Quote:
Originally Posted by photon
False equivocation. The lack of belief in the existence of one or more gods is not equal to the belief that religion is the cause of all ills in society.
Just like theism is not equal to the belief that the lack of religion is the cause of all ills in society.
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I'm not pushing a theory here: It is observable fact. Those beliefs are common amongst Atheists on this site. It is the motivation for endless threads pointing out the ills of religion. It is also why this thread morphed from a discussion of the murder of some UN workers.
Sure you can be an Atheist without picking up any of the baggage but, many if not most seem to. The proof is posted on this site.
Apparently the majority of Muslims can cope with the existance of non-Muslims without resorting to violence; Others can't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by photon
I understand some people can think that way. Someone who believes violence can seem rational because of long term goals does so based on their system of values. Neither theism nor atheism by themselves have anything to say about the morality of immoral actions for a greater good.
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Theism if based on a holy book can and should counter an ideology that proposes that the ends justifies the means. Unfortunately history shows us that people are generally more apt to follow a dynamic personality than any belief system.