Richard Dawkins & London Bus Campaign
Photo by Zoe Margolis
There has been a great deal of debate in the media lately concerning the "New Atheism" as led by "atheist gods" such as Richard Dawkins, P.Z. Myers, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. This notoriety has been enhanced by Dawkins & Co.'s infamous "bus ads," as well as the "Imagine No Religion" billboards by the Freedom from Religion Foundation headed by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. Then there is the little chat between famous atheists Bill Maher and Brad Pitt that is kicking up controversy, along with a number of other "stars" expressing their unbelief. Atheistic videos such as those by British comedian Pat Condell are going viral globally, and we also read reports that atheism is on the rise in the United States, reaching percentages never recorded before. Truly, atheism is out of the closet.
For many people the heart of this atheist surge is that organized religion has caused a tremendous amount of turmoil, including the suffering and deaths of hundreds of millions worldwide for thousands of years. This fact alone is enough to create atheists. When we read stories about horrible things happening to innocent people and animals or—God forbid—see these atrocities with our own eyes, who with any honesty and a conscience is not inclined to ask, how can there be any good god in charge of this mess?
Indeed, if we have been raised to think for ourselves and to question reality, as well as to make honest observations, under such atrocious circumstances we cannot fail to conclude that there certainly could not be a good god omnipotently in charge of the cosmos. Too many awful things happen on too regular a basis, and the platitudes that "God works in mysterious ways" and "the Devil did it" just do not suffice for a thinking person. If God is all powerful, how can the Devil constantly be getting the better of him? And God acting mysteriously without letting us—his purported "children"—in on the secret hardly speaks of a good character we should all admire, especially when his mysterious ways are causing misery and suffering. Would a terrestrial father who behaved in such a manner deserve any kind of respect and admiration? No!
So, it is easy for scientifically minded people to sympathesize with and engage in atheistic thinking. But is atheism really the answer to the world's problems? If we junk the concept of God altogether, will we truly have a better life on planet Earth?
Nothing new under the sun
Although such thinking seems like a new fad, many philosophers over the centuries have struggled with these important issues of whether or not God exists and what is the value of religion. Like the questions, the answers have remained the same and have done little good in resolving the dilemmas, except by the very fact that questioning these profound subjects is in itself extremely healthy for the human mind. To not be able to question accepted beliefs such as a giant all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present being in the sky—as we find especially in monotheistic religious ideologies—represents utter dishonesty and should serve as an example of the exact opposite of a real "religious" experience.
Honesty and integrity—these should be the earmarks of a truly religious system. But they often are not, as they are swept under the rug and hidden away from sight, frequently under threat of force, violence and damnation.
Michelangelo's Anthropomorphic God
In this regard, atheism certainly provides the answer to the dishonesty and depravity of organized religion that does not allow human beings to think for themselves, to reason out difficult issues and to not believe in the thousands of gods—including the monotheist god of the Abrahamic faiths—that man has created in his own image.
And, in consideration of how frantic has been the need to keep unbelief at bay and how poor has been the treatment of people engaging in such disbelief and rational scientific inquiry—the torture of the Inquisition comes to mind immediately—the increasing emergence of the atheistically inclined is a great relief. The protection and rehabilitation of atheistic inclinations can only improve the human lot. In this regard, atheism clearly provides a much needed aspect of the human experience.
The resentment towards organized religion as a cause of trauma and terror is so pent up that it is understandable why certain factions of the human psyche are now being expressed in outrage and disdain towards religious fanaticism. In examining this issue, it seems all too easy for many to forget that a relatively short while ago even in secular countries one could be imprisoned, tortured or killed for doubting the Holy Church—and that this sort of inquisition still goes on in a number of Muslim countries. Not long ago, fear of being physically assaulted or losing one's occupation was enough to prevent this expression of the atheistic aspect of the human mind. With the advent of truly free communication via the internet, the repressed atheistic thinking is now bursting forth and using its voice with a vengeance. Again, entirely understandable—and necessary. In that regard, our society is much improved by the ability to ennunciate unbelief in safety. But, also again, is atheism in and by itself the ultimate answer to the world's psychological, spiritual and emotional concerns?
