Atheists, a few questions to you...

[Thor]

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

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

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?

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?

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?

Thanks in advance to anyone interested in answering honestly, this isn't to debate the existence of god or to argue with religious people. I am hoping to hear from fellow non believers and to hear their responses to these questions

[The White Out]

[quote=Thor;1041539]I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

1. Are you vocal about your atheism or do you shy away when religious discussion occur?
-Vocal. I try not to shy away because I dont think being atheist or agnostic is anything to hide.

2. Do you politely agree to baptisms, circumcisions, weddings in churches, etc.. In order to appease religious family or societal pressures?
-Cant say this has come up yet

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?
-Atheism isn't something to be spread. It's a personal choice .. you either get it, or you don't.

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?
-Despite what I said in the last answer, an atheist movement which would show theists that we aren't immoral people is something the world needs. All to often, theists depict atheists as immoral and people who cant be trusted.

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?
-I know for a fact it will be. Every year that passes, science explains more and more, and religion is showed to be what it really is.

[CubicleGeek]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

Religion rarely comes up in my topic of discussion because I myself am not religious. It's like talking about woodworking when you've never done it before. If the topic of religion does come up, I openly admit to being aetheist.

Originally Posted by Thor

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

I will respect the religious views of others if I must. I'm not adverse to attending churches at weddings or adhering to the customs for mourning the dead that the different religions and cultures dictate. I think it's the right thing to do.

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

No. See below.

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

Nope, I really think that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. There is no need to form a movement to sway members to a "cause". People should be free to discover their own path. It's not like I'm selling a product.

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

It certainly looks that way. The trend seems to be a larger number of aetheists and also a larger ratio of non-active religious people. In the latter I mean those that are christian, for example, but don't actively attend church. Optimistic is really the wrong word, indifferent is probably more accurate. I object to no religion as long as it doesn't lead to conflict or alienation of those that differ.

[evman150]

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

Vocal. But I'm vocal on a lot of things, not just atheism.

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

Agree? I'm not sure about this question. I had a nephew born a year ago. I suggested to my sister that he not be baptized or circumsized. She laughed at me and said she would never think of doing either. Not sure if that's the kind of response you're looking for. And yes I would attend a wedding in a church.

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?

All my friends and family are atheists. Every single person alive in my immediate family (grandparents and cousins included) is an atheist. I have one friend who grew up going to church (he's from Edmonton) but he has slipped from religion big time. The rest of us are all staunch atheists.

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?

No not really. Though I would like to see more science and logic taught in schools and in the popular media. Atheism, then, necessarily follows.

5. Finally, are you optimistic that [sic] 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?

Of course. As science provides more answers, the need for religion to answer those same questions goes down. Thinking of this in terms of calculus, if you take the limit as scientific knowledge goes to infinity, religion tends to zero.

[Devils'Advocate]

Originally Posted by Thor

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

I wouldn't say that I am vocal in that I don't bring it up all the time. But when religious discussion come up I certainly not shy to speak my mind. It's like my vegetarianism - I don't preach, but if someone asks or the subject comes up I'm willing to discuss it.

2. Do you politely agree to baptisms, circumcisions, weddings...

You mean going to other peoples baptisms, weddings, etc or mine own? If for other people, that is respecting *THEIR* beliefs and of course I will go. But when the time comes, there is no way in hell that I will be married in a chuch and everyone else is going to have to respect *MY* beliefs.

3. Considering the state of the world today with radicalism in religion...

Noop. Live and let live. I don't believe that my beliefs are any more valid than anyone elses. Wait that's not true. I believe that my beliefs *ARE* more valid than those with theistic views; I just believe that each person should get to that point on their own and not have it shoved down their throats. It's the same with my vegetarianism - I believe that what I am doing is ethically right, but I detest PETA shoving it down other peoples throats.

4. Are you as an Atheist looking for a more focused plan and leadership online or locally to focus your efforts?

I have no interest in "getting the atheistic message out", but what I really find missing is a complete lack of community. Churches have sunday evening dinners and bingo nights to raise money for impoverished. Some have church volunteers that organize community events. Some have raise money to help get homeless kids off the street. But I've not heard of any good deeds done by a community of atheists. And I contend that is mostly out of a lack of organization or community; not because atheism = amoral. Many atheists have found secular organizations to aid and support which is wonderful, but when a church does a food drive it is done in the name of God, but when I unload a food van into the warehouse it's done with no sense of community.

