Reflecting on Atheism.

[arvind13]

Here is an interesting quote from philosopher John Gray from his book Straw Dogs:

"To Deny the existence of God is to accept the categories [framework] of monotheism. As these categories fall into disuse, unbelief becomes uninteresting. Atheists say they want a secular world, but a world defined by the absence of the Christian God is still a Christian world. Secularism is like chastity, a condition defined by what it denies. If atheism has a future, it can only be in a Christian world.

Atheism is a late bloom of a Christian passion for truth. No Pagan is ready to sacrifice the pleasure of life for the sake of mere truth. The long delayed consequence of Christian faith was an idolatry of truth that found its most complete expression in Atheism."

Hi guys. I just joined this forum. I thought this quote was fascinating and would be interesting to reflect upon and discuss about.

[Minimalist]

This is why I despise philosophers. Pointless rambling about inconsequential nonsense.

Welcome.

[arvind13]

This is why I despise philosophers. Pointless rambling about inconsequential nonsense.

Welcome.

thanks for the welcome minimalist.

[Something completely different]

Here is an interesting quote from philosopher John Gray from his book Straw Dogs:

"To Deny the existence of God is to accept the categories [framework] of monotheism. As these categories fall into disuse, unbelief becomes uninteresting. Atheists say they want a secular world, but a world defined by the absence of the Christian God is still a Christian world. Secularism is like chastity, a condition defined by what it denies. If atheism has a future, it can only be in a Christian world.

Atheism is a late bloom of a Christian passion for truth. No Pagan is ready to sacrifice the pleasure of life for the sake of mere truth. The long delayed consequence of Christian faith was an idolatry of truth that found its most complete expression in Atheism."

Sounds rather far fetched.

[Sejanus]

Hmm well you see what John Gray doesn't seem to realise is that Atheists do not give christianity any more or less merit than we do to any of the other countless religions out there; to us they are equally ridiculous and by his logic, we are living in a world defined by all the thousands of gods people have thought up, which is not exactly breaking news. Religion and spirituality plays an integral part in cultures all over the world, which atheists acknowledge.
Atheism isn't a crusade to rid the world of religion, as Mr.Gray seems to think. It is simply the lack of a belief in deity(s) and the supernatural. That is all it is.

[Cinjin]

Atheists say they want a secular world, but a world defined by the absence of the Christian God is still a Christian world.

Secularism is like chastity, a condition defined by what it denies. If atheism has a future, it can only be in a Christian world.

Two assertions that the author knows he will never have to prove.

Drivel. Just drivel.

[Bob Kelso]

Absolutely ridiculous.

[pineapplebunnybounce]

This is why I despise philosophers. Pointless rambling about inconsequential nonsense.

Welcome.

I hate philosophy for the same reason.

[Optimistic Mysanthrope]

Based on those quotes, I'd suggest the book be renamed Straw Men.

It appears to assume that atheism is just a knee jerk reaction to christianity, which kind of misses the point. Maybe for some people it is, but in cases I'd imagine there's a good chance that they'll end up following another faith rather than remaining atheist.

It also appears to assume that paganism (and all of it, no less) is simply a means of self gratification.

[DLJ]

Here is an interesting quote from philosopher John Gray from his book Straw Dogs:

"To Deny the existence of Allah is to accept the categories [framework] of monotheism. As these categories fall into disuse, unbelief becomes uninteresting. Atheists say they want a secular world, but a world defined by the absence of the Islamic God is still an Islamic world. Secularism is like chastity, a condition defined by what it denies. If atheism has a future, it can only be in a Islamic world.

etc.

Fixt!