There you go, deflecting responsibility.
I pointed you out because almost all your responses (to my posts and almost all others with opposite opinions as you) are reflexively vile without an attempt to carefully evaluate the counterparty's argument. This is the definition of trolling. Often times I have been tempted to respond to you in a similarly vile manner, but then I'd just be joining you in the mud.

If you are going to defend yourself, do so. But don't come out and defend yourself by deflecting. But then again, this is not a court of law, so no need to defend yourself. Just reread the last paragraph of my previous post again (and @AllNaijaBlogger's post) so it sinks in.

Your presence on this thread would be infinitely valuable if you responded substantively to the arguments of the non-theists on this thread instead of reflexively throwing mud. Perhaps maybe you'd convince a non-theist to become Christian; your current attitude does the exact opposite. I suppose since you are Christian this observation should cause you to self-reflect and re-evaluate your approach. I hope it does.

My two cents.

KingEbukasBlog:
You didn't see frank317 , dalaman and djdoxxx ... ba ? Please stop the pretence and go back to sleep

Thanks

Thank you for this response! Wow. I was wondering if a Christian would at some point deplore the reflexively hostile attitudes of some of the Christians on this thread.

@KingEbukasBlog: You particularly are a relentless & unrepentant troll in this religion section. Your attitude against non-theists is consistently repulsive and stands opposite to all Jesus stood for. The tenor of almost all your responses is needlessly belligerent, childish, and ill-willed. I was once Christian, and your attitude is akin to that of the Pharisee who was quick to evoke the letter of the law but never imbibing the spirit of the law. My greatest wish for you is for you to become a more amiable person, who embodies the best of the historical character of Jesus.

AllNaijaBlogger:
It is funny how some of my fellow christians here have turned to trolls.

The fact remains that religion can be used for good or bad.


The Pharisees were religious, weren't they?

Even Martin Luther King noted that the bible he uses to preach human rights was also the same bible that was used to enslave blacks.



What really matters is what how one uses his faith or belief.


I am saying this because even as a christian, I cannot in good faith support the unnecessary prosperity focused and materialistic extravagance shown by some churches.

So your god is a money doubler! Prosperity gospel in action.
I'll leave you with this dose of humor: youtube.com/watch?v=7y1xJAVZxXg

KingEbukasBlog:
Madam , then I'd advise you to change your church and stop complaining . If you give to God and still remain in a tough financial position for a long time , then there is something wrong . There are churches who care very little about what you give and are interested in your life as a growing christian . Like in my church , the little you give is multiplied .

I've heard testimonies of people who gave their last kobo and got really blessed . Please don't get carried away by the false impression of deception and theft these atheists want to give to churches . Those who know their God will be strong and do exploits (Daniel 11:32)

Yes, pastors are part-responsible for the decay and troubles in our country. Their doctrine is a materialistic get-rick-quick scheme that mostly defrauds the congregation financially, intellectually, and morally. Many of these same Nigerian pastors are stupendously rich and/or are quick to be ostentatious and boastful about the flashy things they own.

Note: many Christian doctrines particularly outside Nigeria (and outside southeastern USA) do not support or believe in this prosperity gospel ruse. It is a big scam, and an immoral one that Jesus rejected. So if you are going to defend Naija pastors, don't conflate your position with Christianity as a whole... many Christians deplore and reject prosperity gospel as false and exploitative.

Also, you are always quick to attack. What's with the "lacks proper education" line? Your insecurity is showing.

KingEbukasBlog:
What is this one saying ? Are you being pretentious or is this some sort of damage control . Where did you see me mention morality ? And which evidence are you talking about ?

Why should the atheists blame pastors for the troubles facing country ? Anyway when some one lacks proper education such ignorant assertions are bound to be made

Christianity and Islam, throughout the arc of both of their histories, have been similarly violent and brutal. For example, based on the moral standards of today, John Calvin (a still well-respected Christian Reformation theologian) was as violent and wicked as the worst Boko Haram member. He oversaw the murder and burning of people who didn't agree with his theology (even fellow Christians like his former friend Michael Servetus). Abegi!

Those responsible for the moral decay of our country have been Christians, Muslims, Deists, Atheists, Non-theists, and representatives from all other religions in Nigeria. Your claim that Christians are the ones "armed with the in-dept knowledge of the word of God!" is exactly equivalent to a Muslim claiming that it is his/her religion that is armed with the in-depth knowledge of the word of God or a Sango worshiper making the same claim.

Stop conflating religion with morality. Throughout this religion section you make too many bold claims based on your "belief" and you provide zero evidence, yet you are quick to criticize those whose positions are based on evidence. Na wa o.

