Why are Atheists so intolerant of Theists.....

[mentalfloss]

You are asking why a minority group who has been treated unfairly in the past has a bone to pick.

The answer is pretty obvious.

It's the same for racism, chauvinism, homophobia.

The blowback is inevitable, but it will calm down as more people begin to drop religious institutions on practical grounds rather than theoretical grounds.

When people begin to realize that you don't need a religion to be a morally good person, or that it really doesn't matter much if there is some guy up there that started all this.

It will be a slow, gradual shift, but atheists don't even need to put up a fight because society will keep getting smacked in the face with natural realities that are incompatible with a dependency on religion.

 

[EagleSmack]

Hey that's the new buzz MF.... Atheism with morality.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

You are asking why a minority group who has been treated unfairly in the past has a bone to pick.

The answer is pretty obvious.

It's the same for racism, chauvinism, homophobia.

The blowback is inevitable, but it will calm down as more people begin to drop religious institutions on practical grounds rather than theoretical grounds.

You mean as religios quit trying to force their religions down other people's throats.

When people begin to realize that you don't need a religion to be a morally good person, or that it really doesn't matter much if there is some guy up there that started all this.

I doubt it.

"If we did a good act merely from love of God and a belief that it is pleasing to Him, whence arises the morality of the Atheist? ...Their virtue, then, must have had some other foundation than the love of God."
--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Law, June 13, 1814

Getting on for 200 years and still gnawing that same old bone.

It will be a slow, gradual shift, but atheists don't even need to put up a fight because society will keep getting smacked in the face with natural realities that are incompatible with a dependency on religion.

Back to TJ:

"What is it men cannot be made to believe!"
-Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, April 22, 1786.

 

[mentalfloss]

I'm not sure what your point was other than people will ultimately decide their fate?

I'm just saying that people will inevitably choose to forsake a belief in god on the grounds that they will realize such a belief is unnecessary for them to do the right thing. This will take another few hundred years, in my opinion, but we will eventually get there.

 

[EagleSmack]

I'm not sure what your point was other than people will ultimately decide their fate?

I'm just saying that people will inevitably choose to forsake a belief in god on the grounds that they will realize such a belief is unnecessary for them to do the right thing. This will take another few hundred years, in my opinion, but we will eventually get there.

I am thinking you are wrong. Hopeful but wrong.

I am sorry you have no faith at all (or in anything) MF. You're a good guy.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

I'm not sure what your point was other than people will ultimately decide their fate?

I'm just saying that people will inevitably choose to forsake a belief in god on the grounds that they will realize such a belief is unnecessary for them to do the right thing. This will take another few hundred years, in my opinion, but we will eventually get there.

I doubt it. There will always be people, probably most of them, who are so unable to think for themselves or afraid to do so that they'll sign on to any notion, however preposterous, that makes them feel special.

 

[mentalfloss]

Well, to be fair, the belief in something like this can foster hope and communal co-operation. That's why I could be described more as a benevolent atheist and think that something like the Superhaedron Collider as a way to convert theorists is a fruitless endeavour.

But I do also feel that giving up our reliance on this paternal figure can foster some real gains.

Okay, hippy feely moment over now.

I need a shower.

 

[EagleSmack]

Well, to be fair, the belief in something like this can foster hope and communal co-operation. That's why I could be described more as a benevolent atheist and think that something like the Superhaedron Collider as a way to convert theorists is a fruitless endeavour.

But I do also feel that giving up our reliance on this paternal figure can foster some real gains.

Okay, hippy feely moment over now.

I need a shower.

Not having any faith in anything... can foster communal cooperation? I am not buying that for a moment.

 

[Locutus]

As obvious (and lame perhaps) as it is, the slogan 'Live and Let Live' would go a very long way indeed towards a better world.

But that's just kooky thinking.

 

[Cliffy]

As obvious (and lame perhaps) as it is, the slogan 'Live and Let Live' would go a very long way indeed towards a better world.

But that's just kooky thinking.

I didn't realize you were an old hippy.

 

[SLM]

As obvious (and lame perhaps) as it is, the slogan 'Live and Let Live' would go a very long way indeed towards a better world.

Yes but then how will all these people ever know how very, very wrong they are!8O

 

[Cliffy]

Not having any faith in anything... can foster communal cooperation? I am not buying that for a moment.

I think he was saying that that is one of the plus's of religion. I think the social aspect is one of the major factors for people wanting to belong to a religion. I have known people who change churches until they find one where they feel comfortable with the rest of the congregation.

 

[Locutus]

Yes but then how will all these people ever know how very, very wrong they are!8O

It's not my department, sorry. ;-)

 

[mentalfloss]

Not having any faith in anything... can foster communal cooperation? I am not buying that for a moment.

No no I was making a case for the opposite. If anything, religion brings people together in times of need.

Edit: What Cliffy said.

 

[taxslave]

I have no use for religion but I don't care if others do. Until they try to force their views on me. Like the ones that say you can't shop on sunday because that is their holy day although I notice they don't have a problem with going out for lunch after church. Strange.

 

[darkbeaver]

I doubt that there's anyone here without personal philosophy.

 

[taxslave]

I doubt that there's anyone here without personal philosophy.

Having a personal philosophy is fine. Until you think you have the right to force it on others.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Having a personal philosophy is fine. Until you think you have the right to force it on others.

I don't want the right to force my personal philosophy on others.

Just the power.

 

[darkbeaver]

I don't want the right to force my personal philosophy on others.

Just the power.

Then cultivate the power. Select one of the philosophies/religions or built your own from a kit. All of those kits maintain that you do have the right to that power. All one needs they say is a solid work ethic.

 

[taxslave]

I just happen to have a special on start your own church kit. $999.99 Buy early, buy often. Cat's teeth need cleaning.