ACCORDING to the Gospel of St Estes, we atheists are an angry, miserable and aggressive bunch.
Add to that the words  ”crazy” and “destructive.”
Tom Estes, the blow-hard US Baptist pastor who masterminded the exceeding dishonest and dotty “Renaissance of Rational Thinking” Hard Truths blog, has been forced to limit discussion on the blog – apparently as a result of uppity atheists hi-jacking his forums.
Tom Estes and his missus
Here’s his explanation:
Due to the insanity that has been going on over here lately, I’ve decided that I have to make some changes. While I would love to be able to have a blog where anyone can comment, it’s just not possible to do that and retain any level of sanity.
I started this blog so I could share what God has laid on my heart, and to give Christians a place to openly discuss or debate the topic of my post, or random topics that people were interested in could be brought up in the forums.
Well, as we all know, the atheists are so active and harsh in their comments that it makes Christians just not want to bother with sharing their thoughts. I know atheists see this as a weakness, but I assure you it’s just the opposite.
As Christians, we know we’re right, thus, we’re not going to waste time talking with someone who’s not willing to listen, but instead just wants to argue.
I know this may disappoint some of the Christians who come here and enjoy mixing it up with the militant atheists, and I’m truly sorry to disappoint, but this just doesn’t fit the vision I had for this blog when I started.
I just want to make clear, my point is not to remove atheists from this blog, my goal is to remove the militant ones. If I make a post about the Bible, and you want to bash the Bible, don’t bother, I’ll remove you. Basically, if you want to discuss what is being talked about here, fine, but you will not be allowed to change the premise of the discussion, if you do, I’ll remove you.
Here’s the HardTruth:
I hate the fact that I have to do this, but it can be no other way. Too many crazy atheists are trying to ruin it for everyone, so instead of allowing that, I’m just removing the crazy atheists. Again, the last thing I wanted to do was offend anyone by doing this, but these changes need to be made, and that’s the HardTruth.
You can see Estes’ new rules for posting here. Yawn.
Me? I’m now off to London to debate the subject “Does Religion Make People Unhappy” on Premier Christian Radio with the cute Tom Price, a Christian apologist who works with the Damaris Trust. This should be fun!
The Freethinker was founded in 1881 by GW Foote, an outspoken critic of religion. After the publication of 
August 18th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Oh dear - "as Christians we know we're right"! Where do they get it from? And as "many crazy Christians" are trying to "spoil" this site for everyone, why can't you do something about THAT, Barry? On second thoughts, cancel that last request, as their comments are so hilariously funny!!
PS Tom Price looks REALLY cute – I hope you're not going to corrupt him!
August 18th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Anagram time, boys and girls:
'Tom Estes' – Teem toss
'Pastor Tom Estes' – Teamsters stoop
'Gospel of St Estes' – Self stooge pests
The Lord sure works in mysterious ways…
August 18th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
What he really means is: I am right and anyone who does not agree is wrong. Further, I will not listen to any counter opinion because I know I am right. There can be no debate, no discussion, no free speech. This nutter would be found to be clinically insane – paranoid with weird delusions of grandeur – if he were not cringing and retreating from the field of debate under the very thin and utterly inadequate patina of religion. Encouraging, all the same, in that when we hit back they run.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Stuart – you missed one that isn't even an anagram
T.Estes – never mind his opinions, even his name is bollocks
August 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
And Tom Estes Hard Truth becomes "Three Star Stud Moth!
August 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
And Tom Estes Hard Truth becomes "Three Star Stud Moth"!
August 18th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Couldn't agree more – the man is an idiot.
He simply cannot cope with reason and the hardtruth is he feels intellectually inadequate, but is too dishonest or scared to even consider assessing the validity of his primtive and backwards-looking immoral belief system.
He's be pitiable if he wasn't such an arse.
August 18th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
That's just typical of UnGodly Atheists trying to spoil everything for Bible believing Christians.
Now, Tom, if you are reading this, you are always most welcome to come over and join God's favorite Forums at Landoverbaptist.net. (Where the worthwhile Worship, Unsaved Unwelcome).