KingEbukasBlog:

He's a devoted Muslim . He uses atheism as a tool to ridicule Christianity . Have you seen Dalaman ridiculing Islam before ?? . He only talks about the "Christian God" and how the bible is mythical , he subjects christians' views to derision and opens an utterly biased thread that focuses on the "ills" of Christianity . Look at him talking trash about Pastors /

Take a look at the horrendous crimes Boko Haram commits against humanity - killings , kidnappings , rape ,violence - but he never points those out . Boko Haram has killed thousands and rendered millions homeless . Boko Haram has destroyed businesses and impoverished millions of Nigerians . This insurgent group armed with their weapons and wicked ideologies from his religion is a menace to our country but he is against people who are armed with the in-dept knowledge of the word of God!

I repeat Dalaman is a devoted muslim who uses atheism as a tool to ridicule Christianity

Ifeanyi, I hope you get a job soon however you straight up plagiarized @Cleanman's post; this would infer to a potential employer that you are either a bad writer or uncreative or lazy. I mean no offense whatsoever, but it is these little things that determine whether a potential employer finds you employable (especially in the difficult job market that we have in Nigeria).

Also, I took a brief look at your CV. In your first sentence you have a glaring grammatical error. Further, the font in which your name is written is extremely distracting and unprofessional. Additionally, your CV is too generic and doesn't show why any potential employer should hire you. What skills make you unique? What proof do you have of said skill?

I would recommend that you rewrite it to present the best version of you. So far, your CV mostly contains biographical information that an employer (save for the ones looking for unskilled labour) may not find useful.

Go back and think deeply about what skills (e.g. creative writing ability, sales & marketing ability, analytical ability, graphics/arts/design ability, etc) you offer to your potential employer. Although you already listed a few of your skills in your CV, you need to make them more credible by using examples of work or personal projects that you did that showcased these skills. Also, you should quantify the impact of said skill(s) on same project. Finally, pare down the list of skills you included... several of the skills you listed (like "Generate ideas on a variety of problems" or "Goal Oriented, focus driven, innovative with high level of integrity", etc) are space wasters and superfluous. In the end, your CV should portray your skills in a convincing and glaring manner. Anything less than that will likely get your CV thrown in the dustbin.

Please consider this to be constructive criticism.

benedict99:
Good morning Nairalanders,
I am a graduate from university of ibadan ,studied philosophy.Since I completed my education, I have found it difficult to secure a job. Went for some interviews which eventually turned out to be one of those fake GNLD job offers.
I’ve tried my best both online and offline. I’ve even turned to a regular jobberman,NGcarreers,Myjobmag ,JiJI and other online recruitment blogs visitor all to no avail. I’ve applied on LinkedIn countless times too. Truth is I really don’t have anyone to help with the job seeking and I’ve knocked myself out on this search.
I’m appealing to well meaning Nigerians in different work parastatals that can help me by any means to secure a job.
Thank you.

Email: ifymag99@yahoo.com. phone no. +2348132988159

Ok I've responded (I used a different email address to respond)

LordAdam:

I've sent you a mail.

You've given up? So what's your alternate plan? Perhaps you could find a Christian naija woman who is accepting and not stereotypical... I've met maybe just one of these but they are very very very rare. To be fair I'm pretty jaded as well on that front.

I read a portion of your comment history on Nairaland... you are a rigorous thinker... I respect that... have you ever considered leaving the country? If yes, how has it gone? If no, why not? PS: we could chat off Nairaland if this is getting too detailed lol... let me know.

LordAdam:
I wish mate. I have given up in my search though.
At the moment, I do live in Nigeria. I must say though that each new day is a challenge living in Nigeria.

I partly agree with you. Foreign aid from America is almost always exploitative. However, I think Naija may in the future have to bow down to America when it comes to Boko Haram specifically. If Boko Haram ever attacks any American facility (seems unlikely so far), just know that America won't hold back when it comes to unilaterally bombing sites in Naija (particularly if a republican is in office). This will be the beginning of Nigeria having to appease America in order to stave off future American anger (we don't want to be like Pakistan or Afghanistan lol).

I do also agree wit you that the Chinese, Russians, and Indians are on the beck. I have mixed views about all these countries trying to take a piece of the African pie, especially given that our governments rarely negotiate from a place of strength. smh.

I would end up agreeing with you that we will still have our anti-gay laws upheld for a long time.

Generals03:
America have no help to offer us. Not while the Chinese, Russians and Indians are on the beck, waiting to woo the African and gain her attention. America's value is decreasing compared to the 90's.
We will still have our anti-gay laws upheld for a long time.

