What's the atheists problem? ( Archived) (52)

well to be honest i do think that a belief in god is wrong and harmful although i understand peoples need to and respect it.

Well, I certainly can go along with that having been raised Catholic, but Pat neglects to make the distinction in this particular video that some people who have 'faith', or use the word 'faith' do have 'true' sources within.

There are two people here on CS who have quite a lot of impact upon the way I think and who I respect with a certain amount of awe - one of them is you as a 'non-believer' (sorry, I couldn't think of a more accurate way of phrasing that) and the other is a church-goer.

Its not just about impact, is it? Its about positive and negative impacts upon others and whilst I whole-heartedly agree that much of organised religion has a very insidious and negative impact, that video of Pat's rails against those who may, or may not have positive, or negative impacts upon others.

Now, if Pat here contributes to some people feeling like their 'faith' is a dirty secret when it isn't, when its very much like your idea of finding sources and spirituality within, then he's failing in the same way that much of the organised religion is failing. He is having both a positive and negative impact and perhaps needs to overhaul his ideologies every bit as much as organised religion.

Golly, I have a feeling I might be proper yinning and yanging, here.

To me believing in any god is a thing I simply cant understand, I like things to make sense and the concept of a god and all the writings about one make absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Why are atheists not allowed to promote their beliefs?? Is it not a central pillar of Christian faith to 'spread the word of the lord'? Is Christianity not enshrined in secular constitutions of countries?? Where is our forum to promote what we believe?

Atheism is not just the absence of a creator and judge, it is the realisation that this is our moment and within our control to pass on the fruits of our existence to the next generation - to know that there is no being to undo the wrong we have done!

Atheism is the pinnacle of responsibility and spiritual self reliance!

I don't begrudge you your faith.. But don't tell me I must be silent about my beliefs when 'spreading the word through mouth and deeds' is so central to yours!