[MaDMaN_26]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

1. Are you vocal about your atheism or do you shy away when religious discussion occur?

I try not to discuss religion... I have friends that are on all ends of the scale, very religious to Atheist. I don't feel the need to convince anyone of my beliefs or belittle theirs. I generally sit quietly and let other talk about religion if it has to be a subject but I'd rather it doesn't come up... I guess I listen to Thumpers advice... if you don't have anything nice to say don't say nothin at all... I don't have a lot of positive feedback for religion.

Originally Posted by Thor

2. Do you politely agree to baptisms, circumcisions, weddings in churches, etc.. In order to appease religious family or societal pressures?

Yes. I am my best friends child’s godfather... when they told me they were wanted me to do that I sat down and said to them that a god parent is responsible for a child spiritual well being... and the fact that I am not a spiritual person is maybe something they should consider. They said they were aware of that but wanted me to be the godfather regardless (or is that irregardless ;P) so I accepted and went through the ritual... it doesn't hurt me to play along.

Originally Posted by Thor

3. Considering the state of the world today with radicalism in religion from the USA to Iran at a noticeably growing rate, do you feel more responsibility to speak your beliefs and fight to spread atheism to friends/family?

I do not believe that telling people about my beliefs will change theirs... each person has to make up their mind on the subject and choose a path. While religion can be a destructive force and globally it has been for centuries it also helps many people become better human beings, hundreds of thousands of hours of charity work and millions of dollars in relief would not exist without religion... so I leave it alone... if people want to believe in Fairies, Dragons, The Easter Bunny or God, let them. Maybe its the reason they are the decent person you know today.

Originally Posted by Thor

4. Are you as an Atheist looking for a more focused plan and leadership online or locally to focus your efforts? Or would you prefer to not be involved in any Atheistic movements?

Not at all... you starting a new cult?

Originally Posted by Thor

5. Finally, are you optimistic that hundred's of years from now religion will be much less of an influence on this world or are you of the belief that we are going to be under religious influence for a long long time to come?

I think that religion is historically a tool used by governments and leaders to keep uneducated populations under control. I believe that that is still a function of some religions in some regions... but more and more it is also a tool that educated societies have used to define a morale code and set standards in which people of that society should behave. Religion has adapted. So basically I think even if the logical side of people starts to overtake their spiritual side and the idea of Dragons, fairies and invisible deities becomes less and less plausible in the general publics minds eye it will fade but it will never leave or be gone completely as religions role in society will simply adapt so it remains valid and "needed" by some for the times they are in.

Originally Posted by Thor

Thanks in advance to anyone interested in answering honestly, this isn't to debate the existence of god or to argue with religious people. I am hoping to hear from fellow non believers and to hear their responses to these questions

Your welcome.