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When I say they are 'neutral' I'm referring to the concepts and not to the assertive varieties of atheists who regard it as a cause and sometimes a movement. For instance, Northern Europeans represent a large population of atheists and agnostics who express their understandings by rarely even speaking about religion. By that I mean we don't tend to care much about the subject of religion and have no incentive to 'convert' others to that way of thinking.
Religion is mostly irrelevant to our thoughts and the activities of militant atheism are seen as similarly irrelevant.
Originally posted by LesMisanthrope
How long can we argue about what the theist cannot prove, what the atheist cannot disprove, and what the agnostic cannot know? How long can we argue about what amounts to nothing?
How long can we argue about what the theist cannot prove, what the atheist cannot disprove, and what the agnostic cannot know? How long can we argue about what amounts to nothing?
Originally posted by LesMisanthrope
reply to post by jiggerj
The question of whether or not this is a subject worth arguing over becomes a matter of what some people do with their belief that a deity exists. When their belief is used to kill, hurt, oppress, dominate, scare, or hate others, only then does it become (MUST become) an issue worthy of discussion.
I wholeheartedly agree.
Would not then the conviction in a mere concept—either God, no God, or we cannot know—and the striving to see it realized be the cause of this destruction? Isn't this religious motivation? I have to wonder why the atheist and agnostic contribute to this division by taking part in it, getting his hands just as dirty so to speak.
edit on 21-4-2013 by LesMisanthrope because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by LesMisanthrope
reply to post by Benevolent Heretic
religion |riˈlijən|
noun
the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods: ideas about the relationship between science and religion.
• a particular system of faith and worship: the world's great religions.
• a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance: consumerism is the new religion.
If you care about people... youll care about what they believe and why.
If their beliefs are harmful to society then you would seek to change them. Often through discussion and presentation of evidence
This whole thread stinks to high heaven because all of this is so obvious.
If god manifests in reality then there is evidence by which to prove his existence.
If god does not manifest in reality, then a reality in which he does not exist is indistinguishable from the one we currently inhabit.
Atheism and agnosticism are more or less personal, whereas common religions are absolute and universal.
If I choose not to believe in myths (aka god) and I don't care to debate it with anyone else. How does that put me in a religion? If anything its one religious view that god doesn't exist.
"Religion" being defined by man I want to point out.
So That initial ONE religious view is me saying "Haha I dont agree"
Why is it debated forever? In the beginning you could die over your religious views. I believe now its a way to reassert your view by discussing it with others.
Go back to the first number about you dont have religious views until Deitys are introduced. Yeah thats me, my mind set is that "child" that never heard about them. Thats the type of views I hold.
However I'm a spiritual person, relating to the mind/body and its balance and respect for the world, nothing more.
I'm in negotiations on rollout strategies and profit break points, but I think were finally seeing daylight. I'll let you know when all this horsesh*t will be settled. You can blame the lawyers. Friggin' idiots, all of them.
Here ill give you a label. Your an Aunicornist! This is what religion does to people who don't believe in its idiotic agruments. Create a label for people who aren't gullible enough to believe you.
How about you stop labeling yourself. Hypocrite! Aunicornist who wastes his time not worshiping the great unicorn.