Our little Community of True Christian™ folk will, I'm sure, give you a warm welcome.
We don't teach fluffy-bunny Christianity. We teach Hard-Core King James Old Testament Bible just the way God intended it to be.
We get our fair share of Demon infested Atheists and even softy Liberal New Testament false Christians trying to disrupt our Boards.
It doesn't stop us trying to teach them the Truth about God's word.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
As much as i enjoy strolling over here and reading about the insanities of religion, this post is uncalled for. To repeat his (rather ridiculous) post along with an image of him is just low. I would expect more than simple bashing of a pastor.
Also this reinforces the picture of the ‘evil atheist’, but maybe you just do not care…..
August 18th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Way to go Barry. I can see you're always looking to bash Christians. I'm not surprised by this at all. But what does surprise me is that atheists actually think they have the right to be a jerk to Christians, and that we have to take it. Well, WE DON"T, and I'm not going to.
Have a nice day, Barry.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
He called us… "harsh" Sniff… I don't think I'll ever get over that
Godless not gormlesss
August 18th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
"atheists actually think they have the right to be a jerk to Christians"
Well, Tom…. I'm sure you know how one of our mantras goes by now:
'If you don't want us to be be continually taking the piss out of you for having such stupid fucking beliefs, then you shouldn't have such stupid fucking beliefs."
August 18th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
"atheists actually think they have the right to be a jerk to Christians"
Well, Tom…. I'm sure you know how one of our mantras goes by now:
"If you don't want us to be be continually taking the piss out of you for having such stupid fucking beliefs, then you shouldn't have such stupid fucking beliefs."
August 18th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
That makes about as much sense as a paper kettle. For one thing, the fact that you are allowed to answer back here – something that you wouldn't allow us to do on your own site if we wanted to – is in conflict with your self-victimizing whine about being expected to just 'take it'. What gave you the idea that it is universally assumed by atheists that Christians should not or will not reply to criticism/ mocking/ expose?
August 18th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Now now, He's right because the bible says he's right and the bible is true. How do I know that? Because it says so in the bible so it must be true, etc. etc……. The mans a bore.
August 18th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
"they have the right to be a jerk to Christians, and that we have to take it. Well, WE DON"T, and I'm not going to."
You're either a deluded fool or a unscrupulous con merchant!
Ner,Ner NaNer ner!!! take it – don't take it, either way, you're still a tit!
(rog, age 6)
August 18th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Also Barry, I love how you think it's cool to rip a picture off a private Facebook account. Very nice.
August 18th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Er Stuart…
I don't wish to come across as pedantic but…
http://www.courseworld.com/sci10/labs/kettle.html
August 18th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
So Mr Estes can troll our forum but doesn’t allow us the return complement – a bit selfish. I wonder what he really fears: that some of his delusional mates might learn a few facts. Estes response is the classic “close down the argument because I’m losing” tactic or to put it in language that the xtains understand: sticking fingers in ears, closing eyes and shouting la la la….
August 18th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Quite right, Tom. It is just too easy to criticise you wonderful people. Pity we couldn't have the burning at the stake back. That sorted out the witch problem. Not so many of them around now. Pity the village ponds are so rare. We have a big pond but my wife says throwing witches in would frighten the wild ducks – mallards. Throw a witch in there and if she sinks that proves her innocence. If she lives she is deemed guilty and off to the stake. Her money shared with the church and her accuser. Lucky we have the certainty of her guilt, isn't it. (Forgotten the name of that book with all the details – Malefactorum or simlar. One of these smart ass atheists will know. Bit of that would make these atheists think before they hurt the feelings of sensitive people. The problem is: what are you going to do? If you leave you are seen to be running away. If you don't that nasty Barry will hurt your feelings again? Any help or guidance in the Bible?
August 18th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Interesting, although still totally relevant to Tommy boy's post.
Firstly, the smell of sulphur. Secondly, it easily collapses under weight. Thirdly, it sounds like a lot of fuss and hot air for little worthwhile result!
