(October 2, 2011 at 10:05 am)ElDinero Wrote: Ok, here we go again. The reason it is an issue worth discussing is because religious belief dominates many of our societies and forces its beliefs down OUR throats in every single area (health, education, defence, law, politics), restricts societal development, is responsible for bigotry, tribalism, more than a few deaths and any number of barbaric and outdated beliefs. Are you saying that because we don't believe God exists, that we shouldn't weigh in with our thoughts when people that do believe use that belief to do things that are reprehensible? Do you really think our lack of belief means we have nothing to say on the matter? A bit like saying if I supported the Democratic party, it's pointless me discussing Republican policies. What an idiotic thing to say.Excuse me, but where exactly are religious beliefs forced down your throats, or dominate every single area of your life? Like what kind of an effect does religion have on your healthcare system? Or your educational system? Really, please enlighten me.
If you think it's so stupid, what are you doing here?
Quote:Do you really think our lack of belief means we have nothing to say on the matter?Well, since none of you are theologians, I figure that the most you can discuss is the existence of God. And this is only a philosophical debate, nothing to get anxious about.
But I see that you're really, really motivated by something to think that you're under some sort of a siege by religion, God, or whatever.
This is quite dangerous. It's called the minority complex. Most atheists in my country do not have it, since they do not tend to distinct themselves from others by their views on religion. I have yet to meet someone that speaks of other people as "you know, these muslims are...", as like we are not of the same damn people.
Besides, America is quite secular, and I do not think that religion does restrict social development in any way. If you can show me a solid example, we can talk on that one.
Quote: A bit like saying if I supported the Democratic party, it's pointless me discussing Republican policies. What an idiotic thing to say.Religion is nothing like politics. It can be used as a tool, maybe. But in itself, this does not constitute a good example.