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Author Topic:   Does Atheism = No beliefs?
Peepul
Member (Idle past 5040 days)
Posts: 206
Joined: 03-13-2009


Message 99 of 414 (551641)
03-23-2010 1:45 PM
Reply to: Message 59 by New Cat's Eye
03-22-2010 6:48 PM


I think the word 'religious' as used by CS CAN be appropriate when describing non-theistic beliefs.
For example, if people venerate a belief system, use it to define their values, resist criticism of it and changes to it, and criticize or judge others who believe differently, then it's fair to call their attitude 'religious'. Likewise if they treat an individual the same way. So for example, I would include extreme left and right wing politicians and some music fans in this group.
When Richard Dawkins describes atheists as 'brights', ie intellectually superior to the religious, he is entering this territory.
If I'm honest, I would say my own belief in the scientific method is religious. That provides the energy for my discussions with creationists.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 59 by New Cat's Eye, posted 03-22-2010 6:48 PM New Cat's Eye has not replied

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Peepul
Member (Idle past 5040 days)
Posts: 206
Joined: 03-13-2009


Message 100 of 414 (551646)
03-23-2010 1:54 PM
Reply to: Message 61 by marc9000
03-22-2010 7:46 PM


Marc9000,
quote:
I think it has a very comparable connotation in society. When atheists are asked about themselves or when describing themselves, the subject of evolution will come up just as quickly as the subject of God will come up for a religious person. Prominent atheist people, whether a biologist like Richard Dawkins or a commedian like Bill Maher, always seem to have a politically liberal point of view. Is there a such thing as a radical right atheist?
I don't agree with your first statement. Who brings up evolution? Is it the atheist or the person they are talking to? I don't bring it up when talking about myself.
I agree that there is a correlation between atheism and liberalism, but it's not absolute. I have come across right wing atheists. If I remember, there's somebody on Richard Dawkin's site whose forum name is that, or something similar.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 61 by marc9000, posted 03-22-2010 7:46 PM marc9000 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 110 by marc9000, posted 03-23-2010 8:33 PM Peepul has replied

  
Peepul
Member (Idle past 5040 days)
Posts: 206
Joined: 03-13-2009


Message 102 of 414 (551653)
03-23-2010 2:10 PM
Reply to: Message 91 by Taq
03-23-2010 10:03 AM


quote:
Nothing is wasted in nature, nothing is wrong or imperfect, Nature is a perfect cycle of transformation, from the sun which transforms Hydrogen to Helium, to the plants that transform light into plant matter, to the tiger which transforms antelopes into baby tigers. Nothing is wasted, Nature in all its forms is perfect.
Right, so the arthritis in my mother's hands is perfect? Whales who get the bends are perfect? The death of many animals in pain or by starvation is perfect? Disease and parasitism are perfect? Have a look at an encyclopedia of tropical human diseases.
I dread to think what imperfection would look like.

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Peepul
Member (Idle past 5040 days)
Posts: 206
Joined: 03-13-2009


Message 140 of 414 (551798)
03-24-2010 9:12 AM
Reply to: Message 110 by marc9000
03-23-2010 8:33 PM


quote:
There are exceptions to every rule of course, but most any atheist in today's society will make a beeline to evolution when asked about their view of the world. You're saying that a Christian could engage in a 5 or 10 minute conversation with you about human origins and you'd never say a word about evolution?
ah - well if you're discussing that kind of topic, then it will come up. I'm saying that in most circumstances it doesn't. I don''t think in real life I have ever discussed origins with a Christian. Many Christians believe in evolution anyway so human origins are not a controversial subject with them.
quote:
So I ask again, what beliefs are unique to Atheism?
His next answer "We accept Evolution as fact"
This is completely wrong. This belief is not unique to atheism, nor is it held by all atheists.

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 Message 110 by marc9000, posted 03-23-2010 8:33 PM marc9000 has not replied

  
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