I think the answer, as usual is in the middle of all this.
Religion, atheism, the belief or disbelief in God, wanting to persecute people for their beliefs, or disbelief, etc, etc.....is all just a justification by mankind to exert power over other people.
Its a two-way street. For some, using religion as a tool to control people was the easiest way to exert that power, for others banning religion and killing anyone involved in any kind of religion was the easiest way to exert that power.
I know many religious people that are the nicest people in the world, and I have no doubt that many atheists, including a lot on here are genuine, decent, and very nice individuals.
I think its almost human nature to reach out to someone in need. I don't think that ability, or 'feeling'....is limited to atheists or religious folks. We all gave to the Haiti relief effort. Atheists and religious people alike.
I tend to stay out of these arguments because it often turns into a 'my side is better than your side' type deal. As a firm believer in the free will and ability for people to believe whatever they want I support every person who wants to be religious, and those that want to not be religious. I support the right to believe in a God, and the right to not believe in a God. I try not to attack people because of what they believe, atheist or theist alike. I think people on both sides of the coin are extremely guilty of 'attacking' each other simply because they disagree with a different viewpoint.
You can cite being rational, faith, reason whatever.......at the end of the day all it comes down to is the freedom to believe what you want to believe.
Because of that I support both secular and non-secular organizations. I recognize the work both religious(Christian and other) groups do, and I appreciate very much the work of organizations such as the WHO, DWB and many others. I think they all try their best to do good in the world.
After having read through this thread and MANY others in my 10 some years here at CP and in other forums I think a lot of people have a problem admitting that the OTHER side is quite capable of caring as much as they do.
Do atheists care less? Someone can be religious and be a stuck up fool. Just like someone can be atheist and stuck up. There are probably people on both sides of the coin that don't give to charities at all. In fact I know many religious people, devoutly religious people, some of them are fundamental zealots that don't give a dime to charities or other organizations that help those in need.
What I think a lot of religious people forget, especially those fundamental ones is that Jesus' biggest fight was with the Pharisees. Not with the 'heathens' or Gentiles. He was constantly clashing with those that considered themselves the 'blessed' and the ones who know everything. Those that were super religious.
But, people often choose exactly what they want to read, and ignore the rest. Hear what they want to hear and shut out the rest.
Atheists and fundamental religious people are both at fault for this. I prefer to call it being 'human.' Being atheist, especially these days is almost like a means to an end. To prove a point, make a stand type of deal. Something being religious has been for a long time.
When I read these threads and the many others we've had I often wonder what exactly the difference is between the atheists and the religious people.
From the outside looking it I could switch around a few words, and get the exact opposite meaning.
JMHO.
Continue on.