Bros, did you end up meeting a Nigerian lady who's atheist? Me sef I dey find a Nigerian/African lady who's atheist. Do you live in Naija? (I want to guess no but I stand corrected)

LordAdam:
@OP found a share-worthy article. In other news, I long to meet a Nigerian lady who's an atheist. I'm positive I won't be single after our encounter.
Am I creating a bubble or are there a couple of them out there, and I've not looked in the right place?

Lord

Ok, that's pretty logical. Thx for the explanation... I hadn't really thought of it from this angle. I still do think it would take a while though, but yeah I agree Americans could force us if we end up over-needing them.

Durentt:
cant u see d current situation of nigeria including boko haram and etc. Only americans can help us find a solution to this problem and before they assist us, buhari must adhere to his request by legalising it.
Make buhari kwantinue dey form strong head, he'll legalise it out of frustration.!

lol.

Estharfabian:
Alas! Someone that's listening! ""

Could you explain what you mean by "out of frustration"? I can't for the life of me imagine how Nigerian lawmakers would reverse the criminalization of homosexuality. I mean, most of the country's Christians and Muslims would raise hell. I really want to understand why you think they will reverse it, unless you are just speaking out of optimism which is fine too I guess.

Durentt:
out of frustration, it will be legalised. Just wait nd see

Durentt is a guy... lol. From some of his recent posts you will see that he deliberately changed his moniker to female.

Miscellaneous:
I have read through all ur posts and I can understand u are a lesbian. Why the attraction to this thread? I mean you've made your point for the umpteenth time. You want the op to have a chat with you, huh? You want to ruin her life? Well, continue hand go touch you one day.

Well, it depends on what you see as "soon". I don't see that happening for at least the next two decades, minimum. Religious bigotry and superstition would have to reduce for Nigerians to become open to legalizing homosexuality, and I don't see that happening any time soon. But I appreciate your optimism sha.

Durentt:
No need to move to any oda country. Homosexuality wu dsoon be legal in dis country lets watch and see

@LordAdam, very sensible writeup. Very well put.

@esthersolomon00
There's nothing wrong with being lesbian if that's your primary emotional and sexual attraction. I would advice you to consider moving to a different country where people are more tolerant; if you in the future decide to fully embrace your lesbianism, Nigeria can be a dangerous place. Since you are still young, you could try applying for a masters degree in Germany or Canada... Germany is cheaper because international student tuition is completely free after which residency is not that difficult to get. For Germany, go to www.daad.de/en (they have lots of MSc programs in English, and lots of jobs) and for Canada go to www.universitystudy.ca/search-programs/

If you choose to go the student route, go to these threads on Nairaland to read and ask people questions:
Germany: https://www.nairaland.com/2098236/general-german-visa-enquiries-part
Canada: https://www.nairaland.com/2557850/travelling-canada-part-9

I would advice that you use a different moniker though if you post on those other threads, but this is probably obvious to you already.

There is nothing wrong with being gay. My only advice is that you shouldn't fully avoid the issue of your sexuality so that you would be more educated about safety measures if/when you end up engaging in the act. It makes no sense that God (if he/she/it exists) would create you this way and then choose to punish you for being what he created you. It just makes no sense. I also would advice you to read a lot more about theism and Christianity (from a historical perspective, over the past 2000-2500 years) and you may be surprised what you find out. Or you can start by reading the religion thread... look out for @johnydon22's posts. Maybe some of this would help you contextualize some of the Christian admonitions against homosexuality.

Dnacode:

Dear Esther I totally understand how you feel.
I too am GAY.
I got to know at age 7.
I have tried all within my power to 'cure' myself.
I have contemplated death.
I was not molested before I discovered my sexuality.
I just knew I was different.
I have prayed, bound and cast, gone for deliverances etc, etc yet to no avail.
I just can't stop feeling for guys.
Its irritating when such feelings come but they are there.
At a point I hated myself but suicide is not an option---hell awaits suiciders.
Now am a medical doctor but I can't just think of women.
I conduct deliveries and all yet I don't love women.
I stay away from men just because God says so but I know deep down within me the hair at the back of my neck stands when I see a handsome, quiet and graceful man.
It has always been like this @ age 7 till date.
I have had sex with girls as a corrective measure but trust me I did not like nor enjoy it at all.
It was very very irritating and annoying n I felt VIOLATED!
Anyway I have put my hope and faith in Jesus for my justification because only Jesus saves.
I have looked beyond my sexuality and focused on Christ.

