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Old 10-24-2007, 12:16 PM   #30
Cube Inmate
First Line Centre
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Boxed-in
Exp:
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1) I'll tell people what I think. I can have a great discussion with a religious person and not have it degrade into an argument about who's right and who's wrong. On the other hand, if that religious person is the type who tries to convince me that I'm wrong, I'll pull out the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

2) I'll attend the events of others, but I do not pretend to accept their beliefs. I will not participate in prayers, I will not bow my head when someone insists on saying "grace." I don't pretend to respect their religions...but I can still respect the people and their right to believe what they want.

3) We don't need to spread atheism...we need to spread rationality. Many people use their faith as an excuse to behave irrationally. Even without their faith, though, that type of person would still find another excuse for such behaviour.

4) I have no interest in being involved with anyone who feels the need to be a part of an organized movement. An atheist is often a reasonable person who can contibute to spreading rational thought. A group of atheists would be no better than an organized religion or a political party...rational thought would give way to "groupthink."

5) The human animal is one that needs meaning, and for a large fraction of people, that meaning will always come from some form of faith in a higher power. Will those beliefs continue to exert as much influence on policy decisions and cultural evolution as they do now? I don't know. I think religious influence will continue to increase for a while until we hit a major turning point...probably caused by some major conflict. We haven't hit it yet.
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