August 18th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I really like your blog and i respect your work. I’ll be a frequent visitor.
August 18th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Which blog is next for the "militant atheist"?
August 18th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Just been reading the comments on Tom Esticles blog.
Esticles and Bob Hutton have made contact. Just when I thought my life couldn't get any better…
August 18th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
It's ironic how sarcastic the atheists are while trying to "disprove" the truth. My momma always told me if you argue with a fool, then there are two fools. "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God."
August 18th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Attacking a person that you don't know and saying that the person is "dishonest" or "scared" when you don't know them…seems to me that YOUare the dishonest one. Don't know you, but I know the "idiot" you are referring to. He is no idiot, and he is not dishonest. The truth hurts!
August 18th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Just a question, are you two? Just wondering because of the immaturity of your statement.
August 18th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
The malleus maleficarum.
(reads rest of post…. smacks forehead)
August 18th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I noticed that, you know what they say "great minds think alike". That must be what's happening here or do you beg to differ?
August 18th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Aye. Just think, Tom Esticles and Bob Ollocks chatting on the same forum.
I'm hooked!
August 18th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
If they can find your picture on facebook, it isn't private. You have to change all the settings to make it private.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Sad bitter twisted angry unforgiving unloving ikkle Christian isn't he ??
Funny how they can dish it out but not take it !!
August 18th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Genius observation, Stuart. Well done!
August 18th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I think the Freethinker is owed an introduction fee.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Public domain!
August 18th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
We don't "know" Mr Estes. We're just going by the absolute drivel that he posts on the net! How can you argue against that evidence of his idiocy?
August 18th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
What a wonderful display epitomizing your ability to distort facts! Google image search your name, genius.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Tom doesn't seem all that bright. Hint: If you want something to be private, don't use it as your profile picture.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
"it will be nice not having to listen to all the ignorance that was being displayed"
self awareness fail!
August 18th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
That's precisely what I did – searched Google images and there you were, pouting provocatively. Still haven't found a pic of your new-found friend, Bob Hutton, the gormless twat who was banned from this blog because he only ever had two messages – "Homosexuality is an abomination" and "Christians are persecuted" – which he posted with such monotonous regularity that I eventually blew a gasket.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Comments by trolls are NOT welcome. If they had something intelligent to say, it would be a different situation entirely. But having to read over and over and over that "Jesus is the answer" from a retard who hasn't had an original thought since he was first godphuqt, and cannot comprehend that no sane, intelligent, educated person has believed in religion for more than a century, is like having to swim through a septic tank without scuba gear.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Fair enough, Barry. I didn't know how that happened, but that's fine.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:10 am
Tom, the hard truth is that we have to be humble enough to accept that we can find no perfectly descriptive definition. It's not such a terrible thing, it's actually quite beautiful. Stop being scared and think critically. I'm confident you will see the irrationality of Christianity if you truly wrestle. Take it from an honest ex-Christian who wanted to go all out with his faith, and in doing so, became an atheist.
August 19th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Tom Price may be cute, but he's got all the hallmarks of a nasty Christian evangelist . Pity more people with his undoubted speaking skills and a missionary zeal can't be recruited to the atheist cause. Imagine packing Wembley Stadium as Billy Graham did.
August 19th, 2009 at 7:21 am
What, and that's your response, is it?
Look out, chaps & chapesses, T.Estes has set his toothless rottweilers on us! We're going to be gummed to death!!
Personally, I love being called immature by someone who believes that 'evil' entered the world when a rib-woman persuaded a mud-man to eat a fruit, egged on by a talking snake…
August 19th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I just got banned from this site too. I have to admit, in a car crash kind of way it was interesting reading the comments that were posted. I never realised quite how closed off to any contrary ideas these guys could be. It started to lose its appeal when some guy called Bob started to blame the outbreaks of foot and mouth and IRA terrorism in the UK on abortionists and homosexuals and my comments on this may have encouraged my removal.
