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Old 10-25-2007, 02:47 PM   #91
Sparks
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Good questions. I've wondered some of the same things myself, so it's been great reading the responses.

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

I try to keep my thoughts to myself when I'm around religious people (or people I don't know) out of respect for their beliefs. I know it's a positive thing in many people's lives, so I'll leave it at that. But, if I'm asked about what I believe, I'm quite happy to share.

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

Sure. I wouldn't do that myself, but similar to what someone else said in this thread, my relationship with those people is much more important than my disagreement with what they believe.

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?

To my friends and family? Nah. There are more important fish to fry. I doubt that getting my friends and family to give up their beliefs is going to make a bit of difference. It's more important that people think critically on world issues, and the vast majority of religious people are quite capable of that.

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 a bit. I would like it if people were less concerned about revealing that they are atheists, though - if only to get rid of the stigma.

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?

Well, I would argue that the western world is going in that direction (except for the United States). That's great. I can't say I'm optimistic, though.
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