Most Christians...

[Darwinian]

As Kyu said, wouldn't it be better to put that energy into trying to bring them around to a more rational view of the world rather than just wanting them dead.

Seems a bit extreme.

[Darwinian]

Yes. (The rest of this is just filler because the forum wouldn't allow me to post a shorter message.) (@ Darwinian)

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I would that war could be avoided. However, observing the extremist factions in religion leads me to the conclusion that if one such faction gained a decisive advantage over all other factions, it would press that advantage to destroy or enslave all who do not share their beliefs, or even destroy humanity in general in the case of suicide religions. I contend that there are some factions that will never willingly peacefully co-exist with others.

You're really quite worried about this aren't you? Do you live in a theist dominated environment? Personally that's something I would hate.

[lrh9]

Who does not live in a theist dominated environment? The whole world is crawling with them. Granted, all theists do not conflict with non-theists or other theists, no matter how much they disagree. However, I would point out that it only takes one group - even one person - with ill intent and power to manifest that ill intent to threaten us or others, and such groups do exist.

[g-mark]

But don't this faith in eternity cloud you from all the joy that can be found in this world right here and now?

Would that be all the drugs, parties and sex?

Let me guess, you're 14 years old?

It's one thing to have a philosophical disagreement with someone, but it's really immature to "dislike" anyone who disagrees with you.

You'll grow out of it, though.

Have you been reading the other parts of this forum? There are heaps of 14 year olds.

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As Kyu said, wouldn't it be better to put that energy into trying to bring them around to a more rational view of the world rather than just wanting them dead.

LoL. Angry man said that. What a joke. There will always be differences, as long as their is free will.

Lets just have a massive war. It would solve the population problem.

[fr0d0]

I would point out that it only takes one group - even one person - with ill intent and power to manifest that ill intent to threaten us or others, and such groups do exist.

Hmmm

[Kyuuketsuki]

LRH,

Can you use a few quotes because I can't tell who you're replying to?

Kyu

[Madscientist]

The most fanatical and extremist certainly.

Do you realise that by the way you are speaking on this post, you do sound as extremist as any theist fanatic?
Idea will never get eradicated through violence, only by education.

But don't this faith in eternity cloud you from all the joy that can be found in this world right here and now?

Would that be all the drugs, parties and sex?

That would definitly be a part of it.
Drugs are not that bad a thing, as long as they are used responsibly ( i know since i have been at the wrong side of this statement and back).
As for parties, well what is wrong in geting together with your fellow humans and have a good time?
And as far as sex goes, see point 2 above

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Who does not live in a theist dominated environment?

Me for a start.

An atheist in a secular society,(Australia) theism has no direct effect on my behaviour. I consider control over my behaviour necessary before I would agree my society is dominated by a belief system or ideology. Using that definition my society and every "developed" society is dominated by the capitalist ethos,which is essentially a-religious and a-moral. (although it IS consistently piously hypocritical)


I can think of a few theist dominated societies EG Hassidic Jews,Amish some Middle Eastern tribal societies,-and America to a point,although I'd say "disproportionately influenced by". The term "dominated by" seems a bit hysterical as a universal principle.

[lrh9]

The most fanatical and extremist certainly.

Do you realise that by the way you are speaking on this post, you do sound as extremist as any theist fanatic?

Doesn't sound extremist to me. Radical yes, but not extreme. An entirely appropriate response to a real and grave threat, but not tried very often.

Idea will never get eradicated through violence, only by education.

People are stupid; given proper motivation, almost anyone will believe almost anything.

I would think that extremist theists, when they see their numbers being eradicated and there being nothing they can do about it, would have the proper motivation to cease seeking ways (airplanes, nuclear bombs, suicide bombs, rocket attacks, roadside bombs, guns, etc.) to destroy other people.

[Kyuuketsuki]

I would think that extremist theists, when they see their numbers being eradicated and there being nothing they can do about it, would have the proper motivation to cease seeking ways (airplanes, nuclear bombs, suicide bombs, rocket attacks, roadside bombs, guns, etc.) to destroy other people.

Yes but that's just the extremists, there are many theists who are just ordinary people like you and I (although right now I'm not sure about you, I'm assuming you're just young and need to gain more experience or whatever), people who are extremely clever, very pro science ... even our resident god-promoter, Frodo, is (as far as I can tell) pro-science, pro what science brings to society etc. (his stance is that his god is nothing at all to do with science, I disagree but that's another issue). I mean even if you compare radical Christians to radical Muslims and assume they are every bit as capable of suicide based terrorism (and I would assume that to be so under certain circumstances after all they've been known to blow up abortion clinics and so on), even with the tacit support of some more moderate sectors of their religions you really can't compare the truly moderate Christians with them and cannot condone the murder of them (and we are talking men, women AND children here) in the way you appear to be doing. I mean, just to put it in context, we are talking about theistic scientists like Professor Sir John Polkinghorne & Ernst Schrodinger.

Come on ... tell me you aren't condoning the murder of men, of women, and of children just because they believe in something without evidence?

Kyu