religious folks

[Rosa]

So, the only gripe I seem to have with a lot of Atheists (yes, even though I am one, doesn't mean we have to agree on everything) is that so many Atheists are anti-religion. Why? It makes people happy, they get to see their friends, they get to do community stuff together and go to brunch on sunday and stuff. What's so bad about that? I think they are all a bit naive. I also don't believe in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, but I'm not going to make you feel bad if you do and it makes you happy.

 

[KonaNeil]

Then they do things like: Lawyer: Beheading planned in Saudi sorcery case - CNN.com

 

[Rosa]

sure, there's bad and good intentions all over. I sort of view organized religion as the same as girl scouts or little league, sometimes no good can come of it, but for the most part it makes people happy. Just 'cause one world leader wrecks it for the rest of them?

 

[ZorbaTheGreek]

I accept it as a reality of the time we live. But I think in the long run, people essentially allowing themselves to be fooled into believing fairy tales is bad for the collective intelligence. It's also another dividing line we don't need (religious war anyone?) Look how many years scientific thought has been set back by religion. I don't think it's a big deal. I certainly don't try and force my ideas on reality on others. But I think in the long run, society without religion is something that would be beneficial. Or at least religion backed way out of peoples lives and decision making processes.

 

[SuZamme]

I accept it as a reality of the time we live. But I think in the long run, people essentially allowing themselves to be fooled into believing fairy tales is bad for the collective intelligence. It's also another dividing line we don't need (religious war anyone?) Look how many years scientific thought has been set back by religion. I don't think it's a big deal. I certainly don't try and force my ideas on reality on others. But I think in the long run, society without religion is something that would be beneficial. Or at least religion backed way out of peoples lives and decision making processes.

Well put.
If only those that are still "practicing" the various religions would follow their own doctrines...i.e. judge not, do unto others as you would have them do unto you etc. As you know, the list is very long of the doctrines that are NOT being "practiced".

 

[Rosa]

I accept it as a reality of the time we live. But I think in the long run, people essentially allowing themselves to be fooled into believing fairy tales is bad for the collective intelligence. It's also another dividing line we don't need (religious war anyone?) Look how many years scientific thought has been set back by religion. I don't think it's a big deal. I certainly don't try and force my ideas on reality on others. But I think in the long run, society without religion is something that would be beneficial. Or at least religion backed way out of peoples lives and decision making processes.

Oh, I see. You mean like this:
YouTube - Imagine

When you put it that way I must agree with you

 

[boochips]

More people have died in the name of religion than for any other reason.
"My God is better than your God" is really getting old to me....
I think people need to come out of the dark ages and into the 21st century...

 

[ZorbaTheGreek]

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

Exactly. Wiser men than me have said before.

 

[AJMoore]

I accept it as a reality of the time we live. But I think in the long run, people essentially allowing themselves to be fooled into believing fairy tales is bad for the collective intelligence. It's also another dividing line we don't need (religious war anyone?) Look how many years scientific thought has been set back by religion. I don't think it's a big deal. I certainly don't try and force my ideas on reality on others. But I think in the long run, society without religion is something that would be beneficial. Or at least religion backed way out of peoples lives and decision making processes.

Zorba - well put. I really don't care what people do with or for themselves as long as its not forced on me as part of my reality (government, schools or social). I don't want to police what you do in your bedroom, just keep it there and stay out of my bedroom.

I can't say there is NO God and make people behave and believe as I would like them to. But they can't say there is a God and make me believe and behave as they would like me to.