No, I live in America. The rules for these things vary by district, even by school- I just find the Baltimore school system to be particularly bad. Go further down south, and I'm sure you won't have to deal with any of this.
Atheism
- Thread starter RoseDincht
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Well, closer to the bible belt in America, it's actually worse because if you're not Christian, you might be discriminated against. You might not be treated seriously for supporting evolution.
As far as I'm concerned, banning religious discussion from school does not necessarily mean that they thought religion is uncool or evil. Otherwise they would be contradicting themselves by discussing religion when they have banned it. I was pretty sure they had meant that you're allowed to practice whatever religion you want because that's really a personal choice and is nobody else's business; they just won't choose it for you or don't want it being talked about in school. And besides, it's just school. It's not like you can't talk about religion elsewhere, just as you can't post porn on this forum, but you can post it on another forum that does allow it.
As far as I'm concerned, banning religious discussion from school does not necessarily mean that they thought religion is uncool or evil. Otherwise they would be contradicting themselves by discussing religion when they have banned it. I was pretty sure they had meant that you're allowed to practice whatever religion you want because that's really a personal choice and is nobody else's business; they just won't choose it for you or don't want it being talked about in school. And besides, it's just school. It's not like you can't talk about religion elsewhere, just as you can't post porn on this forum, but you can post it on another forum that does allow it.
http://www.atheists.org/
http://ravingatheist.com/
http://atheistalliance.org/
http://www.infidels.org/
http://skepdic.com/atheism.html
How can you honestly look at any of these websites and not tell me that these "tough atheists" are not just non-religious, not just anti-religion, but downright hostile to religious believers in general? Now, I have never seen or heard a single person in my religion go to the extremes of these people- we usually do a thing called tolerance to others. We don't publish dozens of books a year denouncing the beliefs of others, we don't create websites exclaiming how everyone that doesn't believe in us is worthless and delusional, and we don't try to "convert the heathens" just to make ourselves feel good.
Sure, there are some religious extremists that do some of the same things, if not worse. I've had to deal with some ultra-conservative assholes who think that my religion is "less than Christian" on more than one occasion. But we are talking about atheism here, and to say that they can be excused for intolerance just because other people do it is completely unacceptable. Religion or not, when a group of people try to prevent others from accepting or even listening to the beliefs of my religion, I do not tolerate it. Period.
http://ravingatheist.com/
http://atheistalliance.org/
http://www.infidels.org/
http://skepdic.com/atheism.html
How can you honestly look at any of these websites and not tell me that these "tough atheists" are not just non-religious, not just anti-religion, but downright hostile to religious believers in general? Now, I have never seen or heard a single person in my religion go to the extremes of these people- we usually do a thing called tolerance to others. We don't publish dozens of books a year denouncing the beliefs of others, we don't create websites exclaiming how everyone that doesn't believe in us is worthless and delusional, and we don't try to "convert the heathens" just to make ourselves feel good.
Sure, there are some religious extremists that do some of the same things, if not worse. I've had to deal with some ultra-conservative assholes who think that my religion is "less than Christian" on more than one occasion. But we are talking about atheism here, and to say that they can be excused for intolerance just because other people do it is completely unacceptable. Religion or not, when a group of people try to prevent others from accepting or even listening to the beliefs of my religion, I do not tolerate it. Period.
I looked at those websites a little bit. The only thing I saw was that they were responsible for taking mass prayer out of American public schools. I do not like intolerace of any kind. Schools should show students all sides. It is all part of education. Religious freedom was supposed to be what the US is about. The US should not have any state religion. Any kind of belief should not be forced on anybody.
To be honest, Adamant, I do not think the problem is atheism. The problem is that your school district is trying to be politically correct. My idea of being politically correct would be to teach the students as many different religions as possible. But doing it in a religion class.
To be honest, Adamant, I do not think the problem is atheism. The problem is that your school district is trying to be politically correct. My idea of being politically correct would be to teach the students as many different religions as possible. But doing it in a religion class.
Well, that's like changing Christmas to Winter Break for fear of offending those who celebrate Hannukah, isn't it?
I've seen some less hostile atheist websites, but you can't really brand all atheists like that. Some of them are just horrible people, just as fundamentalists are just as horrible. But I get the impression that fundamentalists are worse because not only are they religiously intolerant, but they publish things that lie about science, and pretend to know science when they don't. So not only are they giving religion a bad name, but they're also trying to make science into something it isn't. I find that dishonest and disrespectful.
