The mounting discussion of Atheism in popular press combined with an inspiring speak with with Dr. Michael Shermer, has encouraged me to ponder somewhat more about how exactly we would really like, not merely this web page, but atheism in general to be viewed. You can find not many topics in the states that awaken up the level of feeling as atheism. Atheists are the most disliked demographic in the land. We have been viewed as immoral, corrupt people of the public and if you find yourself ill-fated enough to be required to tune in to Bill O'Reilly, fascists.
Naturally I understand that not to be the situation. Morality is very much related to the heritage and surroundings where you inhabit, and so what is considered ethical in one country is totally taboo in another. Trust needs to be earned, it's not a God provided attribute, unique to only people of religious beliefs, and for Mr. O'Reilly to dub atheists fascists, is simply flat out ignorant.
I'm aware that this isn't the opinion of everyone (as some of the comments on this site will prove), there is a lot of compassion and understanding from both sides of the religious divide, and that's where we would like us ALL to focus our attention.
I'm certain a lot of you have taken a look at the books of the 4 horsemen; Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris. Understanding their work offers us more than merely facts, in my opinion it provided me the courage to discuss my atheism and the confidence to doubt the old fashioned methods of organized faith. They energized me to speak out about my atheism knowing that I had the technical proof behind me.
What I didn't get from those writers, however, was a sense of positivity or way of using my atheism to make a positive difference in the world. Everything I had read seemed to just be ammunition to attack the opposition. But this IS NOT a war. It's supposed to be a discussion. But it seems the only time atheism appears in mainstream media is in some news feature like "War on Christmas / Families / America / Freedom", you get the idea. Often the discussion is an unresolveable slinging match with the religious right. I just don't see the point of getting into these arguments.
It's time for atheism to grow. It's time for it to lead by example; battle violations of human civil rights, help support community programs in our cities, battle for equality - not challenge the opposition to a duel. Leading atheist groups such as American Atheists have paid out large numbers of dollars to install hoardings antagonizing the religious. That cash could possibly have done some true good in the world. The homeless falling asleep in Times Square need to have meals and refuge, not a provocative advert to have a look at. It's time for you to quit centering on what we will never believe, and to on the other hand prize just what we really do.
In the end, the only thing that this type of publicity accomplishes is an even greater hatred for atheism. Well done.
Alternatively, let's focus on each other. Let's spend some time to learn each other's perspective. No matter whether it's the existence of a personal god almighty, all the way down to whom will win the Super Bowl, folks will always argue. Just imagine exactly what our planet could be like as long as, in place of shouting the other down, both parties made an effort to out perform the other by demonstrating much more understanding when compared with the other.
So let's evolve. Let's lead by example. Let's stop the pointless, unresolveable arguments and focus on what actually matters - creating a better world. No matter how passionately you feel about something, opinions change and evolve. What is so valuable now will be laughable in the future. What is a constant is that people matter, and creating a peaceful world should always come before any argument.
Let down your guard, and go and help to make someone else feel special!
Naturally I understand that not to be the situation. Morality is very much related to the heritage and surroundings where you inhabit, and so what is considered ethical in one country is totally taboo in another. Trust needs to be earned, it's not a God provided attribute, unique to only people of religious beliefs, and for Mr. O'Reilly to dub atheists fascists, is simply flat out ignorant.
I'm aware that this isn't the opinion of everyone (as some of the comments on this site will prove), there is a lot of compassion and understanding from both sides of the religious divide, and that's where we would like us ALL to focus our attention.
I'm certain a lot of you have taken a look at the books of the 4 horsemen; Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris. Understanding their work offers us more than merely facts, in my opinion it provided me the courage to discuss my atheism and the confidence to doubt the old fashioned methods of organized faith. They energized me to speak out about my atheism knowing that I had the technical proof behind me.
What I didn't get from those writers, however, was a sense of positivity or way of using my atheism to make a positive difference in the world. Everything I had read seemed to just be ammunition to attack the opposition. But this IS NOT a war. It's supposed to be a discussion. But it seems the only time atheism appears in mainstream media is in some news feature like "War on Christmas / Families / America / Freedom", you get the idea. Often the discussion is an unresolveable slinging match with the religious right. I just don't see the point of getting into these arguments.
It's time for atheism to grow. It's time for it to lead by example; battle violations of human civil rights, help support community programs in our cities, battle for equality - not challenge the opposition to a duel. Leading atheist groups such as American Atheists have paid out large numbers of dollars to install hoardings antagonizing the religious. That cash could possibly have done some true good in the world. The homeless falling asleep in Times Square need to have meals and refuge, not a provocative advert to have a look at. It's time for you to quit centering on what we will never believe, and to on the other hand prize just what we really do.
In the end, the only thing that this type of publicity accomplishes is an even greater hatred for atheism. Well done.
Alternatively, let's focus on each other. Let's spend some time to learn each other's perspective. No matter whether it's the existence of a personal god almighty, all the way down to whom will win the Super Bowl, folks will always argue. Just imagine exactly what our planet could be like as long as, in place of shouting the other down, both parties made an effort to out perform the other by demonstrating much more understanding when compared with the other.
So let's evolve. Let's lead by example. Let's stop the pointless, unresolveable arguments and focus on what actually matters - creating a better world. No matter how passionately you feel about something, opinions change and evolve. What is so valuable now will be laughable in the future. What is a constant is that people matter, and creating a peaceful world should always come before any argument.
Let down your guard, and go and help to make someone else feel special!
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