Religion on the decline around the world

Zoso

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/0 ... 57453.html

I found this an interesting but not overly surprising trend..

gimmesometruth27

good.

there is no greater cause of death and destruction than religion and the conflict that is created between different religions.

maybe one day in a few centuries we will get to the point where our differences are not highlighted by something like religion.

hedonist

Are religions - those that promote charity, kindness, brotherhood, peace - the problem, or those who skew it, use it for their own agendas, become fanatical about it, etc?

Jason P

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

good.

there is no greater cause of death and destruction than religion and the conflict that is created between different religions.

Religion? Which ones and how?

BinauralJam

Thank God!

cincybearcat

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

good.

there is no greater cause of death and destruction than religion and the conflict that is created between different religions.

maybe one day in a few centuries we will get to the point where our differences are not highlighted by something like religion.

I would agree that there is no greater cause of death and destruction than "the conflict that is created between different religions". That is a great way of pointing it I think.

If one can be religious and not overtly push their beliefs onto others, religion could easily exist in a peaceful world. In fact, in it's pure essence, it could be what truly guides and creates a peaceful world.

JonnyPistachio

BinauralJam wrote:

Thank God!

comebackgirl

Religion has definitely been used to divide, as have many other things. It seems like humans as a group are always trying to find some way to keep separate from "others." I wonder if religion declines if something else will be used in it's place to do separate and divide. I've never been religious, but I've certainly seen faith be a sense of strength for people and a way of coping through difficult times. On the other hand it's also been a source of pain and oppression for others. Some people have reinterpreted their faith, taking the positive aspects and leaving the more negative pieces.

Cosmo

I don't think I have a problem with religion... it's the churches based upon those religions that are the problem.
Not all churches... the ones that look to form law of the land to fit law of their book... you know, the people that think Creationism is a science. If they want to get out of religion and into politics, then pull their tax exempt status.
Also... a church that has its own bank... is a business, not a church (Rome).

gimmesometruth27

Jeanwah

I'm sure the Catholic scandals and their need to be involved in politics have caused a huge portion of this.

I'm just glad that it's possible to be spiritual without being religious.

hedonist

Jeanwah wrote:

I'm just glad that it's possible to be spiritual without being religious.

Amen to that :P

And I like what cincy said - not pushing your beliefs (or even non-beliefs) onto others. Some of the most devoutly-religious people I've known - my father included - were this way, and I always appreciated it. Made discussing religion so much more constructive.

Cosmo

hedonist wrote:

Jeanwah wrote:

I'm just glad that it's possible to be spiritual without being religious.

Amen to that :P

And I like what cincy said - not pushing your beliefs (or even non-beliefs) onto others. Some of the most devoutly-religious people I've known - my father included - were this way, and I always appreciated it. Made discussing religion so much more constructive.

...
That's it. There is a reason WHY it's called 'Personal Belief'... because it is 'Personal'.. and 'Belief'. It is not widespread truth... which is where it gets all muckied up.
Personally, I don't care if you believe to know God or whatever, just don't try to pass it off as knowledge or truth... it is belief/faith. I don't really give a fuck if you believe that God Hates Fags, for example, that's your gig... quit shouting that shit in my face.

peacefrompaul

I have no problem with someone being religious... iIt can just get out of hand is all... way out of hand... what is supposed to bring happiness and peace has brought a whole lot of hate, pain, and suffering.

I personally stay away from it for the most part, though, I have been dabbling in Buddhism recently.

PJ_Soul

Thank god.

Edit: now I see that one's already been done!

brianlux

Religion's declining? I'd like to think that this is because there is a corresponding rise in pragmatism, skepticism, critical thinking, introspective thinking, spiritual searching, thoughtful seeking, peace, love, tolerance, wackiness, playfulness, creativity and maybe even some form of counter-religion. But I'm concerned I might be disappointed to know whether or not that is the case.

MotoDC

brianlux wrote:

Religion's declining? I'd like to think that this is because there is a corresponding rise in pragmatism, skepticism, critical thinking, introspective thinking, spiritual searching, thoughtful seeking, peace, love, tolerance, wackiness, playfulness, creativity and maybe even some form of counter-religion. But I'm concerned I might be disappointed to know whether or not that is the case.