5. Finally, are you optimistic that hundred's of years from now religion will be much less of an influence...

No. I think we technically savy monkeys haven't moved away from religion in thousands of years, I don't see it stopping anytime soon. Actually, what we've seen around the world, as you alluded to, is a GROWTH in religious radicalism.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Let me tell you about last Christmas. There was a big debate raging across my workplace because a Muslim had the gall to suggest that maybe bringing in Santa Clause wasn't the most inclusive gesture that the organization could make. Given that there is only one day of the year where parents can bring their child to work for a big party, Muslims, Jewish and members of other religions felt ostracized. So all the Christians were like "we're the majority so go screw" and/or "go petition the management for your own celebrations". The first sentiment I find totally abhorrent and disgusting but also the most prevalent. The second one is an acceptable point of view - let everyone celebrate their own religious beliefs - but where exactly does that leave me? As atheists, we have no common holidays, rituals, decorations, etc..

So I invented my own. Or actually stole one from Sienfeld. In light of the debate at work, in which people were being able to celebrate their own beliefs, I put up Festivus posters:


I even put up a Festivus pole in my office. Now, I wasn't ordered to take the stuff down, but I was confronted by people saying that it was an affront to their religion and they were insulted by it. I was told that it was a vague mockery of their religious beliefs. One fellow even threatened me with violence. (Which is mild compared to the muslim fellow who suggested that we not bring in Santa Clause who had to change his phone number because he was getting death threats).

It became clear to me that even those willing to accommodate those of a different theistic belief were not willing to allow the atheistic to celebrate in their own way. We have such an incredibly long way to go to even make a dent in the power religion holds over people. Even if I were of the persuasion to want to convert people, I think it would be like banging my head against a brick wall.

[llama64]

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

When asked I'll state my views, but I don't do the typical snotty rant about the flying spaghetti monster that most atheists love shoving in the face of religious people.

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

Yup. My focus is on the people in my lives, not some ideology.

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?

People should belive what they want. For me to try to "spread atheism" seems a contradiction in terms. I'm more concerned with spreading critical thinking then any belief system.

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?

This is one of the dumber ideas I've ever heard. Atheistic Movements? This isn't some sort of crusade!

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?

In the end, I really don't care whether most people believe in God or not, just that society has gotten closer to the way I think it should be. Hopefully in a hundred years we will have moved past the childish left vs right debate and tackled more important things.

Atheism is not a religion. Why do people treat it as one?

[Regorium]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

I shy away. While I have choice words in my mind, I usually just laugh at them and ignore them when they try to convert me. I've never fought with anyone, but if I were to say what's on my mind to people that are religious, I think I'd be dead by now.

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

I will not attend a baptism or a circumcision. A wedding in a church really no longer has significant religious meaning so I am okay with that.

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?

Kinda N/A to me because all my friends are atheists. I don't associate myself with the religious type because we would not get along. But as for "spreading the word", I think this is the responsibility of the educational system, and not by each individual. This is due to my belief that people should make their own choices and decisions based on logic, which should eliminate religion considering no outside factors.

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?

No, this would be hypocrisy for me because I always make fun of stupid religious protests and movements.

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?

No, not optimistic at all. When the most "powerful" country is passing legistlation that are based in religious contexts, not to mention a war that will never end over religion in the Middle East (unless someone commits mass genocide), I'm sure the scam will perpetuate.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

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

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?

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?

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?

Thanks in advance to anyone interested in answering honestly, this isn't to debate the existence of god or to argue with religious people. I am hoping to hear from fellow non believers and to hear their responses to these questions

1. Nope. Love to talk about religion.

2. Don't care. I'll do whatever makes you happy.

3. I like to argue that logic and science is a better justification then religion.

4. Not involved. People should do what makes them happy and get them through life.

5. Tough call. I think religion causes more problems then it solves. Which always turns out poorly.

[burn_baby_burn]

Personally, I believe in freedom of speech and religion. Just because I don't believe in God does not mean that one doesn't exist. I have no problem attending religious ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings or funerals. I attend these ceremonies to show support to family and friends, I could care less what religion they are. I prefer to judge people on character not on their religious believes.