For more, go to Part 2 of "Is atheism the answer?"
Further Reading
Removal of RC billboard leads to lawsuit
Atheism on the Rise in the U.S.
Is God with us?
Comments
Just heard about Iraqi mobs that hunt down homosexual Iraqi men, torture and kill them to save the masculinity of other Iraqi men. The Inquisition is still living and at work in our world today. It's truly horrifying but also, it helps atheism in a grander scale since these horrible actionsagainst humans will blowback on those religious groups. It's just so sad so many innocent people have to die and suffer before religion is banned in society. Sry for my bad english, I'm not native english speaking :)
Your English is fine Michael. I am pleased to see unbelief coming out as well. Great writing DM!
The truth is that we are all agnostic. No one knows because no one is dead yet. But religion convinces people that they know what will happen to them after they die. The only question is why doesn't everyone know what you know? Why doesn't God appear to everyone on the planet and tell them what is going on? I have heard the answer that it is a violation of freewill. But a lot of people who are involved in religions are good people. Do you really want to believe that all of the good people in other religions are going to hell to be tortured forever? I honestly believe that all the world needs is love. Dogma is unprovable and love is the best choice for the world.
Hi Roger,
"But a lot of people who are involved in religions are good people."
How do you know they are good? Remember Christ said He didn't come to save those who think they are good like the Pharisees. And this does not mean that those people aren't good, but we cannot know if these people are truly good, otherwise we make ourselves God.
"Do you really want to believe that all of the good people in other religions are going to hell to be tortured forever?"
No. An all loving, all merciful and all just God will not allow it. Those who seek the truth will find it, and we don't know how, but even at the moment of death they may find Christ or perhaps after death. This does not mean we should not advertise Christianity, but we do it by being what Christ wants us to be - loving our enemies, being meek, being kind, etc and by loving God with all our heart can we truly dump all the materialistic nonsense and baggage and love other people. Christians are the no 1 answer against Christianity, our behaviour and our egotism.
"I honestly believe that all the world needs is love."
The world needs unrequited love. We need to give love without expecting it back.
"Dogma is unprovable and love is the best choice for the world."
Without dogma you would not even know that you need to give unrequited love to others. Give without any expectation of receiving. Don't give to avoid hell, give because Christ gives. Forget rewards.
Dogma and tradition is important. It may not seem like it, but the materialism, hedonism, negativism and nihilism of this world can destroy faith which is built on weak foundations. Dogma and tradition leads us to meet God. Besides Jesus asked His apostles to break bread in memory of Him and where 2 or more were gathered in His name, there He was. Don't dilute Christ. Don't fall for the nonsense of materialism and temporal pleasure.
God Bless,
P.
Atheism is an answer just like theism. The relevance of the answer depends on the question being asked and the reason for asking it. The issue is whether any conclusive answer is necessary or useful. To over-simplify the issue, I tend to think of agnostics as those who prefer to leave questions open when there isn't enough data. What is good for society is open dialogue and not either affirmation or denial of any particular god or other metaphysical claim.
The basic explanation for why atheism is on the rise is because the post-Boomer generations are less interested in religious ideology of organized religion, but that doesn't mean that the majority of these 'atheists' are anti-spiritual or wouldn't claim belief in the possibility of metaphysical truths/realities. There will always be religion, but what is changing is the form that religion is taking. Fundamentalism was last centuries response to modernity and now we're seeing this centuries response to fundamentalism.
Atheism is still a system of belief, and as such no answer and not better than the belief in God. The answer can only come from an actual experience of truth and what is really there. Concepts will never solve our problem. One either knows or does not. There is nothing in between.
ATHEISM leads to death of the soul, if that sounds enjoyable then have at it but when we all die we will all stand to be judged before GOD no matter who what or whatever you may think, each one will be judged and if you dont believe this, for more study on this, go to www.shepherdschapel.com the answers you seek will be found here. do it for your children, do it for yourself, learn and study what is the truth. peace
Atheism is not a system of belief...it's a lack of belief, silly.
Atheism IS the answer - to one question. The question it answers "no" to is "do any gods exist?"
