Atheists, a few questions to you...

[octothorp]

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

I'm fairly respectful of the religious beliefs of others, and only get into a debate if it's clear that the other person wants a debate. I don't get any satisfaction out of telling people their beliefs are wrong.

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

My wife and I didn't get married in the church, nor did we have a priest perform the ceremony, despite the fact that my family is very religious (my sister is a minister in the united church). We did, however, allow a blessing to be said before dinner.

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. All of my friends and family are religious moderates, and the moderate side of religion is necessary to the debate right now. If we convert all of the religious moderates to atheists/agnostics, then all we're left with is atheists and extremists, and the debate becomes impossible.

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?

As mentioned above, I have no need or desire to convince others of my atheist beliefs. For me, faith and spirituality is an incredibly personal thing and I'm against any sort of 'movements' to try to sway people one way or another. However, if you're talking about atheist organizations dedicated simply to humanitarian works and not to changing people's beliefs (or with a mandate that the way to change attitudes toward atheism is by doing good work), then I think it's a good idea.

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 strongly disagree that science can free people from a need for religion. Infact, I think that we're close to a point where science will begin to lose it's relevance to the debate. It's one thing for science to demonstrate evolution by observation of peas in a monestary or of moths in industrial britain. It's another to demonstrate the origins of the universe through the use of theoretical mathmatics and a large particle accelerator. Science is by necessity becoming increasingly detached from direct experience. Religion has proved itself incredibly adaptable; it's survived Galileo and Darwin, and it'll survive anything else that science can throw at it. What really does concern me is a loss of the middle ground.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Burninator

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.

New question for athiests... Does it bother you to have references to god in everyday life? As in, our national anthem. Or south of the 49th, on your money?

It doesn't bother me at all. It's like keeping a part of our history. Same as calling the Pantheon the Pantheon. Even though most people over there believe in one or less gods, changing something like that would be a travesty (which they actually did, but it really hasn't stuck).

I say true enlightenment accepts past ways of thinking as part of the learning process. Remember when the Taliban was burning books and knocking over ancient statues and structures? That is a real travesty.

[Devils'Advocate]

What bothers me is the exclusivity. Things like the national anthem should be for each and every Canadian. Personally, when we have God in our national anthem, in our Bill of Rights and Freedoms, etc.... it makes me feel unwelcome in my own country.

[Agamemnon]

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

Used to be vocal, now I shy away due to the stress of getting in to arguments that always, aaaaalways boils down to 'you have to take a leap of faith'. Not much left to talk about I guess.

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

Baptism/Church is fine... circumcision is wrong. Let the kid grow up, and when he's 16, THEN let him choose if he wants a piece of his penis cut off. And for parents who are worried about hygeine, come on... wash your kid... it's not hard to be diligent about maintaining your/your child's body.

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?

Not really... I see religion in retreat, not necessarily growing at all. I think media attention to extreme religions has increased 100 fold in the past few decades, but I think in general religion is on the decline.

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 wouldn't be involved in Atheistic movements because I believe that, with or without me, Aetheism will eventually be the reality most people accept (might be a hundred years off, but it's coming). I feel no pressure to 'make' people see my way, just as I'd prefer them not to pressure me about it.

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?

Very optimistic... science/wealth will continue to erode religion's hold on the masses. It just depends on how quickly the science/wealth aspects progress. As long as you have poverty and ignorance you'll probably have religion.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by 4X4

New question for athiests... Does it bother you to have references to god in everyday life? As in, our national anthem. Or south of the 49th, on your money?

It doesn't bother me at all. It's like keeping a part of our history.

totally agree, could give a damn really that god is stamped everything, infact i would be rather disappointed if we changed the name of christmas to winter celebration or something.

Just because i say a word doesn't mean it really has any meaning for me,

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by 4X4

New question for athiests... Does it bother you to have references to god in everyday life? As in, our national anthem. Or south of the 49th, on your money?

It doesn't bother me at all. It's like keeping a part of our history.

I agree completely. I also think that most people who are bothered by it ought to just learn to accept the context of their life and that they are surrounded by a majority who not only share that history but are continuing to live it now.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by 4X4

New question for athiests... Does it bother you to have references to god in everyday life? As in, our national anthem. Or south of the 49th, on your money?

Not at all. But I am a WASP. Or at least have come from a WASP back ground. If I was a Hindu or a Buddist my attitude may be a little differant.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by 4X4

New question for athiests... Does it bother you to have references to god in everyday life? As in, our national anthem. Or south of the 49th, on your money?.

No, its pretty much noise under the underlying point. Kool-aid drinking by fans (yes including CP, mostly CP in fact) bother me more.

[alltherage]

Originally Posted by Lanny_MacDonald

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.

Ha! You probably haven't had a debate with a worthy adversary.

[Cube Inmate]

1) I'll tell people what I think. I can have a great discussion with a religious person and not have it degrade into an argument about who's right and who's wrong. On the other hand, if that religious person is the type who tries to convince me that I'm wrong, I'll pull out the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

2) I'll attend the events of others, but I do not pretend to accept their beliefs. I will not participate in prayers, I will not bow my head when someone insists on saying "grace." I don't pretend to respect their religions...but I can still respect the people and their right to believe what they want.

3) We don't need to spread atheism...we need to spread rationality. Many people use their faith as an excuse to behave irrationally. Even without their faith, though, that type of person would still find another excuse for such behaviour.