I think you would be as well.

Zoso

brianlux wrote:

Religion's declining? I'd like to think that this is because there is a corresponding rise in pragmatism, skepticism, critical thinking, introspective thinking, spiritual searching, thoughtful seeking, peace, love, tolerance, wackiness, playfulness, creativity and maybe even some form of counter-religion. But I'm concerned I might be disappointed to know whether or not that is the case.

I think it's not as easy as saying religion is declining.. I wish this was the case... I think the people on the fence are more inclined to define themselves as atheist's while the religious types are becoming far more extreme in their views. The most religious countries in the world or part of the world are easily the USA and the Middle East which I find interesting.. Japan, China, South Korea and parts of Asia (excluding obviously Indonesia etc) are becoming very non religious.. Australia has got minimal religious influence also.

PJ_Soul

Zoso wrote:

brianlux wrote:

Religion's declining? I'd like to think that this is because there is a corresponding rise in pragmatism, skepticism, critical thinking, introspective thinking, spiritual searching, thoughtful seeking, peace, love, tolerance, wackiness, playfulness, creativity and maybe even some form of counter-religion. But I'm concerned I might be disappointed to know whether or not that is the case.

I think it's not as easy as saying religion is declining.. I wish this was the case... I think the people on the fence are more inclined to define themselves as atheist's while the religious types are becoming far more extreme in their views. The most religious countries in the world or part of the world are easily the USA and the Middle East which I find interesting.. Japan, China, South Korea and parts of Asia (excluding obviously Indonesia etc) are becoming very non religious.. Australia has got minimal religious influence also.

Don't forget India. VERY religious, and there are 1.2 billion people there.

I don't really care if people are simply religious (even though I don't get how people could believe in such things). It's the fanaticism that is the problem, what causes the conflicts and wars, what propagates intolerance, and what tends to impinge on the wider public. And it seems to me that, while religion may be in decline globally, fanaticism amongst those who are religious is on the rise, and that is what has and will continue to have a negative impact on the world.

cincybearcat

PJ_Soul wrote:

Don't forget India.

What is this India you speak of, I'm in the dark.

But seriously, keep this under wraps. Before too long the religious people will say this is the reason everything is going to hell in a handbasket!!!

comebackgirl

PJ_Soul wrote:

Zoso wrote:

brianlux wrote:

Religion's declining? I'd like to think that this is because there is a corresponding rise in pragmatism, skepticism, critical thinking, introspective thinking, spiritual searching, thoughtful seeking, peace, love, tolerance, wackiness, playfulness, creativity and maybe even some form of counter-religion. But I'm concerned I might be disappointed to know whether or not that is the case.

I think it's not as easy as saying religion is declining.. I wish this was the case... I think the people on the fence are more inclined to define themselves as atheist's while the religious types are becoming far more extreme in their views. The most religious countries in the world or part of the world are easily the USA and the Middle East which I find interesting.. Japan, China, South Korea and parts of Asia (excluding obviously Indonesia etc) are becoming very non religious.. Australia has got minimal religious influence also.

Don't forget India. VERY religious, and there are 1.2 billion people there.

I don't really care if people are simply religious (even though I don't get how people could believe in such things). It's the fanaticism that is the problem, what causes the conflicts and wars, what propagates intolerance, and what tends to impinge on the wider public. And it seems to me that, while religion may be in decline globally, fanaticism amongst those who are religious is on the rise, and that is what has and will continue to have a negative impact on the world.

I wonder if the fanaticism is growing because religion overall is on the decline. People tend to try and gain power and control over others when they're losing ground. My issue with religion is when it's used to try and control and limit others. I don't understand how people believe those things either, but if they use those beliefs to get through hard times, support others and do good deeds, great. Just don't tell someone they're less of a human because they don't share those beliefs.

inlet13

Is the decline of religion really a good thing? I don't think so. Religion provides many with peace, otherwise, in a "free society" they would not be religious/spiritual.

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

PJ_Soul

inlet13 wrote:

Is the decline of religion really a good thing? I don't think so. Religion provides many with peace, otherwise, in a "free society" they would not be religious/spiritual.

