(June 15, 2016 at 6:00 pm)BlueGirl Wrote: I'm not trying to upset anyone here. This is my personal opinion and I just want to know if anyone agrees with me. I see so much hate flying around on the internet from both atheists and religious people and I really don't think any of it is nessesary.
I don't know what atheism is to you, but for me it's just a simple view: I don't believe in God. I get very annoyed when religious people try to convert me back to faith (I have one very devout family member who really irritates me) and I think that needs to stop. There's nothing wrong with not believing.
But I also don't have a problem with faith.
It really surprised me to see that atheists on the internet seem to have very little respect for religion. I understand that perspective- there really is no sense of logic to it, it's seems silly, and it can be dangerous. But I also think that in moderate amounts it can be a very good thing. Some people (most people) are comforted by faith in a god, and I really think it's something many people need in their lives to feel whole. I think that's probably why they so often don't understand how atheists can go without a God. Religion isn't required by all people to feel happy, but for some people it definitely is. I don't feel that this is a failure on the part of those people, but apparently many other athiests do.
I think religious faith can contribute a lot to a persons life. Not every persons life -I certainly dont' want it- but why else would it have persisted so long if it didn't mean something? Tolerance of differing beliefs isn't just for athiests. I think it's important that we remember that all beliefs should be respected, even if they seem ludicrous to us.
So what do you guys think?
I don't agree that all beliefs should be respected, although I once did. Especially if they seem ludicrous. How can you respect something that is absurd?
I do think being considerate to others is good, although that might be a little unrealistic at times. Sometimes you just have to say enough is enough.
I do try to get along with people. I don't discuss my lack of religious belief today. Although, I do find myself saying things like "When I was religious . . . ".
Yet, no one has ever questioned what I mean by that. Which I find interesting.
Yes, I do think religion can be comforting. Yet, it can also be all-consuming as well. Anything that is all-consuming should be examined.
Obviously, I am still sorting this out.
"My imagination makes me human and makes me a fool; it gives me all the world and exiles me from it."
Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin