keyser_soze

I remember a user who said something to the effect of "It isn't murder if it's for gawd." He was being sarcastic, but the statement really does show the religious thought process.

markfiend

For a take on the scenario of an American Theocracy, I can heartily recommend "If This Goes On" in Robert A. Heinlein's "Future History" story arc. I believe the story is available in the book "Revolt in 2100"

Vylo

If proper manipulation was used we could manage to foster enough hatred between the groups to have them weaken each other to the point where atheists could come to power. We would have to manage to keep the heat off ourselves though, and with warring theologies, we may be seen as enemies to all, and be in a precarious position. Not that I would want to eliminate religion, but if theistic fervor took over, it would be beneficial to put them in check, and keep them from wiping each other off the face of the earth. Perhaps after such an incedent many of them might still hold onto theistic beliefs, but ones with a bit more reason and tolerance. A question that comes to my mind however, is how tolerant will other atheists be of the theists in a period like this? Would we take the moral high ground, or sink to the same level as the crusades and try to eliminate religion entirely? I would like to think that despite what I have observed of human nature, that atheists would be benevolent enough to be kind hearted in a position of high power.

wildernesse

I believe you would be disappointed if atheists ever did come to power as a class. They are as human as the rest of us, and would be as caught up in the politics and power play as anyone else.

--tibac