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

Zoso

PJ_Soul wrote:

inlet13 wrote:

Is the decline of religion really a good thing? I don't think so. Religion provides many with peace, otherwise, in a "free society" they would not be religious/spiritual.

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

well to a large sense that's because being atheist is all about tolerance and peace for all. It's not about 'not believing' anything. It's like if you relate a hobby like stamp collecting to being religious.. not being a stamp collector isn't a hobby.. this is the same with being atheist.

I hate when religious types mark atheism as a religion when it's quite the opposite.

PJ_Soul

Zoso wrote:

PJ_Soul wrote:

inlet13 wrote:

Is the decline of religion really a good thing? I don't think so. Religion provides many with peace, otherwise, in a "free society" they would not be religious/spiritual.

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

well to a large sense that's because being atheist is all about tolerance and peace for all. It's not about 'not believing' anything. It's like if you relate a hobby like stamp collecting to being religious.. not being a stamp collector isn't a hobby.. this is the same with being atheist.

I hate when religious types mark atheism as a religion when it's quite the opposite.

Me too. People make a lot of incorrect assumptions about Atheists.... Something that we and religious people have in common, I guess.

Zoso

PJ_Soul wrote:

Zoso wrote:

[quote="PJ_Soul"

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

well to a large sense that's because being atheist is all about tolerance and peace for all. It's not about 'not believing' anything. It's like if you relate a hobby like stamp collecting to being religious.. not being a stamp collector isn't a hobby.. this is the same with being atheist.

I hate when religious types mark atheism as a religion when it's quite the opposite.[/quote]
Me too. People make a lot of incorrect assumptions about Atheists.... Something that we and religious people have in common, I guess.[/quote]

you would hope it's improving but here in America I'm in the minority when it comes to not being religious.. everyone looks at me funny when I tell them that at my work as they are ALL pretty into their church. My thing is religious types haven't got a monopoly on 'good values' and am annoyed when this is brought up.

PJ_Soul

Zoso wrote:

PJ_Soul wrote:

Zoso wrote:

[quote="PJ_Soul"

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

well to a large sense that's because being atheist is all about tolerance and peace for all. It's not about 'not believing' anything. It's like if you relate a hobby like stamp collecting to being religious.. not being a stamp collector isn't a hobby.. this is the same with being atheist.

I hate when religious types mark atheism as a religion when it's quite the opposite.

Me too. People make a lot of incorrect assumptions about Atheists.... Something that we and religious people have in common, I guess.[/quote]

you would hope it's improving but here in America I'm in the minority when it comes to not being religious.. everyone looks at me funny when I tell them that at my work as they are ALL pretty into their church. My thing is religious types haven't got a monopoly on 'good values' and am annoyed when this is brought up.[/quote]

Well you should find this little nugget interesting then. I think I posted this somewhere else months ago.... Americans put their trust levels for Atheists alongside those they have for rapists, according to this preliminary study. :fp: :fp: And religious people accuse non-believers of being intolerant?!

http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/11/30 ... sts-study/

EDIT: WHOOPS! I wrote Americans instead of religious people! ... Freudian slip? Maybe... it's just that Americans are so much more religious than Canadians, I think I assumed.

Zoso

PJ_Soul wrote:

[quote="Zoso"

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing![/quote]


well to a large sense that's because being atheist is all about tolerance and peace for all. It's not about 'not believing' anything. It's like if you relate a hobby like stamp collecting to being religious.. not being a stamp collector isn't a hobby.. this is the same with being atheist.

I hate when religious types mark atheism as a religion when it's quite the opposite.[/quote]
Me too. People make a lot of incorrect assumptions about Atheists.... Something that we and religious people have in common, I guess.[/quote]

you would hope it's improving but here in America I'm in the minority when it comes to not being religious.. everyone looks at me funny when I tell them that at my work as they are ALL pretty into their church. My thing is religious types haven't got a monopoly on 'good values' and am annoyed when this is brought up.[/quote]

Well you should find this little nugget interesting then. I think I posted this somewhere else months ago.... Americans put their trust levels for Atheists alongside those they have for rapists, according to this preliminary study. :fp: :fp: And religious people accuse non-believers of being intolerant?!

http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/11/30 ... sts-study/[/quote]

yes I have only been in america for a few years but this was something I learnt very quickly.. steve harvey said don't date atheists because they have bad morals But wait... I'm the one preaching tolerance and peace They are speaking about certain minorities not being allowed to have certain rights.

inlet13

PJ_Soul wrote:

inlet13 wrote:

Is the decline of religion really a good thing? I don't think so. Religion provides many with peace, otherwise, in a "free society" they would not be religious/spiritual.

