I live in France, which is one of the few countries in the world to have separation of religion & state enshrined in its constitution. No religion taught in schools, no state funding for churches or mosques.
Most french people are simply irreligeous rather than atheist. The catholic church was very powerful, but these days very few people go to church outside of weddings, funerals and (infant) baptisms.
When religion has cropped up in conversation most people regard it as supertitious nonsense, of no relevance to their lives.
I think because USA has such a strong xian fundie base, the atheism has to be that more vocal and active to combat it. Here in France, because the church is becoming increasingly irrelevant, the lack of a belief in god has become no big thing either.
And that is as it should be - we don't feel the need to tell people that Santa isn't real do we?
Most french people are simply irreligeous rather than atheist. The catholic church was very powerful, but these days very few people go to church outside of weddings, funerals and (infant) baptisms.
When religion has cropped up in conversation most people regard it as supertitious nonsense, of no relevance to their lives.
I think because USA has such a strong xian fundie base, the atheism has to be that more vocal and active to combat it. Here in France, because the church is becoming increasingly irrelevant, the lack of a belief in god has become no big thing either.
And that is as it should be - we don't feel the need to tell people that Santa isn't real do we?
'How can you say, "We are wise, for we have the law of the LORD," when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? Jer 8:8
A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five. Groucho Marx
A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five. Groucho Marx
