(March 17, 2015 at 11:09 am)abentwookie Wrote: Dissent? Why would you join a group if you don't share their values in the first place? That would be like me joining a Christian fundamentalist or Libertarian group even though I have nothing in common with either of them. That makes no sense.
Most of the prominent members involved with Atheism Plus definitely support social justice. However, I don't think they support people with opposing values joining the group just to stir up trouble, which was what was happening. This happens with any group. There are always those who will join just to try to tear it apart from within...
Dissent can come from any disagreement, not just one about core values.
My problem with atheism+ plus was the "you're either with me or against me" attitude that they tried to organize around. It's completely counter-intuitive to free-thought.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