But that's all atheism is. People looking to replace their religion with atheism will be left disappointed. Atheism is not a philosophy. It is not an end point, just a starting point. It is one facet of living your life with reason, logic, and evidence-based scientific methodology.
If you are looking for a political philosophy, atheism won't push you anywhere. If you are looking for a social network, meet your neighbours, and spend time with your family. If you are looking for hobbies, then join a sports team, an artistic group, or other such hobby. If you are looking to make a difference, then volunteer with a group that helps people or makes the world a better place (even an atheist activist group). Neither religion, nor atheism, really have any place in a lot of these activities (though religious groups devote a lot of energy to using them to promote their religions).
Clearly, it would be irrational to suggest that atheism could solve all the world's problems. Acharya, of course, is not claiming that.
The shifting moral zeitgeist, which has enabled most of us to progress beyond previously accepted evils such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, is not inspired by religion. If anything, this historical moral progress has happened in spite of religion. Even Christians who believe they derive their morality from the Bible actually cherry pick verses to support our new secular morality, which demonstrates that morality is available to all of us, whether we are religious or not.
Atheism empowers the individual to think more critically about their beliefs, to evaluate their opinions on ethical issues. This does not guarantee that everyone will behave morally, but at least in ensures that well-meaning people won't be misled by superstitious edicts.
We'd have jurors who value evidence, not belief, politicians who value freedom and fairness, not d
Atheism is still a system of belief, and as such no answer and not better than the belief in God. The answer can only come from an actual experience of truth and what is really there. Concepts will never solve our problem. One either knows or does not. There is nothing in between.
I am always dismayed at the number of people who say "atheism is a belief".
No, alban, atheism is not a belief - In the same way that does not collect stamps, is not a "not-stamp collector".
Atheism is the LACK of a belief. That's what the word means, etymologically, historically and colloquially.
Nice piece Acharya...
Before commenting, however, I feel I must wait for Part 2. There is a strange kind of "okay so whats the punch line" vibe going on here. It reminds me of these crime show documentaries where they spend half the hour giving one side, and doing so in a convincing manner; then the second half they feature the other side in an equally convincing manner; generally leaving me with a very difficult time deciding which side is right and which is wrong...
Atheism is still a system of belief, and as such no answer and not better than the belief in God. The answer can only come from an actual experience of truth and what is really there. Concepts will never solve our problem. One either knows or does not. There is nothing in between.
"... is atheism in and by itself the ultimate answer to the world's psychological, spiritual and emotional concerns?"
For those who've been subjected to a life of strict theistic doctrine probably it would, but for those who've simply conformed to the majority theistic view of their society (eg the USA) in order to be accepted then it could have the opposite effect, as with someone 'outing' themselves in a society hostile to homosexuality, statute notwithstanding, and then they have to make the choice between the comfort of conformity versus potential outsider status from inner conviction
If people wish to believe in (genocidal) fairy-tales that's up to them, it's when it becomes social doctrine that the problems really begin, ie secular vs non-secular. What i object to is the prevailing norm of belief as the status quo, and the condescending arrogance that many believers have regarding non-believers, as if they have no genuine right not to believe. But most die-hard believers us
I think I see where you are going, and it is true atheism is not a philosophy, so it can hardly be "...the ultimate answer to the world's psychological, spiritual and emotional concerns..."
But the fact is, there is not a scintilla of evidence that there is a "god" or gods as defined by any religion. And any effort to create a concept separate from the facts of reality are mindless and probably, in the long run, dangerous.
So please. I hope you aren't going to give us some sort of justification for something not real and call it "god."
I am also eager to read Part 2, because I find myself in suspension between theism and atheism. Perhaps I'm a pantheist, because ...
All religions, at their best, seem to promote the evolution of our human species beyond our animalistic origins into more caring and interdependent creatures. Thus, I believe religion intended to serve a healthy purpose; something happened on the way to church.
If we toss out "God", then we need to replace it with another metaphor to represent the higher evolution of our species. I can't wait to see if DM is thinking something similar.
The often quoted phrase by the religious states that without the moral and ethical standards including the dogmatic and fearful father image, mankind would fall off a Cliff. Most fear that this is true but is it really? I think that history provides proof that societies liberated from the dogmatic father image perform better and become more empathetic and critical thinking societies. Our moral and ethical code although seemingly of Biblical authorship began much before the Abraham religions. In addition even this were not true could mankind be more evil than he already is?