Jesus understands our problem. I believe you should read the book of Rev 7 and Rev 14. It talks about men who have never had sex with women.

Jesus knows our every weakness.

I have a heterosexual friend who helps me in prayers. He is understanding.

I have stopped walking with my Igbo kit and Kin because they r too judgmental. If you are Igbo I would advise you to avoid Igbo and move with Yoruba. Igbo will give you the biggest headache you can think of in this issue.

Oluwa bless u darling sister.
I love u in this ur trying hour but God loves you more.
Muah!

seangy4konji:
You need to calm down and enjoy moments...dont be to hasty with things even if your man is demanding sex or your woman...go to a bar,drink smirnoff,eat asun,watch arsenal,relax your brain,let emotion take its way...develop a kind of interest if its man you want or woman because i dont know the country you are fighting for..either ISIS,Kurds,Fsa,Russia,plenty factions...you are divided...Pa okan e pooo....

See about the romance and sex thing?you need to farabale gan...enjoy the moment andd if God go bless you no b d type boys weh go cum s you touch prick so there will be pre intimacy...

You are just an over anxious little bitcchhh who need a good little rough fucking to get hold of her self...you know how cowboy tame a horse right??she finds it irritating to see any one ride her but force her to it...maybe you need to be humilated with your own conscience...alt.. tied up and abused till you feel free and let go of your beautiful body...

There are a lot of options out there to satisfy every desire we all have...calm down and let me know...i am in IB...WAIT I DEH FIND MONEY NOW...listen to advice people have to gie you..hope you through your nozzles that are blocked soon...

Amen.

Did you just advocate rape and say "Amen" in the same writeup? OMG. Shame on you.

i'm curious: what did you do?

banky3w:
I have a female friend who had this issue ones and I helped her out of it. Now she won't think of girls anymore because she is addicted to me but I'm not really proud of myself for what I did sha and won't advice such.

The idea of going to prophets to predict the future is an anachronism that mirrors our ancient traditions of going to the babalawo or soothsayer to tell the future.

In Naija, we have made our version of Christianity one in which we see prophets and pastors as demi-gods and closer to God than we are. This is why we swallow hook, line, and sinker some of their exploitative and manipulative extortionist tactics. Statistically, prophecies about spouses and marriage success are specious because marriage and relationships are fundamentally about day to day choices and luck, both of which end up determining the future. Naija people we too like short cut sha.

No wonder most of us don't even read our Bibles enough to know what's in there.

For me, reading too much of the Bible and asking too many questions, and subsequently reading a lot of world history of the past 2500 years caused me to shockingly realize that Yahweh is an invention of the human mind. This is why I am saddened at the idea that some of us choose spouses based on the whimsical opinion of so-called prophets.

In spite of this, there are many Christian concepts that are absolutely helpful to living my life. But, unfortunately, Yahweh is not real and Jesus did not resurrect. I wish it were all true, but no it isn't. I feel gypped.

Sorry for diverting your thread.

Intriguing and endlessly fascinating.

Ok. Thanks so much for responding.
I, too, go to church sometimes (with friends for the social factor) but I only listen to messages I agree with, otherwise I just browse my phone or think about other things the whole time.

But when I don't go to church, I am totally unapologetic about it. However I have to avoid the issue with parents or family (thankfully I live far away) because it could cause a mini-civil war! I wonder how long this can stay concealed.

Also, I am curious to hear your story of how you arrived at disbelief. Here's mine. There's a much shorter personal analysis here.

Btw, I like your locks.

K9blunt:
hello!
yes I do avoid it but I discuss it with my bff whom knows about my beliefs and personality. well, what I tell those people in the dark about me, I just tell them am too busy, or I fell ill or I just didn't feel like it. then if I feel like I can stay to listen to their sermons on the importance of going to church (mostly that happens with my uncles and aunties) then i tune off, but others i simply give them my body odor of no interest, then they rest their case.

hmn, whenever i go, of course i can, tell what i managed to get into my head, ( i usually listen to messages i agree with) then tell them in my words, am sometimes good with words.

i keep mum mostly or conveniently answer "amen" or i get mischievous

mehn life is too short to bother about such people

Wow. That's crazy. He is indeed similar to Boko Haram.

So, since you now avoid discussing your disbelief, how do you respond if/when people ask you why you don't/didn't go to church? (Assuming you stopped going to church.)

Assuming you still go to church (for understandable reasons), how do you respond when people ask you questions like: "what did you like about the pastor's preaching today?" Do you ever catch yourself almost instinctively answer such questions truthfully but then reroute your answer?

How do you hold yourself back (from rebutting) when people talk about church and God all the time?