I have no interest in being involved in an Atheist movement. One thing I do dislike about some religions, is when they try to convert you to their beliefs. Having an Atheist movement would seem like a similar type of thing to me. Some people believe in God. I don't. Who cares?

[Flashpoint]

[QUOTE=Thor;1041539]I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

I don't preach. If someone asks I tell them. I know how annoying it can be when a person spews their beliefs at you when you aren't really interested.

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

If I am invited to go to a religious ceremony, I behave as a guest should. Politely. No different that going to a party at someone's house.

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?

I don't actually feel radicalism in religion is growing. I think it is a dying part of human culture. Look at the increase in atheism, and the decline of religious attendance in Europe.

But if I were to assume that radicalism was growing - I probably still wouldn't feel the need to "spread atheism". There are a lot of folks out there who need religion to strengthen their lives. I prefer a more pragmatic approach for myself - I don't believe in myths. I certainly don't feel the need to try and enlighten others. That is up to them to discover.

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?

Having seen how institutionalized religion leads to a corruption of what was essentially a message of "love thy neighbor", I have little interest in joining an atheist "movement." I would expect it to wind up going down much the same path - where ceremony and power are more important than the original values.

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?

Religion will probably continue forever. There are always going to be people who feel the need to believe in the supernatural. Some of them will be better off because of it - when bad things happen they will consider it part of a "plan" and be able to deal with it.

But, I expect as the education of our society continues, you will find fewer and fewer people willing to accept "rules" put forth by theology. I know that for my part, I eventually reached a point in my life where there was no longer any sense to believing in an invisible man who lived in the sky. It was obvious that the complexities of the world were far beyond the comprehension of an organized religion (most of whom have a clear agenda, and no real message beyond "convert more followers to support the church").

I saw a lot of intolerance in our society toward homosexuals for no reason other than religion. Ditto for sexual discrimination against women. I didn't (and still don't) like that. Just like the church used to oppose mixed race marriages, I expect this sort of intolerance to eventually fade. It will be years behind the rest of general society, but long term, hopefully we can stamp out some of these prejudices.

Although, I guess at the end of the day "we", as atheists don't have to actually do anything. It was their own teaching of intolerance that turned me off religion. They created an atheist in me on their own.

Thanks in advance to anyone interested in answering honestly, this isn't to debate the existence of god or to argue with religious people. I am hoping to hear from fellow non believers and to hear their responses to these questions

Good luck.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

I'm not afraid to talk about it. Most people don't care. It sure grinds my parents' gears though. I end up in religious debates fairly often with my Dad or stepmom. My mom doesn't care.

Originally Posted by Thor

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

I don't care if other people do it. I wont marry in a church or have my kids baptized. My reason for this is that I don't want to inadvertantly promote organized religion or any of their wacky rituals.
Circumcision is a different story. Any boy of mine will get cut.

Originally Posted by Thor

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 a certain extent. I have been known to make the odd quip about religion being to blame for various problems. If the person I say it to wants to engage, it's on. If not, whatevs.

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

No movements for me, TYVM. Sounds too religious.

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

One can only hope. Here's to science answering more and more questions.


I don't know if it's notable or not, but I grew up in a religious home and by default "was religious" until a few years ago. Of course, that makes me a liberal to my very conservative parents. It is quite amazing to see people get older and more hardcore.

[Ayrahb]

Now that you guys have outed yourselves, let the proselytizing begin.

Just kidding. Good topic, Thor.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

I Let me tell you about last Christmas. There was a big debate raging across my workplace because a Muslim had the gall to suggest that maybe bringing in Santa Clause wasn't the most inclusive gesture that the organization could make. Given that there is only one day of the year where parents can bring their child to work for a big party, Muslims, Jewish and members of other religions felt ostracized. So all the Christians were like "we're the majority so go screw" and/or "go petition the management for your own celebrations". The first sentiment I find totally abhorrent and disgusting but also the most prevalent. The second one is an acceptable point of view - let everyone celebrate their own religious beliefs - but where exactly does that leave me? As atheists, we have no common holidays, rituals, decorations, etc..