Where on Earth did you learn history?
What has being "liberated from the dogmatic father image" got to do with societies being religious or not? Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, Mao's China, Pol Pot's Cambodia were all secular societies "liberated" from religion. They turned out really well didn't they? What was "empathetic and critical thinking" about them?
Now you'll probably say that they still had "dogmatic father image" rulers. Well that's very interesting isn't it? So without religion people just replace the unseen father image who allows people to choose to be morally responsible, for an all too visible father image who enforces his rule by physical force.
Mankind contains both good and evil. Some people are more evil than others. Religion condemns evil, atheism does not.
@free thinker
I might call Godwin's law??
Your point is that lack of religion does not necessarily make a nice person. Agreed. Then you say religion condemns evil.
Also true.
But it condemns only what is "evil" to THAT religion. You'll find that various religions have varying "evil things". in the main, a basic human ethic pervades independent of religion. in which case, your second point is implicitly disingenuous because it implies a relative failing of athism, in that it doesn't explicitly outline a dogma regarding how you are to live your life.
Given that a basic human ethic pervades all religious and non-religious societies, we can remove it from the equation. The correction to your last statment therefore becomes:
Religion imposes dogma, atheism does not.
You write, 'if we junk God...will our life improve?'
____________________
The thing is........humans need an excuse to crucify each other. God vs Atheist violence. God vs Allah violence. Allah vs Krishna violence. Soccer club X vs. Soccer club Y violence. Cricket violence. Political violence. Economic violence.
Add the word 'violence' to every human endeavour. The endeavour itself is usually reduced to nothing but an excuse for violence, by the vast majority.
"If you don't think like me, if you dont belong to my group I want to destroy you."
The violent mind is *not* interested in anything except looking for excuses to crucify. The fight is not for the truth or progress.
Ban God....and the violence will not end. There's millions of other excuses that humans can use to fight.
The problems of the world are not caused by religion but by the unreasonable fanaticism that results from it, in this regard organized sports, senseless entertainment, and politics are equally dangerous as they all contribute to the dumbing of the population.
Atheism will never solve the problems of the world, still it might be the first step towards creating a new generation of free thinkers whose actions will be dictated by reason, not by guilt, stupidity or fear.
The problem of the 20th century was not rigid religious belief but an absence of it. The most killing was done by regimes and organisations which did away with God on an organisational and inter-personal level. There was no objective morality from God, instead objective morality came from dictators. Now depending on the religion, in Christianity the biggest fanatic will be like Christ Himself. The No True Scotsman Fallacy is a fallacy but only so because most are confused. Christ Himself gives the ultimate way of behaviour, selfless and full of love. Selfish love i.e. treat others the way you want to be treated is not enough. This is mere courtesy. This is easy and everyone has it - Christian and atheist. The people who really love you become involved in your life and help you, not people who smile and watch you suffer. Being nice is easy. Modern atheism has not created anything new, it's been with us throughout history. Fact is that people are fallible, even scientists cheat on research and political ideologists have nefarious purposes for those they don't like, after all without a God to fear there is no ultimate reason to be benevolent. Atheism itself is not a logical conclusion for many but an idea based on their own independence and egotism. Well we're not free. We are bound to live short lives on this rock. We could die at any moment. We could be diagnosed with a painful cancer tomorrow. Life is not our own, even if we refuse to believe in God. Getting back to the point that atheism is a conclusion based on egotism and the rebel mindset - the same mindset will lead man to rebel against man too and this has caused the suffering in the world - gangs of criminals controling people and the people themselves upon overthrowing the tyranny, often became criminals of equal magnitude themselves - ala French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Nazism, Fascism, Cambodia under Pol Pot, etc.