I've seen some less hostile atheist websites, but you can't really brand all atheists like that. Some of them are just horrible people, just as fundamentalists are just as horrible. But I get the impression that fundamentalists are worse because not only are they religiously intolerant, but they publish things that lie about science, and pretend to know science when they don't. So not only are they giving religion a bad name, but they're also trying to make science into something it isn't. I find that dishonest and disrespectful.
It is unfortunatly true that when people look at websites and documents written by atheists they sound very negative of religions and religious people. Just the same way that religious sites and documents are negative of atheists.
There is a lot of bad feeling between theists of all religions and atheists. A lot of it stems from the countless years the world has been controled by religion and still is in many countries. Either directly or by pressuring goverments.
However as Angelus said not everyone is like that. There are both theist and atheist extremists who are very hostile to the opposing side just as there are those who are open minded and accepting odf the opposing side.
I know what it is to be both an atheist and a theist. I was raised to be christian though I droped that pretty quick and I was never truly one. Then for a long time I was an atheist and yes I was very hostile to religions but never religious people I was cool minded enough to keep my opinions to myself. Now I am a theist once again as I am now a Sephyist.
So I have seen both sides of the argument with a mainstream religion a cult like religion and atheism.
All I can say is that people should just try to except others but there will always be some who will not.
There is a lot of bad feeling between theists of all religions and atheists. A lot of it stems from the countless years the world has been controled by religion and still is in many countries. Either directly or by pressuring goverments.
However as Angelus said not everyone is like that. There are both theist and atheist extremists who are very hostile to the opposing side just as there are those who are open minded and accepting odf the opposing side.
I know what it is to be both an atheist and a theist. I was raised to be christian though I droped that pretty quick and I was never truly one. Then for a long time I was an atheist and yes I was very hostile to religions but never religious people I was cool minded enough to keep my opinions to myself. Now I am a theist once again as I am now a Sephyist.
So I have seen both sides of the argument with a mainstream religion a cult like religion and atheism.
All I can say is that people should just try to except others but there will always be some who will not.
The One_Neo Bahamut
Chocobo Breeder
I think that religion is irrational and somewhat random. I have nothing against religious people, just as I have nothing against people who believe in the tooth fairy, or Santa.
I think that since religious people do not use any form of logical evidence, their views on the creation of the world for example, are less valid than an atheist who uses evidence. Based upon evidence, there is no reason to believe in God. Especially not a well defined God - like the Christian one.
I do not value the views of people who argue points without evidence. This is because 99.9% of the time, they are wrong.
I think that since religious people do not use any form of logical evidence, their views on the creation of the world for example, are less valid than an atheist who uses evidence. Based upon evidence, there is no reason to believe in God. Especially not a well defined God - like the Christian one.
I do not value the views of people who argue points without evidence. This is because 99.9% of the time, they are wrong.
Sylvia Leposhenko
Newbie
I think we should respect everyones beliefs. Whatever they may be. I'm an Atheist but I was brought up a Catholic. We'll all be ok as long as we have morals...
I think a key point to consider here is the difference between 'atheism' and 'anti-theism'.
'Atheism' simply means 'without God'. It is a belief that God does not existence. Atheism, however, is still a religious position. If one truly did not believe in God, then there would be need to deny. Savvy?
'Anti-theism' is different. This means 'against God' or 'against religion'. And in some ways, from some people I've spoken to online, some anti-theists are worse than the truly fundamentalist Christians/Muslims/<insert religion name here>. It's fine to say you don't believe in God, no worries. I don't mind that. But just as, as has rightly been pointed out here, it is wrong to force religious beliefs onto someone, it is equally wrong to force anti-religious beliefs on to someone. An anti-theist may believe that we will all, one day, destroy ourselves because of some stupid wars between hardcore religious nutters. The world is likely to end in a similar fashion if equally hardcore anti-theist nutters try to oppress and cause violent conflict on those who hold religious beliefs.
See?
Moderation, as ever, is the key. You don't believe in God? Fine. You think religions are stupid? Fine. Just don't start forcing square pegs into round holes. You'll just destroy the entire box.
'Atheism' simply means 'without God'. It is a belief that God does not existence. Atheism, however, is still a religious position. If one truly did not believe in God, then there would be need to deny. Savvy?
