Let's get this religion thing sorted...

[twocompulsive]

The first thing that needs to be referenced here is that religion is
here to stay and stay big time as well so let us not be harbouring any
illusions about that. Eighty per cent of the global population follow one of
the five majors and that is not going to change any time soon. Let Godnose
be congratulated on his attempt to curtail the influence of belief systems anyway
But does appear to be going about it the wrong way, although that is only my opinion
One thing however which may be of some use would be say, to have an atheist who used
to be a theist reference their reasoning for becoming one within their own social circle as that
may provide for thought provoking exchanges amongst those who already are known to each other
Attempting this with strangers however is not that satisfactory. But really Godnose the only true way to
curb the influence of religion is through a greater reliance on logic and less on emotion. And a greater belief
in what is real and not what is not real. You can do all the prosleytising you like but ultimately it has to come from
within and that takes time. But as I have already mentioned religion is here to stay. Actually religion is not the problem
but human rights abuses committed in the name of religion. Given that Godnose, a practical suggestion would be to join an
organisation that actively campaigns in this area. Rounding up atheists is not really going to change the world. Sorry. Do the best
you can with your life to try to make the world a better place which is all we can do. Your intentions are noble but what you wish is not
going to happen overnight. But as Napoleon has already stated, good on you for trying anyway man and do not give up. Keep pushing man

[Godnose]

As for the lurking ... there is absolutely nothing wrong with lurking.

Never said there is pal. Just said I don't done it. And won't neither, 'cos I never learned how to keep me trap shut. And anyway, in case you hadn't noticed, I'm on a mission.

You got to have a go, pal, if you see something wrong you just got to have a go...

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But really Godnose the only true way to curb the influence of religion is through a greater reliance on logic and less on emotion.

Disagree, sorry.

Yes, of course, logic is the start of it and must be the core of any belief system that I would support. But most folk are far more interested and responsive to emotion than they are to logic. You ignore the power of emotion at your peril. For most folks emotion is the core of the human condition, the real force in their lives, and so it must be answered to. In depth, too - not mere lip service.

Your intentions are noble but what you wish is not going to happen overnight. But as Napoleon has already stated, good on you for trying anyway man and do not give up. Keep pushing man

Oooh - thank you for your kind words, 2. That makes me feel all warm and mushy inside. Can't find the kiss emoticon, where's the ?

(Oh - there it is! - must be magic!)

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Seriously when people harp on about atheists being "militant" or "evangelistic", often these are same people are very evangelistic when it comes to their particular faith.

This is relevant how exactly?

Because it is reason why you come on here and talk this shit.

I see you describe yourself as a "godless heathen". Interesting concept.

Seriously, how does all this stuff about "people harping on about atheists being 'militant' or 'evangalistic'" apply to anything posted by me?

[KichigaiNeko]

Bored naow godnose ...bored

[Justtristo]

I see you describe yourself as a "godless heathen". Interesting concept.

Evangelical Christians often call non-Christians pagans and heathen means much the same thing.

Seriously, how does all this stuff about "people harping on about atheists being 'militant' or 'evangalistic'" apply to anything posted by me?

Well you have accused many atheists of being dogmatic, well the word dogma means a established belief or doctrine held by a religion, or by extension by some other group or organization. It is authoritative and not to be disputed, doubted, or diverged from, by the practitioners or believers

I do know of any atheists here who have any beliefs they would not question, certainly not myself.

[Trina]

I copied this from a different thread, as it seems to provide a good start-off point for a new one. (I sincerely hope I am not breaking any taboos or protocols or anything by doing this)

I hate what religion is doing, I want to take away it's power and influence as well. If you know of a way, please share.)

---------------

Doing-away with religion's power and influence? I'd guess it's similar on a macro scale to with individuals. It means loss of fear of hell (or repercussions in life, such as ostracization), plus awareness of the massive manipulations practiced by many religions.

Looking at the U.S., where I live, I think there are many people 'on the fence,' as well as many closet atheists and agnostics (won't get into the 'agnostics are atheists who...' debate here). A great deal of stigma exists against atheists. I've gotten tired of it and have begun 'outing' myself lately. Though I still won't tell my 96-year-old devoted-Christian aunt; that'd just be mean. With her, I take the quick-change-of-subject option....

[Justtristo]

I dont know of any atheists here who have any beliefs they would not question, certainly not myself.

Making a correction here,