Just wondering if there would be enough interest for atheists having a forum, much like the Christian Magic forum.

I think they have one because there is a magic organization behind it, the FCM. If there was something like FAM, then it could be a valid request.

I have a FAM. Two girls and a wife. lol!

That’s not a forum for Christians, it’s a forum for the FCM; there’s a difference. A lot of Christian performers are not members of the FCM, and therefore not active in that forum.

If there was a point (or an organization), sure, why not? It’d be interesting to see if they had anything useful beyond what the IBM and SAM already delivers.

In previous discussions (they happen frequently in Penny) we’ve been informed that “atheism is not a religion”, it is not even a “belief in nothing”, but rather an “absence of belief”. I wonder what common element (ergo what purpose) would such a group have to share? (beyond, potentially, a collective disdain for another group?)

It's not like there isn't a forum for Atheists here. None of them are shy about letting us know they're Atheists!

To what purpose?

You don't have to believe in Elmer to enjoy peanut butter.

They could discuss ways to further attempt to co-opt the agnostics.

I am all for spreading the word. No great purpose to be gained, but it is always good to keep the message in front of people.

I think its poor entertainment to use magic as an opportunity to prosthelytize either for or against religion, unless you're already "preaching to the choir" so to speak. Same with politics. If a magician came to my table in a restaurant and started doing Christian magic without knowing my religion (or lack thereof) I would thank him after the first trick and politely ask him to move on. Same with an atheist. If I want your religious views I'll let you know.

It seems like most people who ask "why a Christian forum" or "why not a Muslim/Hindu/athiest forum" are simply reacting to the word "Christian" in the forum title. They are usually unaware that there is an organization with a world-wide membership called "The Fellowship of Christian Magicians", and that is the forum for that organization's members. The FCM forum in that sense is on the same level as the IBM and SAM forums.

And the Good News forum directly underneath is for the contingent that specializes in doing magic in and/or for churches, often for children or as an alternative church service. It's the same as the forums for children's magic, rope magic, mentalism, and others.

The two forums are meant only to serve a specific group of magicians, and were never intended to be an "in your face" promotion of one school of religious thought over another.

Ed

^ All the above? True.