Before I start, I must say I am no fan of some pockets of atheists starting "churches" because while it sounds short term attractive to short term thinking in trying to create an alternate to old superstitions, while it sounds nice short term, the bigger any group gets the more subordinates build up whom might look at the collective club as not being right, which is why religions in human history always divide and spit.
But as far as holidays, I don't think this is a problem. In America we have things like president's day and memorial day, and independence day and even mothers day and father's day. We do have Darwin Day but of course, that isn't as sexy as Christmas and Easter, and how dare any non Muslim eat in the middle of the day during Ramadan, much less pork.
But maybe atheists should counter Thanksgiving on the same exact day, and call it something else, just like we already call all collective holidays winter solstice. I like food, and family and beer and football on that day sure, but I could do with out thanking a God who blessed the invasion of the Americas who fucked over the Native Americans.
Every other religion, not that I want the word "atheist" to become one, but every other group has national holidays in every country representing historical icons and religious history. I love Darwin, but Darwin Day is only one day, and our history of skepticism extends far beyond just him.
But as far as holidays, I don't think this is a problem. In America we have things like president's day and memorial day, and independence day and even mothers day and father's day. We do have Darwin Day but of course, that isn't as sexy as Christmas and Easter, and how dare any non Muslim eat in the middle of the day during Ramadan, much less pork.
But maybe atheists should counter Thanksgiving on the same exact day, and call it something else, just like we already call all collective holidays winter solstice. I like food, and family and beer and football on that day sure, but I could do with out thanking a God who blessed the invasion of the Americas who fucked over the Native Americans.
Every other religion, not that I want the word "atheist" to become one, but every other group has national holidays in every country representing historical icons and religious history. I love Darwin, but Darwin Day is only one day, and our history of skepticism extends far beyond just him.