For most atheists it is still possible to be benevolent when things go well, but most people without God will not be principled enough to be good even when there is no hope of reward for themselves in this life or doing so may harm them (without benefit to the herd). This does not mean that individual atheists can't be good, as good or better than Christians, they can be for they can know Christ too, just be averse to supernatural 'mumbo-jumbo' but I speak here in terms of establishments, governments and political and social ideologies. We still have people pushing Marxism, though Marx and Engels advocated genocide - yet a religion which teaches love is ridiculed, one has to judge how well this reason works that few evangelical atheists see the real dangers which btw most civilised people see atheist or not. Christianity works, even pragmatically, it works, left wing ideologies fail (Nazism, socialism, Communism, Bolshevism, etc).
Best
@suprised
conveniently, you skipped the problems of the 15th-19th centuries. If you included them, you would have discussed things like the spanish inquisition, salem witch trials, excommunication of free thinkers, etc. etc. etc.
Oh, and yes, in this case I WILL call godwin's law on you.
Not understanding why things are the way they are, and then saying that because of that surely God must not exist, or is not worthy of worship, is a weak argument. If you're atheist, suppose for the sake of argument that God does exist. Compare your insight to a being of supreme intelligence. How much of your perception of our world do you suppose would line up with God's? Is it not possible that God has his own purposes and his own purposes for not revealing what all of those are?
Obviously, I do not think that atheism is “the answer”. There are far more people who can see that our world is the result of God, and that good and evil, love and hate are more than mere perceptions of our brains, than people who deny that possibility. It is often the atheist’s standpoint to assume that these people are less reasonable, less educated, dishonest, or brainwashed and a hindrance to society. But they are wrong.
If there is no God then our concepts of good and evil are greatly overstated. Emotions caused by our surroundings are only the result of processes that occur in our brains. The potential for love and hate is therefore greatly diminished. What makes life great, and not so great, in many ways can be chalked up to us being over emotional.
An education in psychology and character ethics tels us about being proactive: subordinating our feelings for principles and focusing on how we can influence things directly or indirectly.
The idea that society, the media, advertisement, Christian religion (and a few other religions) and some misguided counselors teach is that genetic, psychic and environmental factors choose our behavior and attitude is false. It is our perception and human responsibility negates the need for a god or salvation.
Human responsibility requires us to have self-efficacy and self-functionality. It requires governing our behavior and attitude through our perception. It requires education in the principles of character ethics such as integrity, honesty, potential, consideration, compassion, humility, servitude, courage, etc. which are self-evident and indisputable principles that guide human behavior for the functionality and effectiveness of human survival and interdependence.
The problems of the world are not caused by religion but by the unreasonable fanaticism that results from it. In this regard organized sports, senseless entertainment, politics and ignorance are equally dangerous as they all contribute to the dumbing down of the population.
Promoting atheism will not solve the problems of the world, this might only be achieved by a good education which will result in a future generation of free thinkers whose actions will be dictated by reason; as opposed to guilt, fashion, fear or just plain stupidity.
Who is Acharya? I gather that the author of the article is D. M. Murdock, who, according to the accompanying picture, is a woman.
Definitive answers are now extant, and opinion is no longer the only possible response to such questions. Few people regard the extraordinary discipline required to obtain such information worth the requisite effort. Most people refuse to believe that said information exists, it seems; such refusal is arguably the basis for the continued rationalization of opinion as completely satisfactory.
Which means that these issues will never be resolved, and the litany of horrors both current and historical will continue to be our lot. How sad for humanity.
I think Angelica is spot on here...
It is the dogmatic mindset, as opposed to free and critical thinking, that creates this need for certainty. It is a psychological construct destined for unresolved conflict and sectarian in group vs out group thinking.
Thank-you, Angelica...
Angelica says:
The problems of the world are not caused by religion but by the unreasonable fanaticism that results from it. In this regard organized sports, senseless entertainment, politics and ignorance are equally dangerous as they all contribute to the dumbing down of the population.
Promoting atheism will not solve the problems of the world, this might only be achieved by a good education which will result in a future generation of free thinkers whose actions will be dictated by reason; as opposed to guilt, fashion, fear or just plain stupidity.
I believe what we are currently fed as "Religion" by the big 3 and other Faiths is not what was originally present in the Religions/Spirituality of antiquity. Considering the state of religion today and it's nefarious past, one can see why atheism is so attractive to so many.
