What's so great about atheism anyway?

[Godnose]

What's so great about atheism anyway? I know it's "The Truth" and everything, but so what? We atheists keep going on about the awful things done in the name of various religious cultures, but atheism hasn't exactly been all sweetness and light. The whole USSR thing was atheist wasn't it? And they had those lovely gulags with which to teach their people "The Truth". Isn't the Chinese regime atheist too? Life there hasn't exactly been a bed of roses for free thinkers, has it?

Nah, there's nothing special about atheist. Being right about science and existence and stuff doesn't necessarily make you right about the really important things. Make the whole world atheist, there would still be wars and slaves and rapes and oppression and all the other shite. Why would it change just because no-one thinks there's gods any more? Could well even make things worse...

There you go. Chew on that!

[Cinjin]

All your threads have one point to them ... and you're right, I don't know how I didn't see it before. Religion is awesome. Lets all get together and figure out how to emulate that perfect system. Why should we even attempt to change the world? As you said, we might screw it up worse. Atheism is pointless and stupid. Agnostics and Deists --- stupid and worthless. All alternatives to religion are a futile waste of time. Thank god we have ALL of your threads to lead us to this conclusion. Give me one second, I definitely have to REP bump your genius.

[The Grand Nudger]

You're right God, people will do terrible things. However, removing bullshit excuses to do them forces people to at least own their own actions. The USSR is a bad example, since they merely replaced a cosmic dictator with a earthly one. Maybe it wouldn't change a thing, but I like it when people are upfront about why they do what they do, or say what they say. How about you...................................................

So, whats the important stuff beyond science and existence?

Also, thou shalt not lie.

[KichigaiNeko]

I'm comfortable with it godnose... it makes sense to me and I am the one who has to answer to myself.

Why do you thinnk people will stop being people because of / or lack of a belief in a deity?? As rhythm said at least atheists

..... people are upfront about why they do what they do, or say what they say

I don't think China is atheistic nor was the old USSR...I could be wrong though.(Not enough scientific data personally to hand at the moment)

Cinjin?? - Kill him later

[Godnose]

I've been an atheist all my life KichigaiNeko my darling, and there's nothing "upfront" about me, I can tell you. Most people I meet usually come to the conclusion I'm a devious cvnt, which is probably why I got no friends. Except these two cats who come visiting all the time. And the Mrs - "God" only knows how she puts up with me! This what you are seeing here is me turning over a new leaf - I am actually trying my best to say what I really think (rather than the BS I've been putting out all my life in order to get dosh and stuff). And look where it's fvcking getting me!!!

Of course China and USSR are/were atheist ... they both persecute(d) religious folk relentlessly. That's simple historical fact - look it up!

Rhythm you ask "whats the important stuff beyond science and existence?" Fvcking h*ll. How's about love for a start. Then there's peace, charity, hope, not to mention freedom, suffering, ... Jeez the list is fvcking endless. Science is merely the framework within which all the other stuff takes place.

Cinjin, I think I love you.

And I think the more you berate me the more I will love you. That's just the kind of guy I am.

[leo-rcc]

Communism is not the same as atheism. Communism has no bearing on belief or disbelief in deities. But the communist regime of the former USSR did see religion as a threat (and with good reason, the church propagates the same hive mind as communism wants to obtain). Communist China does allow for religions, but the Tibetan monks for instance who are lobbying for independence from China are indeed being persecuted. That is a political decision, and has nothing to do with persecution of believers but with rebellious elements that the Chinese government wants to get rid of. China has had a long track record of breaking human rights agreements, whether the ones being arrested believe in deities or not, is not relevant.

But you know all this, why do you ask?

[Godnose]

But you know all this, why do you ask?

Do you not think it important to keep questioning the basis of one's belief system?

[Faith No More]

Can't you guys tell when you're being baited into an argument? Godballs has made it abundantly clear that he thrives on conflict.

[leo-rcc]

But you know all this, why do you ask?

Do you not think it important to keep questioning the basis of one's belief system?

If atheism was a belief system then sure, but it isn't. And again, you know this too, so again, why do you ask?

[Godnose]

Communism is not the same as atheism.

Correct. But communism is atheistic. "Religion is the opium of the people" is an essential part of its creed.