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I think religious arguments are only between those of faiths that proselytize and everyone else. AFAIK, non-proselytizing faiths seem to not clash with each other. For example, Buddhism and Shinto seem get along just fine is Japan. As I have mentioned before, North American Indians fought about a lot of things, but religion was never one of them. But when you get a faith that essentially says, "we're right, your'e wrong and you must get with our way," well, that's a fight waiting to happen isn't it?
Until someone decides that their particular religion means they should do everything they should to gut the biology curriculum at the local high school. Or statewide. Or nationwide.
Until someone decides that their particular religion means they should work to inhibit stem-cell research. Or vaccinations.
Until someone decides that their particular religion means they should plant a bomb at the Olympics. Or at a clinic. Or at a gay bar.
Until someone decides that their particular religion means they should fly planes into a building.
As an LDS Christian, I couldn't agree more. I don't care if people don't believe what I believe. I just don't appreciate it when they misrepresent and/or ridicule my beliefs. It would never even occur to me to ridicule someone who doesn't believe as I do (or who doesn't believe in God at all), nor am I interested in proselytizing. I seriously just wish we could all be a little more civil to one another.
Short answer: It is the most ancient and volatile topic that exists. the concept of a god and one of no god will constantly be butting heads. Many will classify religion as ancient or out of date, but if this were true, there would not be scores of forums such as this in order to state your piece Theism vs Atheism or whatever other view is as alive as ever. People like to present views as if they hit a gold mine and they are the first to figure out an air tight argument... but that very argument was probably presented by another person 1000 years ago. It's just recycled logic in a new skin.
That being said, I don't like "argue." Discussions about this should be done civily and respectfully. Unfortunately, I find many resort to name calling and labels from the start, and I don't think an internet forum is the best place to truly get one's point across.
So how many people do you think that you've "brought to Jesus Christ" (for lack of a better phrase) by telling them that they're going to Hell if they don't believe the way you do? (I'm not talking about just on City-Data, but in real life, too.)
I had an argument with one of my nieces a few days ago and she is telling me I am going to hell because I don't believe in what she believes in. Come on, hell is a mythical place religious leaders invent to keep their sheeple flock in line.
Why do these people feel they have to always push their religion on me, when they don't want to hear what I believe? I don't care what someone believes, just don't push it on me. I am fine the way I am.
Because a moral code (based on the wishes of an unseen deity) has proven itself to be destructive, murderous, and oppressive to those that do not conform.
Because a moral code (based on the wishes of an unseen deity) has proven itself to be destructive, murderous, and oppressive to those that do not conform.
So would you suggest that we'd be better off with absolutely no moral codes or just with one you approve of?
So would you suggest that we'd be better off with absolutely no moral codes or just with one you approve of?
Everyone has a moral code, but they are not all the same...In my opinion the worst and most destructive are those derived from some religions.
"When the churches literally ruled society, the human drama encompassed: (a) slavery; (b) the cruel subjection of women;(c)the most savage forms of legal punishment; (d) the absurd belief that kings ruled by divine right; (e) the daily imposition of physical abuse; (f) cold heartlessness for the sufferings of the poor; as well as (g) assorted pogroms ('ethnic cleansing' wars) between rival religions, capital punishment for literally hundreds of offenses, and countless other daily imposed moral outrages. . . . It was the free-thinking, challenging work by people of conscience, who almost invariably had to defy the religious and political status quo of their times, that brought us out of such darkness."
Steve Allen
Amen to the preceding post. The main problem as I see it is that when one becomes convinced that he is tuned in to the True Religion, any means of enforcing its implementation in the society are justified. Religion is by nature undemocratic and dissent is considered heresy.
What's with the condescending attitude, Mr5150? What have I ever done to you except disagree with your theology?
To some people, there can hardly be a worse sin imaginable. They confuse god's opinion with their own - no wonder they react so strongly to disagreement.
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Theism vs Atheism or whatever other view is as alive as ever. People like to present views as if they hit a gold mine and they are the first to figure out an air tight argument... but that very argument was probably presented by another person 1000 years ago. It's just recycled logic in a new skin.