4) I have no interest in being involved with anyone who feels the need to be a part of an organized movement. An atheist is often a reasonable person who can contibute to spreading rational thought. A group of atheists would be no better than an organized religion or a political party...rational thought would give way to "groupthink."

5) The human animal is one that needs meaning, and for a large fraction of people, that meaning will always come from some form of faith in a higher power. Will those beliefs continue to exert as much influence on policy decisions and cultural evolution as they do now? I don't know. I think religious influence will continue to increase for a while until we hit a major turning point...probably caused by some major conflict. We haven't hit it yet.

[comrade]

Originally Posted by Thor

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

I don't shy away from discussing my opinion or hide it. Most of my friends know I'm atheist. If I don't talk about it much it's because none of them are interested. I'll always assert my position when it I'm asked, I won't hold back.

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?

For other people's religious events, that's their own decision I attend them and see nothing wrong with it. However, for my wedding I have become increasingly against a religious wedding and I'm against baptizing or circumcising my children. I believe it's my duty to teach my children how to live and withhold life, so to speak, for them to discover and decide upon at their leisure. If they want to be religious when they grow up, that's fine with me, unless they start trying to convert me.

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 believe atheism speaks for itself and don't "preach" it. I do, however, believe in needing to protect atheism from baseless attacks about its supposed immorality or whatnot. I also believe in the need to criticize and analyze religion as thoroughly as everything else should be. It should not be exempt from criticism.

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?

I feel atheist are persecuted to some degree and I believe there should be groups to protect against this but I draw the line at attempting to recruit people (although providing information is good, especially when its fact, or theory with excellent concrete evidence to support it). I reached my conclusions through much consideration (that hasn't ended, nor ever will) and I don't see how one could reach it, or any conclusion for that matter, any other way.

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 believe there will probably be less, but that we are still going to be under religious influence for a long time to come. I think humans will slowly move away from religion but will most likely never be able to completely get rid of it.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

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)

Just because some idiots say its associated with religion doesnt mean that it is. The servers at the Roadhouse have more to do with Religion than Mr Clause. One can make the argument that since he only works one day a year, and that happens to coincide with a faily significant day on a calendar for the King James Bible that he is associated with religion, but they would be wrong.

Again sorry to hijack. Always interesting to read what the other side says.

[AC]

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

I'm quite vocal, as I am towards everything I'm passionate about.

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

Not quite sure what you mean. I would not baptize my kids, I'd prefer not be in churches for weddings, etc.

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?

Yes to a degree. As long as my family/friends are open to discussion, I'm happy to talk about my beliefs. Though its hard with a Catholic girlfriend some times.

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 think its important to get a more focused plan and leadership, though whether I'd participate, I'm not quite sure.

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?

Well as we've seen in the past few hundred years, the realm of knowledge controlled by religion is shrinking more and more. So in terms of science, I'd say yes. But I'm not sure if morally or ethically, it was follow similarly. I think people will continue to cling to these beliefs, as archaic and irrational as I find them.

[4X4]

I thought Santa 'evolved' from Saint Nicholas. Which would give santa religious roots.

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by 4X4

I thought Santa 'evolved' from Saint Nicholas. Which would give santa religious roots.

Personally, I'm a Christmas Creationist, I don't what you're talking about with Santa evolution...

[4X4]

^^Haha^^

[MelBridgeman]

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

Not vocal at all and no i dont shy away nor do i push ideals on people


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

I have no problem with any of those things...not going to a wedding in a church because you are an atheist is just stupid

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 have the right to make their own decisions, whether i agree with them or not.

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?

Movements suck

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?

lol as long as their is people on this earth there will be problems..people have the influence not religion..dont kid yourself and think "if there was no religion then there would be no problems in the world" thats a croc..people cause the problem, and if they couldnt justify it with religion, they would find something else....

[4X4]

Originally Posted by 4X4

I thought Santa 'evolved' from Saint Nicholas. Which would give santa religious roots.

This just in:

Originally Posted by Very prominent retired poster that apparently prefers to remain anonymous but is reknowned for participating in threads like these

Yes and no...

http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/santa.asp

The American version of the Santa Claus figure received its inspiration and its name from the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas (a Dutch variant of the name Saint Nicholas).

The basis for the Christian-era Santa Claus is Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir), in what is now Turkey. Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D. He was very rich, generous, and loving toward children. Often he gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows.
The Orthodox Church later raised St. Nicholas, miracle worker, to a position of great esteem. It was in his honor that Russia's oldest church, for example, was built. For its part, the Roman Catholic Church honored Nicholas as one who helped children and the poor. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of children and seafarers. His name day is December 6th.
In the Protestant areas of central and northern Germany, St. Nicholas later became known as der Weinachtsmann. In England he came to be called Father Christmas. St. Nicholas made his way to the United States with Dutch immigrants, and began to be referred to as Santa Claus.

[RougeUnderoos]

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?

This question seems kind of odd to me. Like has this ever actually been an issue for anyone? I agree as politely as Churchy McChurcherson when I get invited to a wedding. It doesn't even cross my mind. Although I do always wonder what to do when heads are getting bowed and prayers and whatnot are going on, but that's about it.

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

This question seems kind of odd to me. Like has this ever actually been an issue for anyone? I agree as politely as Churchy McChurcherson when I get invited to a wedding. It doesn't even cross my mind. Although I do always wonder what to do when heads are getting bowed and prayers and whatnot are going on, but that's about it.

I can understand how the question would seem strange if it was just about weddings or the like, but making decisions about whether or not to have your kid circumcised or baptized to suit somebody else's views is bound to cause a little more conflict for most.