Sorry to hijack, nothing to add except I learn something new every day. I never knew Santa Clause had anything to do with religion.

[Russic]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Personally, I believe in freedom of speech and religion. Just because I don't believe in God does not mean that one doesn't exist. I have no problem attending religious ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings or funerals. I attend these ceremonies to show support to family and friends, I could care less what religion they are. I prefer to judge people on character not on their religious believes.

I have no interest in being involved in an Atheist movement. One thing I do dislike about some religions, is when they try to convert you to their beliefs. Having an Atheist movement would seem like a similar type of thing to me. Some people believe in God. I don't. Who cares?

I was going to blabber on for a few paragraphs, but I realized this post sums my thoughts up quite well. To me atheists who go off about their beliefs are just as annoying as Christians who go off about theirs.

[troutman]

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

I tend to keep my thoughts to myself - I probably talk about it way more here than I do in actual conversations. Most of my friends and relatives share my views, so it does not come up very often. I respect my religious friend's right to believe what they want. I would not shy away from a civil discussion.

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

Normally, yes. You can respect the ritual, even if you don't accept the dogma. I did avoid a church service at a family reunion this summer.

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?

People generally come to adopt atheism on their own. Activism does not seem to garner many converts. I suspect many people hold these views, but keep them private.

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?

I am on the board of directors of the Secular Humanists in Calgary. It is mainly a social exercise for me - membership is small, and most of our projects don't go very far.

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?

This is already happening. There will always be religion - I think over time it will evolve from fundementalism to metaphorical study.

[MaDMaN_26]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

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

I try not to discuss religion... I have friends that are on all ends of the scale, very religious to Atheist. I don't feel the need to convince anyone of my beliefs or belittle theirs. I generally sit quietly and let other talk about religion if it has to be a subject but I'd rather it doesn't come up... I guess I listen to Thumpers advice... if you don't have anything nice to say don't say nothin at all... I don't have a lot of positive feedback for religion.

Originally Posted by Thor

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

Yes. I am my best friends child’s godfather... when they told me they were wanted me to do that I sat down and said to them that a god parent is responsible for a child spiritual well being... and the fact that I am not a spiritual person is maybe something they should consider. They said they were aware of that but wanted me to be the godfather regardless (or is that irregardless ;P) so I accepted and went through the ritual... it doesn't hurt me to play along.

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

I do not believe that telling people about my beliefs will change theirs... each person has to make up their mind on the subject and choose a path. While religion can be a destructive force and globally it has been for centuries it also helps many people become better human beings, hundreds of thousands of hours of charity work and millions of dollars in relief would not exist without religion... so I leave it alone... if people want to believe in Fairies, Dragons, The Easter Bunny or God, let them. Maybe its the reason they are the decent person you know today.

Originally Posted by Thor

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 at all... you starting a new cult?

Originally Posted by Thor

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?

I think that religion is historically a tool used by governments and leaders to keep uneducated populations under control. I believe that that is still a function of some religions in some regions... but more and more it is also a tool that educated societies have used to define a morale code and set standards in which people of that society should behave. Religion has adapted. So basically I think even if the logical side of people starts to overtake their spiritual side and the idea of Dragons, fairies and invisible deities becomes less and less plausible in the general publics minds eye it will fade but it will never leave or be gone completely as religions role in society will simply adapt so it remains valid and "needed" by some for the times they are in.

Originally Posted by Thor

Thanks in advance to anyone interested in answering honestly, this isn't to debate the existence of god or to argue with religious people. I am hoping to hear from fellow non believers and to hear their responses to these questions

Your welcome.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by Thor

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

I don't bring the topic up, but if someone is dumb enough to flaunt their religiosity in front of me, I'll run them over. If someone wants to discuss/debate religion, I'm all for it. It's a great topic.

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

Yes. When invited to events that have religious ceremonies I still attend. I have no problem with them believing what they believe, as long as they keep it to themselves and don't attempt to enforce their beliefs on me.

