Corgan Sow

The last topic about non-Christian bigotry really distressed me, and that leads to the question; most people here have found freedom in free thinking. Now, do we go about sprouting that Islam is responsible for 9/11, and Xtianity responsible for child molestations?

Most of us may found irrefutable evidence that leads to the answer yes. But if you hate fundies who shove shit under your throat, you know better than to become a hypocrite.

Let us all preach free thinking in a tolerant manner. It is just plain hypocrisy in my opinion to preach all these to religionists like fundie preachers. People need to discover their spirituality/beliefs themselves, not to be forced.

southernhybrid

I agree with you Corgan. I tolerate religionists very well. If I find them getting pushy or obnoxious, I proudly tell them just what a joyful and happy atheist I am. I don't preach to them or try to reason with them since these tactics don't usually work. When they see that I am very happy, basically beneficent, and well adjusted without god, it makes a much bigger and IMO more positive impression. Intolerance breeds contempt. If we're so smart, we should know that.

Of course that doesn't mean that while they pray for me, I'm not going to be making a little fun of them with my atheist friends. I am only human and it's not like I'm telling them they will burn in hell for their beliefs. One does need to have a sense of humor when living among so many Bible thumpers.

Walter_Mitty

Bibliophile's doctrine of passive agression states:

1) Everyone has the right to their own beliefs.

2) Every belief should be open to intelligent criticism.

3) Do not witness to theists unless witnessed to.

Regarding (3), I certainly do not "witness" but I do tell them why I don't believe that which they are telling me.

diana

This would be an error in logic, and I'm the first to jump someone's little red wagon when they suggest such a thing. To say that Islam is to blame for 9/11 because the men who did it were acting on their particular fringe interpretation of that religion is like blaming the entire marine corp because three bigoted jarheads beat up your gay son.

It's even worse to blame Xnty for pedophile priests, IMO. Their pedophilia has nothing to do with their beliefs. It's more likely a result of the self-denial they are required by the RCC to practice. Again...this is only one interpretation of the Xn religion. Even if you decide the RCC is directly to blame (let's not go into this again, please, but I know those who covered it up are culpable, as well), this still doesn't implicate all of Xnty.

Let us all preach free thinking in a tolerant manner. It is just plain hypocrisy in my opinion to preach all these to religionists like fundie preachers. People need to discover their spirituality/beliefs themselves, not to be forced.

I agree. However, "preach" and "tolerance" are open to interpretation.

I try to be no preachier than who I'm dealing with, but I don't always succeed. There are things I feel passionately about, and being anti-religion is one of them. Religion and faith put chains on your mind: think, they tell you, but not too much. Too much thinking is the result of pride. The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. But study to show yourself approved unto God...

So whenever I run into someone who is obviously very bright but refuses to think any further than "Goddidit," I struggle with my anger against the mental chains this person has bound himself with so he can ironically call himself "free."

Yes, tolerance and patience are good ideals. I shoot for them, but I don't always hit the target.

Imagine the frustration of a man who bought his freedom from slavery then tried to convince his fellows to buy theirs. He tells them how he is his own man, that life is good. He can't understand why they choose to keep their chains. They argue that, in their view, they are safer where they are. "Freer," in a way. They don't have to worry about being hunted, about being fed, about having a place to sleep, because their master takes care of those things.

That's all. I have difficulty being patient and understanding when people in prison look me in the eye and tell me they're free and I'm the one in chains.

d

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: diana ]</p>

frostymama

I sleep with one every night. I do admit that I feel a little intolerant when he starts to snore, but I don't think that has anything to do with religion.

Heathen Dawn

An they harm none, let them do what they will. I don't think the 9/11 sacrifice for Allah falls under this category.

Perchance

I react to specific expressions of religion- like bumper stickers, or signs, or stupid things that people say- a lot more often than I react to religionists themselves, or their religions as a whole. And I am grateful that there is a place I can come and bitch to sympathetic ears .

However, I wish I didn't feel as if I have to keep what I believe completely under wraps. I've let it out before, when a theist challenged me, but I wish there were ways to show it quietly, without seeming confrontational.

Unfortunately, there don't seem to be.

-Perchance.

JohnR

Oh no, my favorite place to eat in LA has been taken over. <a href="http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/11283059" target="_blank">In and Out Burger</a> has gone christian. Or maybe they always were. This sucks. I really enjoy them when I am in LA.
Well-Versed
The Christian management shares their faith by placing Bible verses in unobtrusive spots on their paper goods. Along the inside of the bottom of the drink cups is John 3:16; shakes have Proverbs 3:5; hamburger wrappers sport Revelation 3:20.

[ September 12, 2002: Message edited by: JohnR ]</p>

fando

It's been this way for awhile. Have you ever noticed how retro In'n'Out looks and behaves? They try to emulate a 1950's Levittown burger joint. Sometimes they do it so well that it scares me, especially in a conservative place like Palm Springs. Ever see a punk or goth inside one? They don't fit in, it's like they're from a different dimension. As for the employees, I don't think they notice that they're being indoctrinated into that thematic lifestyle. Be clean cut, dress cleanly, smile fluently and speak plainly. At least they're somewhat progressive in that they let women work the grills. I imagine that duty used to be exclusive to men.

sighhswolf

Do you tolerate religionists?

Not without the assistance of powerful antacids.

Wolf
<img src="graemlins/banghead.gif" border="0" alt="[Bang Head]" />