Also when Tom was on a banning spree and I posted
"Ooh me too me too, do me do me……….errr hold on, I may have phrased that badly", that may not of helped either
August 19th, 2009 at 8:00 am
To be fair Andy, Tom exhibited none of the characteristics of a "nasty Christian evangelist' when I met him yesterday. He actually agreed with a lot of what I said, and our only real clash – if you could call it a clash – was over the issue of of "ex-gay" ministries. He suggested, much to my surprise, that Peter Tatchell believes that gays can be transformed. This was news to me, and frankly I was at a loss as to how to react to his assertion
August 19th, 2009 at 8:01 am
RobS
The BOB you refer to is Bob Hutton who was banned from here too for the above.
Him and Mad Tom are a marriage made in heaven.
Since a few hours ago he's withdrawn membership and ALL comments are held for moderation.
For a rational believer try http://thomas2026.wordpress.com/ who has slagged Tom off today.
Thanks Tom Estes for bringing Freethinker to my attention.
I'm from UK, and although I like PZ's place it's nice to find a good British godless site.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Tom admits he's wrong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Seems I just got banned too. No idea what for. Perhaps because when I see bigotry and hypocrisy I point it out. Seems Tom really didn't like that.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Did someone just post that someone's testicles made contact with Bob's Hutton? that's not very jesusee
August 19th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Barry said, "To be fair Andy, Tom exhibited none of the characteristics of a 'nasty Christian evangelist' ."
Fair dos, Barry. I didn't meet him, of course, and I'm glad he was a nice guy. I was reading his profile, that was all. Perhaps there's hope yet .
* * *
William Harwood, what does "godphuqt" mean? It sounds fascinating. I can find it on a few websites concerning atheism, but no etymology (not surprising if it's a very new term). Or was it just a nonce word to rhyme with "God-fucked" and got taken up by others? Or do the p, the h and the u and q and t stand for something else. Serious question. I like new words and this sounds like one we can usefully use.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:52 am
It is quite “unfortunate” that T.Estes should even have a blog called the “Hard truth”.
I quote from a post of his (link):
“It’s funny, atheists continue to prove how seriously they take this blog by continuing to try and bring it down”
Its as if he’s pleading that his stuff is not to be taken seriously.. so much for the “Hard Truth”!
August 19th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Would you say you would have got away with it, if it weren't for them meddlin' atheists?
August 19th, 2009 at 9:28 am
No. He merely acknowledged his ignorance.
It appears that once something is explained to him it eventually sinks in.
Now Tom, about this magic man who lives in the sky…
August 19th, 2009 at 10:20 am
shargraves: That's the one. Too bloody idle to look it up myself. Must have had a wonderful time when they were hunting down the young, nubile, sexy witches. Oh yes, they were not all aged crones. They often looked for the devil's spot. And guess what? They had to examine the pubic aread a. One of the most hellish things I read was that when the woman's face was contorted in anguish the priest would say, "You see, she is laughing. She cannot be hurt."
Best literary description of a burning at the stake is, in my opinion, Stendhal's "The Red and the Black." Poor bastard being burned alive, pleading for a knock on the head, while his enemy is watching from a window drinking wine.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:25 am
shargraves: That's the one. Too bloody idle to look it up myself. Must have had a wonderful time when they were hunting down the young, nubile, sexy witches. Oh yes, they were not all aged crones. They often looked for the devil's spot. And guess what? They had to examine the pubic region. One of the most hellish things I read was that when the woman's face was contorted in anguish the priest would say, "You see, she is laughing. She cannot be hurt."
Best literary description of a burning at the stake is, in my opinion, Stendhal's "The Red and the Black." Poor bastard being burned alive, pleading for a knock on the head, while his enemy is watching from a window drinking wine.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
From what I understand, 'Sideshow' Bob Hutton got banned from here because he did not come to provide counter arguments pertaining to the topics at hand but to evangelise with endless copied and pasted bible quotes. Oh, and to get his daily 'persecution of Christians' fix.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Poor pastor testicles really lost it yesterday… he banned all the contrary voices (atheists and/or scientists) so he can enjoy a good circle jerk among friends without being bothered with things like facts and reality.
