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Author Topic:   Athiest Manifesto
nwr
Member
Posts: 6408
From: Geneva, Illinois
Joined: 08-08-2005
Member Rating: 4.2


(2)
Message 2 of 54 (657134)
03-26-2012 9:33 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Heathen
03-26-2012 8:12 AM


It's from Julian Baggini, who seems to be a source of nutty ideas.
1. Athiests are naturalists
Naturalism is a metaphysical thesis. I prefer to eschew metaphysics altogether.
2. First Commitment is to the truth
Our notion of truth should itself be subject to examination and criticism. So it's a mistake to make such a commitment.
3. We respect Scence, Not Scientism
I'm never sure what scientism is, except that it is typically used as a derogatory term. It seems pointless to include this in a manifesto. It may be equally pointless to even have a manifesto.
4. Reason is precious
What does that even mean? The reason that comes from creationists is often worthless.
5. Reject Dogma
I don't have a problem with that. But I am puzzled as to what Baggini takes "atheism" to mean, if he wants to include that in the Baggini manifesto.
6. Accept that Athieism will not have answers and are prepared for that
That's yet another reason to wonder what Baggini takes "atheism" to mean.
7. Are Secularists
I am all for secularism. But you don't have to be an atheist to be a secularist.
8. Athiests can be religious(?)
That one is straight from the Baggini lunatic asylum.
9. Religion isn't all bad.
Why should I be expected to make sweeping generalizations?
10. Are Critical of religion hen necessary
I'll criticize individual acts of religious groups, when appropriate. But why does that require criticizing religion as a whole?

Jesus was a liberal hippie

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Heathen, posted 03-26-2012 8:12 AM Heathen has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by Heathen, posted 03-26-2012 9:42 AM nwr has replied

  
nwr
Member
Posts: 6408
From: Geneva, Illinois
Joined: 08-08-2005
Member Rating: 4.2


Message 5 of 54 (657145)
03-26-2012 10:25 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by Heathen
03-26-2012 9:42 AM


I commented point by point to help get the discussion going.
I really don't see the point in an atheist manifesto. One typically issues a manifesto to organize people into a movement. But there is very little in common between people who consider themselves atheists. The term "atheism" does not refer to a central principle, but to the lack of any central principle.
The one point where most atheists would agree, is on secularism. They oppose the attempts at encroachment on the public sphere by religious groups.
The idea of commitment to a central system of principles (such as a manifesto would be), seems to be what atheists don't want.

Jesus was a liberal hippie

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Heathen, posted 03-26-2012 9:42 AM Heathen has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by Heathen, posted 03-26-2012 10:34 AM nwr has seen this message but not replied

  
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