(September 4, 2009 at 1:30 pm)downbeatplumb Wrote: In answer to the question 'is belief in God a choice?' I would say that for most cultures you have to choose NOT to believe, belief is the default, the easy way.
I see what you're saying but my point is that you don't just decide, "I think I will stop believing in God today" ... what you do is choose (or adopt) a philosophy and it is THAT that leads you to your belief or disbelief ... for me it was science (or rather humanism). By the same token I can't decide to believe because to do so would mean dropping being a humanist and since that is my entire basis for existence it would be like switching my brain off.
(September 4, 2009 at 1:30 pm)downbeatplumb Wrote: My children go to a church of England school where they are taught that jesus was our saviour as FACT. I was fuming when I heard that.
Likewise when my then 8 year old came home and proudly announced she knew who the first two people were ... grrr!
(September 4, 2009 at 1:30 pm)downbeatplumb Wrote: My elder two have recovered from the initial brainwashing but my young son is still in its insidious embrace. Where choice really comes in with respect to belief is when you change religions from your cultural one.
Mine are now both extremely cynical about religion but, unlike me, don't mind theists.
Kyu
Angry Atheism
Where those who are hacked off with the stupidity of irrational belief can vent their feelings!
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Where those who are hacked off with the stupidity of irrational belief can vent their feelings!
Come over to the dark side, we have cookies!
Kyuuketsuki, AngryAtheism Owner & Administrator