Atheism may very well take its place on the pantheon of dead Gods and antiquated belief systems if it continues to grow. What no one wants to acknowledge here is the role of Ecstasy in the ancient religions of the world. So I do not think that Atheism can replace or help anyone in their understanding of the self (God). At best it can free you to ask the questions/open the doors to perception that may hold some real answers. i.e. Why our Ancestors valued Religion.
It is common knowledge that Religions have been contaminated with Fraud long before the Christian Fraud was perpetrated on the Western world.
The very tools which may have helped us to understand this great wisdom of Antiquity i.e. MysteI
The coming New World Order has a number of objectives, one of them being the eradication of all religions so we can be pursuaded to follow their (atheistic?) doctrine. Is DM a part of this movement?
While I agree that religion has burnt itself out as far as forming a rational belief system is concerned, I do not agree that "...it is easy for scientifically minded people to sympathesize with and engage in atheistic thinking". Truly scientific people (those that are open minded) are discovering that the whole Omniverse is indeed a wonderful creation. We do not need religion to show us that - the beauty is for all to see.
Nice Piece, I will also wait for part two to comment further, but for now, as Stephen Weinberg said: "Good men do good things, evil men do evil things, for good men to do evil things takes religion."
Therefore none of you should find any resistance to what is referred to as the most appropriate response to the global clergy abuse crisis, an initiative put forward by victims of clergy abuse across the world despite the refusal of Catholic and other clergy to involve themselves in its development or in discussions when followers and clergy from the Jewish community and other Christian faiths offer their support for this religion neutral initiative.
The September 1 initiative aim is to bring to the world a definitive solution to the global clergy abuse crisis and can be found online at september12009.com
Is atheism in and by itself the ultimate answer to the world's psychological, spiritual and emotional concerns?
Asking if atheism in and by itself is the ultimate answer to the world's psychological, spiritual and emotional concerns is like asking if not believing in Santa Claus is the answer to the world’s psychological, spiritual and emotional concerns. Not believing in something, which in this case is God, doesn’t mean you offer any answers to these problems. Being an atheist doesn’t mean you’re a good morally just open-minded rational compassionate person! All it means is that you don’t believe in God or Gods or the supernatural including Fairies, Santa Claus, Spaghetti monsters and flying teapots. It doesn’t offer any beliefs or philosophies. All it is, is a non belief.
If all the people of the earth were atheists how would that rid the world of homophobia or reduce child abuse or women abuse? How is being an atheist going to make you smarter? How is being an atheist going
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to make you smarter? How is being an atheist going to make you a more compassionate person or rid the world of violence and war? Being an atheist isn’t going to make you a Secular Humanist? It would make you secular but not a humanist. The way of Humanism has to be taught, learned, or practiced. Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris are well-educated people who had to learn the value of being good to your fellow humans through a well rounded and open education. They weren’t born all good and loving and wise. They weren’t taught to be atheists either, but you can teach atheists to become good compassionate and productive human beings. You can also teach spiritual people to be good compassionate and productive human beings by modifying their belief systems.
Joseph Campbell said, that Spirituality is thus a search for the same basic, unknown force
from which everything came, within which everything currently exists, and into which everything will eventually return
"Atheism is still a system of belief, and as such no answer and not better than the belief in God. The answer can only come from an actual experience of truth and what is really there. Concepts will never solve our problem. One either knows or does not. There is nothing in between."
Atheism is NOT a belief system but rather a rejection of a particular claim or set of claims. One either believes in a particular god claim (theism) or they don't (atheism). Most people are atheist regarding most god claims such as Thor, Zues & Poseidon. "Atheist" simply believe in one less god that most theists, generally speaking. That said, religion makes it rather difficult to experience "truth and what is really there" because religious theism purports to have all of the answers already generally speaking. I bear it safe to say that in most cases belief (esp religious belief) has nothing at all to do with knowledge or truth.
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This elemental force is ultimately “unknowable”. By this definition even atheists are spiritual. Religious and spiritual beliefs can be modified and they can evolve and the ones that won’t evolve have no place in the future of humanity. Any religious, social political or psychological belief system that teaches ignorance, violence, hatred, racism or sexism should be banned. Any parent that teaches these things to their children should also be reprimanded.
