1 for joining your local atheist group - It's for the children

Posted on March 14, 2009 at 10:10pm 1 Comment

It's probably just puberty.



Something happens to just about everyone some time between the ages of 9 and 14. The religion in which they're raised starts to look a little silly. Maybe the weight of accumulated life experience just gives the poor kid enough perspective that it becomes obvious that it's only the wishful thinking of his or her parents that is supporting their belief system.



Maybe.



Maybe not.

I'm thinking it's really just puberty.

Think… Continue

Comment Wall (32 comments)

You need to be a member of Atheist Nexus to add comments!

Join Atheist Nexus

At 10:28pm on December 18, 2011, Jason Testerman said…
Mark, thank you so much for the brain dump. Great stuff, thank you! Sorry, I've been out of state for awhile.  Keep in touch!
At 6:13pm on December 2, 2011, Jason Testerman said…

I look forward to hearing back from you!

At 8:57pm on October 19, 2011, Steph S. said…

Hi Mark! Thanks for replying to my discussion. I notice you are a Texan too.

There's a Atheist Cycling group that I'm a member of. You could talk about unicycling there.

http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistcyclists

At 8:53pm on October 1, 2011, james schafer said…
Thank you for the welcome. Could you send me a link to the meetup? I am interested in joining.
At 2:01pm on May 7, 2011, James Dlime said…
Thanks for the welcome Mark!
At 11:04am on September 11, 2010, Burke McDavid said…
Thanks for the Welcome ! Happy to see there are other like-minded folks here in Frisco.
At 3:12pm on August 22, 2010, Bren Warren said…
Hi Mark, thanks for the welcome!

Your advice is very sound. I would much rather have a new friend than an argument. Many of my closest friends believe things I do not. We respectfully disagree, but we don't have to be angry about it. We can laugh with one another and not at one another.
At 6:28pm on August 5, 2009, Dallas the Phallus said…
Mark please consider joining my new group HERCULANEUM: A PLACE FOR MEN. Herculaneum is a group where men can discuss and explore the ideas, goals, demands, ethics, sexuality, and nature of manhood and masculinity. It is a place where we are free to be ourselves, and discuss the issues most important to our identities as men.

I have already started two discussions to get us going: How do we define manhood in the 21st century? and Rites of Passage: A Lost Ritual?.

This is a private group, and discussions can be viewed by members only. Membership is open to men only. Please check it out.
At 5:50pm on July 26, 2009, Sentient Biped said…
Impressive response to Nate's recent discussion. Thank you for sharing your compassionate point of view.
At 2:17am on July 26, 2009, Becky said…
hahahhaha no way, right-click, save.
 
 
 

Support Nexus

Click to Buy Amazon items and help A|N

Advertisements

Heathen's Guide

Your Ad Here

Helpful Items

 

Search Atheist Nexus:
Translate page:
 
Social Networking Links:
 

Latest Activity

Steph S. added 2 discussions to the group Wildlife
24 minutes ago
Steph S. added 2 discussions to the group Geek & Nerd Haven
33 minutes ago
Steph S. added 2 discussions to the group Health & Fitness
38 minutes ago
Dr. Allan H. Clark replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
57 minutes ago
Steph S. replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
1 hour ago
Steph S. liked Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
1 hour ago
Steph S. replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion 11 year old climate activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez in the group Climate Concerns
1 hour ago
Steph S. liked Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion 11 year old climate activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
1 hour ago
Steven Craig replied to Steve's discussion networking in the group Ohio Atheists
1 hour ago
Steph S. commented on Loren Miller's status
1 hour ago
Dr. Allan H. Clark replied to Dr. Allan H. Clark's discussion Unforessen consequence of Obamacare
1 hour ago
Mr Peterdactyl commented on Talgin's photo
2 hours ago
booklover commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
2 hours ago
booklover commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends
2 hours ago
Idaho Spud liked Joan Denoo's discussion Baloney Detection Kit, (Dr. Michael Shermer)
2 hours ago
Idaho Spud commented on Sentient Biped's group Godless in the garden
3 hours ago
Idaho Spud commented on Sentient Biped's group Godless in the garden
3 hours ago
Loren Miller replied to John Hutcheson's discussion Everybody Draw Mohammad Day, Who's playing?
3 hours ago
Debra Stevenson replied to James M. Martin's discussion Breitbart Group Claims "New Evidence" Hitler Was Gay in the group LGBTQI Nexus / Gay Atheists
3 hours ago
Debra Stevenson replied to John Hutcheson's discussion Everybody Draw Mohammad Day, Who's playing?
3 hours ago

© 2013   Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service