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

I said the following:

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe?

I'll elaborate -

I do believe there are atheists who cheer on the demise of what other believe. This thread is proof. Re-read it if you'd like.

In terms of deeds, there are bad atheists and there are good atheists. There are good agnostics and there are bad agnostics. There are good religious folks and bad religious folks. Anyone who thinks otherwise is foolish. An atheist can be just as annoying and a bad human, in terms of deeds, as fundamentalists of any religion. Thinking otherwise is close-minded.

Religion, or lack there of, is not the cause of sin (or wrong doing) on earth. Bad deeds by human beings is the problem.

Zoso

inlet13 wrote:

PJ_Soul wrote:

inlet13 wrote:

Is the decline of religion really a good thing? I don't think so. Religion provides many with peace, otherwise, in a "free society" they would not be religious/spiritual.

Don't get me wrong, there are quite a number of examples of bad fundamentalists - harming people.. typically this occurs in a "non-free society", although there are exceptions. These people are bad and wrong because they harmed people - period. But, most religious folks I know are quite nice, good people. Religion and spirituality, in general, I see as a good thing. Regardless of the religion or person. Sin I see as a bad thing for all people, regardless of religion, or lack there of or person.

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe? Moreover, I can understand why being challenged unnecessarily on your belief (or lack there of) can be annoying too. This just happened to me at the airport by some random Christian missionary in a TSA line the other day, that was a bit annoying. How did he know whether I was more or less religious than him? Why did I need converting? etc.

But, back to the point - if you don't believe in God, why do you feel the need for others to do the same? If they don't hurt you, why not just let them be if it gives them some sense of peace? If you do believe in God, have respect for those who disagree. If you bring it up, don't patronize. Most likely it's not appropriate, nor will you do anything to help your mission, by trying to convert people you don't really know.

Back to the point, the whole desire of non-believers to destroy religion makes no sense to me. Let it go. Let people live. The whole thing on both sides is so controlling and yet each thinks they aren't being controlling.

I am a "practicing Atheist", as in I'm not indifferent - I care about my beliefs because they do put me in a certain position in the world - and I have never met another Atheist who tries to convert people. Never. They talk about how they don't understand how people believe, and talk about why they don't believe, and talk about how religion may be harmful is certain ways, and some may be patronizing, yes. But I've never seen or heard of a single Atheist who has tried to actually convert people to Atheism, or, for that matter, criticize those who are good people who are open minded to others and just find peace and comfort in their beliefs. Religious people certainly cannot say the same!!!! I'd say it's certain religious people who try to impinge their beliefs on others, convert people, and who try to destroy the lifestyles and beliefs of others, NOT Atheists.

I doubt any of you have had an Atheist knock on your door and try to teach you something about not believing!

I said the following:

Why can't atheists, agnostics and religious - just uphold the respect of their own personal point of view of religion and not cheer on the demise of what others believe?

I'll elaborate -

I do believe there are atheists who cheer on the demise of what other believe. This thread is proof. Re-read it if you'd like.

In terms of deeds, there are bad atheists and there are good atheists. There are good agnostics and there are bad agnostics. There are good religious folks and bad religious folks. Anyone who thinks otherwise is foolish. An atheist can be just as annoying and a bad human, in terms of deeds, as fundamentalists of any religion. Thinking otherwise is close-minded.

Religion, or lack there of, is not the cause of sin (or wrong doing) on earth. Bad deeds by human beings is the problem.

I agree.. what I meant was being a good human being and religious isn't mutally exclusive...

Cosmo

My take... if you need to rely on religion (or any external source) to find inner peace... you are looking in the wrong place.