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?

No. People can believe what they want to believe. I will only engage someone in a battle if they bring the subject up themselves, or inject their beliefs or their religion, into a discussion.

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?

I believe what I believe and I don't need anyone else supporting me to make me feel good about what I believe. Plus, wouldn't organizing cause Atheism to become just another religion or collective movement, something Atheism is kind of against?

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?

I firmly believe that we are shifting back to greater religious involvement in our lives. I believe that in a couple hundred years the world will be all about religion again and that all the scientific and technological advances that we have made in the past 100 years will have come to a crashing halt and those generations will be thrust into an intellectual dark age. Religion is a control mechanism to prevent change, and you can see that effect here in America. Religiosity has greatly impacted education and has caused enrollment in the sciences to dwindle. This is a country where rhetorical studies, the primary weapon of those who preach religious belief, has surpassed intellectual studies. Its a country of ideologues and lawyers. Our last hope for a break from religion is China.

[Devils'Advocate]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Sorry to hijack, nothing to add except I learn something new every day. I never knew Santa Clause had anything to do with religion.

Sure you did. When we discussed the issue last year and the vast majority of posters here said that Santa puts gifts under the *CHRIST*mas tree because the three wise men gave gifts to Jesus.

Jewish children typically do not have Santa come to their houses.
Muslim children typically do not have Santa come to their houses.
As an athiest, I would have have my children believe in Santa Clause.

To believe that the tradition of Santa Claus is not intertwined with Christianity is assinine.

My point to that section, which is why I don't think this off topic, was that during that debate people were just talking about Santa being non-inclusive of people of other faiths. As if those without faith didn't belong in the conversation at all. The athiests are always forgotten. And when we do speak out about things like "God" being in the national anthem, we get shouted down.

(BTW - at sporting events I do not sing the national anthem for exactly that reason - I don't want to ask someone I don't believe in to keep our land glorious and free)

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm very curious to hear from any fellow Atheists here what their thoughts are on these issues:

Being an agnostic I'm probably not qualified to answer these questions, but I'll throw in my bit on the non-believer side anyways.

1. If it is a friendly discussion of aspects of a religion in context then I usually find the religious discussion pretty fun and interesting. There's a lot to learn about them and the people who follow them. If it's a discussion about the plausibility of a faith based belief, such as whether or not god is real, I definitely shy away because I see those discussions as both pointless and irritating.

2. Has not really been an issue in my life.

3. & 4. As an agnost, I'll skip these ones.

5. I'm quite confident that religious belief will be around for a long time to come. The reasons for religious belief are not matters of ignorance, and people can't be educated away from them. Whatever scientific progress is made and however much scientific knowledge progresses matters of faith cannot simply be explained away. There will always be room for people to have religious beliefs as an underpinning to whatever perspective they have on the world. Many of the most knowledgeable scientists today still hold religious belief, and religious belief is entirely consistent with scientific belief and knowledge. The practice of religion will undoubtedly continue to change, as it has throughout it's history, but I would not expect religious belief to be going away any time that we're still around.

Originally Posted by llama64

Atheism is not a religion. Why do people treat it as one?

In my experience I haven't found that many people do treat atheism as a religion. Still, I don't think it's that much of a stretch if lots of people are treating it that way. At the core atheism is just as much a matter of faith as theism is.

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

No. I think we technically savy monkeys haven't moved away from religion in thousands of years, I don't see it stopping anytime soon. Actually, what we've seen around the world, as you alluded to, is a GROWTH in religious radicalism.

I agree

One fellow even threatened me with violence. (Which is mild compared to the muslim fellow who suggested that we not bring in Santa Clause who had to change his phone number because he was getting death threats).

Wow, that is one crazy office you work in. That's quite horrible.
Also, I think it's great that you put up a Festivus pole and Festivus posters. I really don't like Christmas, and I've often joked about celebrating Festivus instead.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

(BTW - at sporting events I do not sing the national anthem for exactly that reason - I don't want to ask someone I don't believe in to keep our land glorious and free)

To take a page out of South Parks book, just change anything related to deities/religion to science.

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Science keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

And for the record, no, I don't say science during the anthem.