It's funny that the only reason anybody has heard of this fool is because he waded into the Pharyngula comments section talking about how much we (atheists) would learn from the creation museum! He seemed to legitimately think that the museum would blind us with it's science! We all laughed at him and them followed him to his site (hard truth) to continue correcting him on his ridiculous ideas about science.
Oh well… looks like the hard truth is going back to 2 or 3 readers a day….
August 19th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Doctor, I have a pain in my esticles when I read dribbling, whining tripe.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Testicles Jr, Mrs Testicles, and grandma Testicles?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Wow.. so he finally took the final step to close-mindedness and banned anyone with an opinion that was not his own. I guess he finally realized that he can’t fight real logic and reason with his perverted version of it. Not too shocking, mind you, since in any battle of logic, atheism and evolution ultimately win, no matter how much ignorance you throw at it.
gg Estes. Using the ban stick means that you lose.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Mad Tom has now banned all atheists bar 2 who pass muster as having never been mean to him ! ?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
While it is not really necessary on a site that is not programmed to block all postings that contain any of George Carlin's "words you can't say on television," phonetic spelling is a means of getting past such filters on other sites.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Interestingly, I can kind of see why the likes of Mr. Estes would perceive atheists as being angry and miserable. He only comes into contact with them via websites such as his own and this one and as a consequence, a confrontation is more or less guaranteed.
Jesus was supposed to have told people to love their enemies, a course of action which I see as being pretty impractical. Stoneyground has a more useful philosophy:
Never consider anyone an enemy except for the gravest of reasons. There are people in this world who may be a threat to your liveliehood, your way of life or to your life and the lives of people that you care about. These people are enemies and you must deal with them in whatever way you can. Someone who disagrees with you about religion, or anything else for that matter is not an enemy unless they qualify in the ways mentioned above.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I'm not surprised that T Esticles has restricted comments on his blog to only those who are docile enough to agree with his ramblings, after all Pastor Tom Estes is an anagram of Tame Post Tosser!
August 19th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
And as for his new friend Bob…
Top Tossers Mate!
August 19th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I was one of the mean old atheist who got the boot yesterday. I do thank him for introducing me this blog, however.
One more interesting thing of note. Pastor Tom has changed the tagline of the blog to "Exposing the Adverse Effects of Atheist On Our World."
At least he has acknowledge that the blog is in no way a home for a "Renaissance of Rational Thinking."
August 19th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
So . . . first post on this site and so full of typos. Way to make a good first impression. :-/
August 19th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
How long before he changes it to…
'Fuck it.- they were right. Now I'll have to get a proper job!'
August 19th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
How long before he changes it to…
'Fuck it.- they were right. Now I'll have to get a proper job!'
August 19th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
How long before he changes it to…
'Fuck it – they were right. Now I'll have to get a proper job!'
August 19th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
As Christians we know we're right. And we just avoid any dissenting facts that might cause us to think otherwise by sticking our fingers in our ears and screaming "la la la I can't hear you!".
BTW, I notice Estes won't let the "crazy atheists" comment on his blog but he's still polluting yours with his nonsense. Nice double standard.
August 20th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
God loves you even if you say you don't believe in Him. You will one day.
August 20th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
This one thing I know, that Jesus loves you even if you say you don't believe in Him now. History shows what the Bible says to be true. One day you will believe in Him.
August 20th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Mr. Estes is only taking off the people who attack, not those who simply voice an opinion. This should be the case with this site also, and since the posts I put up have to be approved, I think that is the way it is.
August 20th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Sew, you are beginning to sound like a troll. Go away, and don't come back til you have something intelligent to say!
August 20th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Well, if he loves me, everything's going to be OK, isn't it, Sew?
August 20th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Well, why do you idiots waste so much time arguing against atheistic views on THIS site then? (Pot, kettle, black)
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Estes as usual is being his whiny self! Haven’t we seen that before on Hard Truth