Thanks, Chris,

But I think we all know that since we selected to be included in the mailing list/discussions.

On Wed, Oct 31, 2012 at 3:53 PM, Chris Patton <[address removed]> wrote:

Stating what I hope is the obvious, but email chains like this are a horrible forum for these discussions.  See below:

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---

From: Jenna <[address removed]>
To: [address removed]
Sent: Wednesday, October 31,[masked]:38 PM
Subject: Re: [backyard-skeptics] Please read...

I belonged to a couple of Atheists/Humanist groups when I lived in San Diego.  We had lots of fun meetups and I really enjoyed interacting with the members.  Only sometimes did we talk about atheism, religion, etc., but we certainly had many great conversations on a variety of topics.  They sometimes posted specific meetups for discussions, but I rarely made it to any of those.  I just really enjoyed the events and getting to spend time with like-minded, non-judgmental, intelligent folks.

When I moved to Temecula, I really began to miss that interaction and I joined some atheist groups here.  A couple in the IE and a couple in OC.  I was really looking for that same type of environment.  Friendly, open-minded folks, getting together to have fun and expand our knowledge and POV by open dialogue.  Unfortunately, I noticed pretty quickly that the overall tone of these groups are very different.  They seem to be filled much more with angry atheist who are driven to proselytize and bash religion at any chance.  

I want people to respect my beliefs and my first method of accomplishing that is to respect theirs.  I've always believed that that type of behavior builds bridges and open doors and (for me, at least) a judgmental or condescending attitude builds walls.  Anyone who attacks my beliefs isn't someone I want to be around anyhow.  I don't need to be saved or converted to anything.

I've been in these groups for over a year now and have yet to attend an event.  In large part because I am a single mom and very busy between my business, my kids, and my other activities.  However I miss interacting with intelligent individuals and having that exciting conversation that comes when people are sharing ideas, thoughts, and perspectives in a non-threatening environment.  So, I've stayed in the groups because some of the meetups sound so enticing, but I've been afraid to attend events.  I get the feeling that my "live and let live" open-mindedness might get me attacked if I actually shared a less than extreme position on atheism or religion.

Luckily, I'm moving back to Orange County soon and I'm hoping to have a larger selection of meetup groups to choose from.

Regards,

Jenna

On Wed, Oct 31, 2012 at 3:15 PM, Timothy Senstock <[address removed]> wrote:

I tend to agree. I have never participated in these discussions because most of the time they're not very important to me. I am also not very impressed by these groups. I am a solid atheist and I have no deference reserved for for any religion, but I'm wondering how important atheist groups are. It is nice to talk to people freely about my beliefs, or lack thereof, but I'm not sure what these discussions accomplish. Can I ask....what is everyone's objective in participating in these skeptic groups?

And I am not trying to be aggressive; I am really curious.

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----- Reply message -----
From: "Phil" <[address removed]>
To: <[address removed]>
Subject: [backyard-skeptics] Please read...
Date: Wed, Oct 31,[masked]:00 pm



I have mixed "feelings" about this group. Very good discussions, but Bruce's public relation skills are crap, & the group is centered around a harmonious adult crowd behavior without the praying & singing. True atheism is about individual lifestyles combined to form a universal consensus. Many "atheists" are saying that eating meat is evil, having sex ONLY for pleasure is disgusting & having your own kids is a must to eliminate perversion. What about the kids? Here in Anaheim (where the police shootings occurred) the YMCA is taking over parenting! This past summer they were going to public parks & inviting the kids to join "Arts & Crafts with Jesus" or something like that.

I really have to finish writing my book.


> From: [address removed]
> To: [address removed]
> Subject: Re: [backyard-skeptics] Please read...
> Date: Tue, 23 Oct[masked]:57:39 -0400
>
> Shouldn't the request say tax deductions from 2012 taxes? Regardless... I like what you do (most of the time)so I sent in a one-time donation.
> ---- Philip Gatt <[address removed]> wrote:
>
> =============
>
> --
> Steph Campbell
> [masked]
> "My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total. I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution." -- Barbara Jordan
>
>
>
>
> --
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> This message was sent by Steph Campbell ([address removed]) from Backyard Skeptics Meetup.
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> Set my mailing list to email me
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