Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - The "New Atheism," the vocal minority making the rest of us look bad, or more?

Ustwo · 10-25-2006, 06:50 AM

I realized there was no god when I was 8 years old, in Church, by myself.

That doesn't mean I see nothing good in religion, but just that the good in it is solely due to human work, no divine intervention.

As such I don't see a reason to shove atheism down anyone’s throat. Most people who are 'true believers' won't be swayed and what do I gain by convincing someone on the fence that there is no magic candy land when they die, and there is no reason to be good beyond their own morality? Nothing, I just bring them into my world of pure logic and no comfort.

Before one attempts to ‘convert’ the world to atheism, you need to ask yourself what good will come of it? Its nice to think that the world will be suddenly enlightened, and religious violence and intolerance will be a thing of the past, but lets look at those who advocate promoting ‘New Atheism’. I’m not talking about looking at their character or what not, but their intelligence. As a rule we are talking about people in the top few % of intelligence who seem to be able to grasp the concept that not only is there no god, but that you don’t NEED a god to be a human, to have a purpose in life.

Human nature is what it is, and apparently belief in a higher power suits that nature. Just because we have science to explain away mysteries, it doesn’t change the nature, the desire for a higher purpose and cause to life seems a pretty universal human trait. What works for the top percent of intelligence may not work as well for the masses. Being ‘right’ doesn’t mean its practical. Religion may be the opiate for the masses but there seems to be a need.

While its in vogue to whine about the injustices of major religions, especially Christianity, those whines ignore the good which really over shadows the evil. Even those who reject Christianity often just fall into another religion. It sort of proves the universal need/desire for a higher power. They reject their parents religion and then instead believe in a religion younger than the automobile, casting spells and pretending to be druids or whatever. Its telling that rather than take the next logical step of, my religion is false, maybe there is no god, they go to my religion is false, maybe this even more illogical one is better. It tells me that there is a need that gets filled and people will jump through logic hoops to fill that need no matter how silly. (and don’t try it, I have +3 saving throws vrs any religion younger than my great grandmother

)

So in conclusion, while I think the ‘New Atheists’ are correct, there is no god, and belief in god, gods, spirits, etc, is just silly, I just don’t see any long term good coming out of promoting this for the mainstream.

10-25-2006, 06:50 AM	#12 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	I realized there was no god when I was 8 years old, in Church, by myself. That doesn't mean I see nothing good in religion, but just that the good in it is solely due to human work, no divine intervention. As such I don't see a reason to shove atheism down anyone’s throat. Most people who are 'true believers' won't be swayed and what do I gain by convincing someone on the fence that there is no magic candy land when they die, and there is no reason to be good beyond their own morality? Nothing, I just bring them into my world of pure logic and no comfort. Before one attempts to ‘convert’ the world to atheism, you need to ask yourself what good will come of it? Its nice to think that the world will be suddenly enlightened, and religious violence and intolerance will be a thing of the past, but lets look at those who advocate promoting ‘New Atheism’. I’m not talking about looking at their character or what not, but their intelligence. As a rule we are talking about people in the top few % of intelligence who seem to be able to grasp the concept that not only is there no god, but that you don’t NEED a god to be a human, to have a purpose in life. Human nature is what it is, and apparently belief in a higher power suits that nature. Just because we have science to explain away mysteries, it doesn’t change the nature, the desire for a higher purpose and cause to life seems a pretty universal human trait. What works for the top percent of intelligence may not work as well for the masses. Being ‘right’ doesn’t mean its practical. Religion may be the opiate for the masses but there seems to be a need. While its in vogue to whine about the injustices of major religions, especially Christianity, those whines ignore the good which really over shadows the evil. Even those who reject Christianity often just fall into another religion. It sort of proves the universal need/desire for a higher power. They reject their parents religion and then instead believe in a religion younger than the automobile, casting spells and pretending to be druids or whatever. Its telling that rather than take the next logical step of, my religion is false, maybe there is no god, they go to my religion is false, maybe this even more illogical one is better. It tells me that there is a need that gets filled and people will jump through logic hoops to fill that need no matter how silly. (and don’t try it, I have +3 saving throws vrs any religion younger than my great grandmother ) So in conclusion, while I think the ‘New Atheists’ are correct, there is no god, and belief in god, gods, spirits, etc, is just silly, I just don’t see any long term good coming out of promoting this for the mainstream. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.