I think the author asked this question not because she believes atheism is the answer, but to propose the question as a thought experiment. Getting rid of the worlds problems will take huge amounts of educational resources as well as political and legislative resources all contributing and working together to make religious belief systems more friendly and less destructive, as well as making people on the individual level more friendly, more educated, and less violent towards their fellow man. The only
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The only way to make this work is to enforce the laws that protect us all from fanatical beliefs and behaviors through a secular political system.
This was a very good question Acharya.
As always, you bring your "A" Game to the table with these controversial topics my friend. It's always refreshing and enlightening to read your work!
Plutarch if I'm not mistaken made the statement .." Atheism is not a perversion of the religious part of our mind but its complete negation " Plutarch was speaking of the folly of Alexanders youthfull arrogance in denying any divinity and finally when he (Alexander) came to believe in God he went the opposite direction in irrational over compensation and superstition. Plutarch apparently had no room in his view for atheism, I believe he was monotheistic and believed different peoples had their own name for the same deity. Personally I very much believe in the different sciences but still feel its foolish to think that accidental mechanics explains all..From a vacumn to substance to consciousness ..? Uhh....NO !
Hi!!I think Vikram has summed it up best, and I think I am in agreemnet with his position. Until we get to the aetiology (ie root-causes of the problem)there will always be violence (ie against other humans, groups, individuals, animals plants etc). This is not to let any of the religions off the hook but to highlight the predicament of and the challenges for humanity. There is another point alluded to by Vikram but not overtly stated on his part, viz. almost any human (group) activity can become like a 'religion' (ie football/soccer fans, 'turf wars', gangs etc).'If we are not too careful I suspect atheism at some point will be viewed by many as a 'secular religion'. Thank you.
I don't know if it's the answer, but it's certainly a better answer than religion!
I look foreward to the day we see the US elect its first openly Atheist President
Right now, Atheists are such an excluded, maybe abused group, in the U.S. that they must band together and honor their similarities.
There may be as many types of Atheists as there are religions. Or to put it another way, Atheists' definitions of god differ. For example, I think my father was a Baptist Atheist, fairly fundamental & unsophisticated in his disbelief.
I am most comfortable identifying myself as an Agnostic. That is because if god is defined as the universe, I could be considered a theist so strong is my connection to the natural world. Also, i derive a certain sense of peace from studying exotic religions.
Perhaps Atheism is hereditary as a recessive attribute (like unusual integrity (?) since Atheists are usually born in the most unlikely families.
Pardon me for dreaming.....but "atheism" is not an answer, it is a choice. My dream is that we could respect one another, regardless of religious beliefs.
For many years....I've been attracted to Eastern Philosphy. It does not put limitations on God.
Rumi "God lives in the unknown. Revere it"
Love,
Ravensong aka Judy
Atheism is a great response when the only available alternatives are the Abrahamic religions. But why not go back to what these curious faiths forcibly replaced, which was the recognition of our local star as a living being? This was common currency in virtually every pre-Christian culture on the planet. It was not science that told us Sun worshippers were ignorant and primitive - it was a jealous Church.
There is a book just out that looks at the science and the implications of a conscious Sun, titled Sun of gOd. Thanks Acharya, for showing us how Christianity is based upon a solar template. This book looks at that fascinating template in a modern light. And yes, I am the author.
To me, the question of "God" is directly related to the current state (form) of consciousness -'normal consciousness' almost a disease caused by devolution-. Within this prevalent mode of consciousness, it's easy to Counterfeit anything -including God-and that is a crucial point to consider. I view God as Infinite Consciousness itself, thus "atheism" is just another DOGMA...!, i.e. limiting/compartmentalizing/reducing Consciousness, in the way that it becomes "Linear-Sequential" logic.
Atheism is not an answer but it is a starting point. Atheists have only one defining characteristic, they have no belief in a god or gods.
For answers we need to turn to science, philosophy, ethics, etc.
bilderbuster says: "The coming New World Order has a number of objectives,"
People that believe in the "New World Order" are as ignorant as religious fundamentalists, in my book.
"...... is indeed a wonderful creation."
The word creation denotes a creator, you might want to rethink your choice of words.
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