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Originally Posted by Bingo
I could only read two pages of it quickly and then give up.
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But I certainly know that I have a much more open mind and have tolerance to pretty much anyone else when it comes to a differing opinion on these subjects than most in this string.
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If you really had an open mind, perhaps you wouldn't have so much trouble reading other's opinions in this thread. We are just having a discussion.
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I work with many Atheists and we can talk at length over a few beers about things like this without anyone calling me pathetic, or weak minded or begin sentences with "all religion is ..." as if this person honestly can reach such a point in a discussion.
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Well, as one of the people who has said "all religion is...", I don't think I have called anyone weak minded or pathetic (except for maybe Scientologists). If I have, I apologize. I don't personally know anyone in this thread, and don't presume to judge any of you.
I consider all religions to be pretty similar in a couple ways. First, their origin - belief in a supernatural being. I consider that to be a falsehood that shouldn't be promoted. Everything else stems from that belief in a magical overlord. Second, their institutional form - to greater or lesser degrees they have a hierarchy that promotes their belief system. This spreads their ideas - ideas that are false in form. These institutions weld great power, and normally it is to affect public policy. And that affects everyone...not just members of a particular religion.
Denial of homosexual rights
Denial of abortion
Denial of birth control in schools
Teaching of creationism.
Discrimination against women.
All of these things stem from religious intolerance, and I consider them an affront to what is right in 21st century enlightened society.
I have spent my whole life exposed to "the nativity story", the 10 commandments, the belief in a supreme being. There is no evidence for any of it. When I look a little deeper I see the harm being done by these institutions, and it angers me greatly.
If you are going to tell stories, the onus is on you, the story teller, to back it with evidence if you want it to be believed. This is the case everywhere - save for in religion, where misinformation education starts at birth, and questioning "faith" is blasphemy.