'Anti-theism' is different. This means 'against God' or 'against religion'. And in some ways, from some people I've spoken to online, some anti-theists are worse than the truly fundamentalist Christians/Muslims/<insert religion name here>. It's fine to say you don't believe in God, no worries. I don't mind that. But just as, as has rightly been pointed out here, it is wrong to force religious beliefs onto someone, it is equally wrong to force anti-religious beliefs on to someone. An anti-theist may believe that we will all, one day, destroy ourselves because of some stupid wars between hardcore religious nutters. The world is likely to end in a similar fashion if equally hardcore anti-theist nutters try to oppress and cause violent conflict on those who hold religious beliefs.
See?
Moderation, as ever, is the key. You don't believe in God? Fine. You think religions are stupid? Fine. Just don't start forcing square pegs into round holes. You'll just destroy the entire box.
Wow. I'm glad that there is finally somebody on this website who is intellectual and knows what he/she is talking about.
Not at all (lets keep this thread open), I have found it very embarrassing to be with atheist friends who have hounded my other mates with religious beliefs.
Atheists can be as, if not more, dogmatic, its just based on strong feelings.
I myself am an atheist and I certainly do not believe I have to repect anybodys religion or opinion, but hey, what ever you do in your own time(as long as it does not hurt anyone) is fine by me.
I will not however actively seek out and attempt to destroy a persons beliefs, if you want to talk about them fine, if not, even better.
Atheists can be as, if not more, dogmatic, its just based on strong feelings.
I myself am an atheist and I certainly do not believe I have to repect anybodys religion or opinion, but hey, what ever you do in your own time(as long as it does not hurt anyone) is fine by me.
I will not however actively seek out and attempt to destroy a persons beliefs, if you want to talk about them fine, if not, even better.
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Quite so and sound wisdom. I have a really good friend of mine in Leeds who always takes the micky out of me for my spiritual beliefs and often questions me ... but that's fine! I don't mind that! It encourages me to answer difficult questions (he's an Astrophysicist ... very smart man!) and in doing so, I continue to learn. Hopefully, so does he. We've enjoyed some brilliant theological debates.
But how do you debate with someone else who just stands doggedly in their position, shouting over and over again, "Your beliefs are stupid and without proof", regardless of the eloquence of your argument? It's better to leave them in their position and let them get on with their life in the best way they can.
More and more, I see a lot of 'fundies' and 'extremists' these days ... worryingly from younger people. A lot of this I put down to age and being teens, all this pent up rebellion and faux independency expresses itself in many ways. I did it too. I grew out of it and saw balance.
The problem arises when people start acting on false, rebellion-inspired, hormonally-injected ideas ...
Kether, it's guys like you that give spirituality a good name, damn you. 
I am a Christian myself, and I agree with you.The typical Christian is a forceful and imposing brat. Most Christians have a case of the 'I'm Better Than You' syndrome... This is sad because all these people are hypocrites, because they seem to forget that one is not to cast the proverbial stone unless they are sinless, which is impossible to be.
A Christian who follows the bible devoutly would merely make friends with someone and let them come to their own conclusions, rather than be shouting fire and brimstone at them... Sadly, there are few of these...
Katastrofik
Final Fantasy/Hip-Hop
i think of life like FFX....the teachings.... what were they for?
i 100 percent agree with that post!
I am atheist, have never set foot in a church, and I have only touched a bible twice in my life. One was in a hotel drawer, the other was from an Evangelist passing them out at school.
However, anyone trying to force their beliefs (or lack thereof) on anyone else is not something that should be endorsed unless in a serious environment where such behavior is actually encouraged or forced upon (e.g. a debate).
Also, though I'm atheist, I am thinking of piercing my ears and wearing crosses, just for the record, so yeah.
However, anyone trying to force their beliefs (or lack thereof) on anyone else is not something that should be endorsed unless in a serious environment where such behavior is actually encouraged or forced upon (e.g. a debate).
Also, though I'm atheist, I am thinking of piercing my ears and wearing crosses, just for the record, so yeah.
I hate my R.E teachers she's a %!£"$ in the middle of class she asks what religion i am so i tell her i dont believe in god im atheist and she glares at me she asks why not so i say well is god is so almighty then why the hell did he create hate pain suffering so she comes back with maybe he cant so i say then he isnt so almighty after all!! and i got an afterschool detention i forgot she's a catholic lol