Apathetic and Atheist, What does it even matter?

[robvalue]

I agree that being angry in itself is not helpful, and that trying to develop a balanced mindset is healthy. Anger can provide motivation though, if kept under control. It's your body's way of telling you that shit is fucked up. I also agree that it is up to each atheist how much they wish to delve into religious discussion, reform or other forms of action. I think no less of anyone that just wants nothing to do with it all and to get on with their life. (Not that I'm setting myself up as some sort of judge! Just saying how I see things.)

Personally I choose to get involved in debates because I am fully aware, more now than ever, of the atrocious harm religion has done and continues to do. Top of my list would be murders/rape/pillaging, followed by indoctrination which I equate with child abuse. If by talking about these things and expressing my opinion I can go some slight way to improve the situation, it is worthwhile for me. Even if I only get one person to think a bit. I know it can happen, and that many now-atheists are grateful for those who spoke up and got them to actually think and question.

I'm not sure exactly what this militant atheism is all about. I don't generally advocate getting in people's faces. But I must say with ISIS or whatever they want to be called it seems to me that the time of reason is over and I don't know what else can be done than to wipe them out. If there is any peaceful solution, I hope it is found before things get to all-out warfare. But there's never going to be peace or freedom with those insane zealots having any kind of power. So in such extreme cases, I understand the need to "get in their face" as they are actively doing massive and obvious harm.

I will continue to argue that moderates are giving them cover and validation though. I'm not going to get in people's faces about that, but I'm going to voice my opinion where appropriate. If you're nothing to do with them, don't use the same name and violent instruction manual and call it peaceful.

So for me, maybe I can't do much in the grand scheme, but I want to try. I respect your choice to have nothing to do with the whole childish thing though.