There are a lot of positive associations with atheism now. It's the 'smart' position in a lot of places. When something gets the 'smart' label, it really brings in a lot of people who want to be considered smart.

If you're a big ole idiot, the arguments for and against things aren't nearly as important as the sociological implications of holding that position, I think.

(April 25, 2018 at 3:03 pm)Succubus Wrote:

(April 25, 2018 at 10:15 am)Neo-Scholastic Wrote: Also known as humility.

Evidently there are meanings to the word 'humble' I haven't previously encountered.
Christians claim, via pray, to have one on one communication with the creator of the universe. That's humility is it?

"You say humility, I say sycophancy... let's call the whole thing off."

(April 25, 2018 at 3:30 pm)henryp Wrote: There are a lot of positive associations with atheism now.  It's the 'smart' position in a lot of places.  When something gets the 'smart' label, it really brings in a lot of people who want to be considered smart.

If you're a big ole idiot, the arguments for and against things aren't nearly as important as the sociological implications of holding that position, I think.

Whereas I think I'm unsure of the point you're trying to make.

It's not even a new observation.

Quote:“As more people become more intelligent they care less for preachers and more for teachers.”

— Robert G. Ingersoll

(April 25, 2018 at 3:48 pm)Succubus Wrote:

(April 25, 2018 at 3:30 pm)henryp Wrote: There are a lot of positive associations with atheism now.  It's the 'smart' position in a lot of places.  When something gets the 'smart' label, it really brings in a lot of people who want to be considered smart.

If you're a big ole idiot, the arguments for and against things aren't nearly as important as the sociological implications of holding that position, I think.

Whereas I think I'm unsure of the point you're trying to make.

I'm saying that ideas can be trendy, and the trendiness of atheism has as much to do with it's growth as it being correct.

(April 25, 2018 at 5:36 pm)henryp Wrote:

(April 25, 2018 at 3:48 pm)Succubus Wrote: Whereas I think I'm unsure of the point you're trying to make.

I'm saying that ideas can be trendy, and the trendiness of atheism has as much to do with it's growth as it being correct.

When did not believing in god, upper or lower case, become a trend?

(April 25, 2018 at 7:25 pm)Succubus Wrote:

(April 25, 2018 at 5:36 pm)henryp Wrote: I'm saying that ideas can be trendy, and the trendiness of atheism has as much to do with it's growth as it being correct.

When did not believing in god, upper or lower case,  become a trend?

I'd say in the last 20 years.

I'll buy that as a "trend", not as "trendy". In my wood carving class, based on comments made, I'd have to say that half of them are non-believers. I'm the youngest at 65.

(April 25, 2018 at 8:13 pm)henryp Wrote:

(April 25, 2018 at 7:25 pm)Succubus Wrote: When did not believing in god, upper or lower case,  become a trend?

I'd say in the last 20 years.

More like 200 years..... and fundie bullshit arose in the early 20th century.  So much for that "old time religion" bullshit, huh?

Quote:I'd say in the last 20 years.

It's never been a consistent curve