(August 13, 2013 at 9:40 am)pineapplebunnybounce Wrote: how is atheism an ideology? It's a lack of belief.
Promoting science and promoting atheism are two different things.
I can see what you are saying, and I will agree that the new definition of atheism is not an ideology. I am still stuck in the old Greek meaning of the word. And I agree promoting atheism and promoting science are two different things. However, the political motivations (note: political here is not governmental politics) is to get positive association of atheism with progress, by which science is usually seen as. I do see your point in regards to science and can see how this view point can be manipulated to suit negative ends. I will admit I have a certain degree of bias, as I grew up in a predominate religious home (preachers kid) and was always surrounded by religion. Therefore, this highly influences my personal ideology towards a free thinking and civil society. I really do not like people who emotionally defend whatever their personal opinions are.
I value different viewpoints, which is why I am not afraid of being wrong or incorrect. I personally want none religious belief to be seen as progress and not immensely negative. I already in my own area among my old Christian peer and friends presented positive image of secular viewpoints. Since most atheists here have been atheists longer I can expect more informed opinions and better view points.
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I would be a televangelist....but I have too much of a soul.