K9blunt:
i told him he's no different from the Muslim extremist called book haram, he stopped in his tracks then left

Pls if you are going to spend money on behalf of your future children, spend it to help people in need. Don't give it to a pastor that will use it to live a lavish life. You could also give it to a ministry that you are certain will spend the money on helping people in need.

But don't give money only because you want children; give the money because you want to be good. And also, if you are not comfortably rich, I would recommend you don't give it to a church. Give it to people in need and invest it in identifying and addressing the medical issue causing your (hopefully temporary) inability to conceive. Best of luck.

prettmum:
thanks bro, I will definatelly call you come June nextyear.... And I will key in to your words of advice.... I'm FRUITIFUL, MY HUSBAND IS FRUITIFUL AND MY CHILDREN IS HERE SAMUEL AND SOPHIA.......

K9blunt:
...I was arguing with a suppose friend one day, and it got to a point when the friend saw he couldn't change my mind he made to beat me, but for shear luck...

This part enrages me. That guy acted like a savage. Men who beat woman are cowards. How did you end up luckily avoiding getting beaten by him?

Wow. Astute post.

Tufanja:
@ johnydon22

Yes boss, the party went a bit out of hand. You're right in that.

1) Maybe you can help to answer the question what role emotions play in atheism (where do emotions come from in the first place?) and why a lot of debates with atheists end up with them becoming emotional rather than staying rational. Maybe it's coincidence, but we should look into it anyway to see if there is a pattern. Because it has a remarkable parallel with the emotions that pop up in debates about faith or between denominations. While atheism is said and supposed to not be a religion, it should be emotions free, shouldnt it?

2) Related to the original topic of the OP. It is in a woman's womb that life grows... probably that place offers the best conditions for human cells to grow and to become a person...for that fact alone, the question why female atheists seems to be scarce is relevant. Those who carry life might have some more clues about the nature of life, also in a spiritual way. Isn't it weird that we don't study this breeding ground of human life more profoundly, not only in biological sense but also in the other -in all its- dimensions of being? Every time I see a man being born out of a woman, I realize that a man can only really find the answers about life through a woman. Just my modest opinion.

Yoruba agnostic humanist here. The Christian god (like all other gods I've ever heard of) is an invention of the human mind.

toluayo93:
pls any Yoruba aithiest of satanist here. coz I want to believe they will never partake in dumb shit like this.

You need to cajole him to tell you what's going on. He just might be really depressed (and not even know it). Or he could be gay.

Mindfulness:
How do you want him/her/they to let you know it?

Actually if god(s) exist and it/they care to let me know it, then it/they would know the ways best to reach me. I am actually now less curious about hypothetical god(s) than I am about aliens. Yet, I don't go around hoping for aliens to find a way to contact me.

So there's this common assumption that if god(s) exist, it/they'd want to contact us. Why would it/they? It is possible that the god(s) that exist (if it/they indeed exist) don't give a crap about us.

Mindfulness:
What is the relationship supposed to look like?

I'm not sure, though Christianity is supposedly about a relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit supposedly dwells in the heart of Christians and is supposed to communicate with them and tell them things. Obviously, I think this is all a delusory scam (that I for a long time bought into).

Mindfulness:
Why in future and not now?

Thank you for saying this. Outside of work, I have a number of family projects I'm currently working on so I'm trying to take life one day at a time. Ideally, I first want to write a history book about my family (hopefully up to my great great grandparents) before embarking on other works.

Mindfulness:
What makes you think he/she/they don't care?

Maybe it/they care actually, but not enough to let me know that it/they care.

Mindfulness:
What is a "personal God"? People are throwing around this term but I don't know what it means to them.

I use that term loosely to refer to god(s) with whom a human can build a mutual relationship. Or god(s) that claim it/they want to have a relationship with individual humans.

Mindfulness:
You are welcome. I see talent here. Use it!

Wow thanks o. I did consider writing non-fiction and I'd love to do so sometime in the future.

Mindfulness:
Well, have you EVER had any evidence that God exists? And if you had evidence, would there be space for faith?

I have never had any evidence that a just interventionist personal God exists. Perhaps god(s) exist, but my temporary conclusion is that if it/they exist, the god(s) don't care about its/their creation. Also, I don't see the point of faith... "faith" in my mind is now synonymous to "wish".

Mindfulness:
I do not belong to any school of thought. I try to be free of dogmas because I like to be and remain open-minded but my personal beliefs come pretty close to the ideas of Pantheism, I guess.

Nice one. Currently I'm not exactly sure how to categorize myself. I just know that I have no evidence of a just interventionist personal God.