Lack of "Connection" to something higher - is this holding atheism back?
February 25, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Hey all,
Like most atheists, I would love for people to stop believing in the unfounded and superstitious beliefs of religion. However, debating people and propagating the irrationality of religion obviously isn't enough- to quote Dr. House, "if you could reason with religious people there would be no religious people." The reason people stick with religion is because it fulfills an emotional need So, why haven't we created a secular alternative to religion which fulfills those needs?
Most people desire a sense of purpose, community, and "connection" to something higher than themselves. Religion conveniently provides all of those things in one package, which is why people will join them. I mean, why do kids of secularists become religious? Instilling free thinking isn't enough for some people.
Since atheism is simply the lack of belief in God/Gods, we shouldn't try to make something like an "atheist church" - the term atheism shouldn't become associated with an institution or dogma. Yet at the same time feel-good "believe whatever you want" secular-type alternatives for atheists like the Unitarian Universalist church are unappealing because they lack conviction and a unified purpose.
So, basically, I'm wondering if there are secular organizations that people could join which could fulfill the emotional needs many people have that keeps them stuck in religion. If not, why do you think we haven't created such an alternative to religion?
I'm trying to refine my thoughts on this issue, so any constructive critiques you have on possible holes in my thinking is definitely welcome.
Like most atheists, I would love for people to stop believing in the unfounded and superstitious beliefs of religion. However, debating people and propagating the irrationality of religion obviously isn't enough- to quote Dr. House, "if you could reason with religious people there would be no religious people." The reason people stick with religion is because it fulfills an emotional need So, why haven't we created a secular alternative to religion which fulfills those needs?
Most people desire a sense of purpose, community, and "connection" to something higher than themselves. Religion conveniently provides all of those things in one package, which is why people will join them. I mean, why do kids of secularists become religious? Instilling free thinking isn't enough for some people.
Since atheism is simply the lack of belief in God/Gods, we shouldn't try to make something like an "atheist church" - the term atheism shouldn't become associated with an institution or dogma. Yet at the same time feel-good "believe whatever you want" secular-type alternatives for atheists like the Unitarian Universalist church are unappealing because they lack conviction and a unified purpose.
So, basically, I'm wondering if there are secular organizations that people could join which could fulfill the emotional needs many people have that keeps them stuck in religion. If not, why do you think we haven't created such an alternative to religion?
I'm trying to refine my thoughts on this issue, so any constructive critiques you have on possible holes in my thinking is definitely welcome.
