Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgaryborn
Yes I'm generalizing but, I really haven't been given or seen any other preoccupation within the atheist religion. If they have any higher purpose in forming their organizations I've missed it.
I do see atheism as a religion of intolerance. As for Christianity there is certainly intolerance within it's large canopy but, there is also areas where there is none. There have been a post or two on this very thread by people holding Christian beliefs who wouldn't even go as far as to speculate on the eternal destination of one who lives and dies outside of the Christian faith.
I personally fall into a group that would be considered intolerant by most here. I'm comfortable with that because I don't see tolerance as a Christian virtue. I think that the Bible presents a very narrow path to salvation: Faith without works. Within all the sects that identify themselves as Christian very few embrace this teaching. Almost all sects adds works to salvation either in the earning of salvation or the maintaining of this coveted position. I see this as folly. They've missed the narrow path.
But my brand of intolerance would never harm those who hold different beliefs. Nor would I attempt to silence dissent. Jesus had very sharp words for those who weren't following Him but, He never attempted to silence them or send them away. One of the tenants of my faith is soul liberty. We must receive freely.
My pointing out the obvious intolerance(obvious to me) of the atheist religion was merely a reaction to their unfair generalization of Christianity. I don't know any Christians who attempt to kill those of other faiths or delight in the lost going to eternal damnation. I know within Christianity folks like this have existed and no doubt still do. The point is this is a small minority and doesn't represent the general aims or accomplishments of Christianity. Conversely, intolerance appears to a very good adjective to describe atheist sects aims and accomplishments.
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why do you keep calling it the atheist religion? the meaning of the word itself is to have a complete lack of religion. there is no church, there is no supreme leader, there is no book of rules, and before this recent storm of christians trying to force their way into politics and law there were no real organized groups of atheists of any kind. in fact, there still aren't, the most you'll get out of placing a group of atheists together is a protest group. i don't see many out there calling Greenpeace or PETA religions (though they certainly have enough wackjobs in each to qualify)