RE: Question For Fellow Atheists...
January 12, 2017 at 11:29 pm
(This post was last modified: January 12, 2017 at 11:38 pm by robvalue.)
You don't want us to tolerate it? What does that mean? Please be specific.
Yeah, it would probably be better if everyone was better grounded in reality. But you're talking like we can make all the theists drop their belief if we all feel really strongly about it, or something.
I'm trying to understand your position. Having a desire for something is fine, but you need a plan to go with it or else it's just daydreaming. I understand your frustration. I find religious belief as stupid as you. It's just we live in this world together, and we need to find a way forward together, including living with theists. I appreciate that's a lot harder when you're surrounded by them. I'm lucky to be in a country where religion is dying. Maybe you should consider moving, for your own sanity!
My plan, as far as I can influence matters at all, is to encourage rational thought, expose bad ideas, speak out against harm and religious privilege, but also to promote kindness and understanding. What else do you suggest, in practical terms?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a theist is not just their religious beliefs. They are a person, and they have reasons for their beliefs. We don't consider them good reasons, but it's not for us to tell people what reasons are good enough. We can give our opinion, but we can't force it. If they are being a dick, then that can and should be called out. But that goes for everyone.
Yeah, it would probably be better if everyone was better grounded in reality. But you're talking like we can make all the theists drop their belief if we all feel really strongly about it, or something.
I'm trying to understand your position. Having a desire for something is fine, but you need a plan to go with it or else it's just daydreaming. I understand your frustration. I find religious belief as stupid as you. It's just we live in this world together, and we need to find a way forward together, including living with theists. I appreciate that's a lot harder when you're surrounded by them. I'm lucky to be in a country where religion is dying. Maybe you should consider moving, for your own sanity!
My plan, as far as I can influence matters at all, is to encourage rational thought, expose bad ideas, speak out against harm and religious privilege, but also to promote kindness and understanding. What else do you suggest, in practical terms?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a theist is not just their religious beliefs. They are a person, and they have reasons for their beliefs. We don't consider them good reasons, but it's not for us to tell people what reasons are good enough. We can give our opinion, but we can't force it. If they are being a dick, then that can and should be called out. But that goes for everyone.
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Please visit my website here! It's got lots of information about atheism/theism and support for new atheists.
Index of useful threads and discussions
Index of my best videos
Quickstart guide to the forum