Is it wrong to proselytize skepticism?

Question

I've been trying to throw my memes into society. I've gotten some great feedback, but I was surprised at the number of atheists who feel that it is wrong to try and promote rational thought.

I think it is perfectly okay to try and swing others to your beliefs/opinions... as long as you do it honestly.
Am I missing something? Is it wrong for atheists to proselytize skepticism?

Here are some examples, I made two videos....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6XlmVZG7sk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxkLyNxbc9M

Answer 1

I don't think that it's particularly effective, at least if you mean to promote skepticism about particular beliefs. As E.O. Wilson said, it's like shooting steel-jacketed bullets through fog. You simply aren't going to change the mind of the true believer, and the sooner you learn to keep that fact in mind, the better for all involved.

That being said, I think that it's important that we not keep quiet about the truth. It's good to matter-of-factly remind people that there are no supernatural beings (gods, angels, spirits, souls, etc.). Just do it even-handedly - don't get caught up in anger against one particular group, and don't go out of your way to pick a fight.

Answer 2

I agree with you, why should it be wrong to promote rational thinking?

I think the skeptical movement has been too low key and passively accepting of irrational belief systems for too long. This is part of the reason why the USA is now run by a cabbel of right wing fundamentalists who are expecting the rapture, so what the hell lets rape and exploit the world cause god put it there for them to use.

I don't think we should be knocking on doors asking people "have you heard the good news about rational thinking....?" But I definitely feel we should challenge beliefs if the other person brings it up. When people casually mention things like "it was a miracle" or "thank god" or "I pray for...." I look on that as an opportunity to mention that god is imaginary, miracles are coincidences and prayer is superstition

I think there is a growing skeptical movement, and we are increasingly comfortable in confronting and challenging our religious friends on their beliefs. People like Michael Shermer, James Randi, Richard Dawkins have been very positive role models.

Answer 3

Like I always say. God said to become fishers of men. Some Christians being Human and of a humans individual understanding and interpretation of these writings have misused this as a way to "Harpoon" people rather than wait and tell those who seek.

on the other hand. Before coming onto this site as a non religious but Christ loving person I used to believe that atheists were the more intelligent of the two extremes. I now have since changed my mind as I have seen atheists badger people with an equal if not worse extreme of lies, misquoting and twisting things to their own agenda and either way it is just no very pretty considering the validity of each argument gets lost in the actual act of arguing. It is sad and hopeless how they both can't incorporate their beliefs and merge them so to speak and it is even more sad how they are two extremes that are so totally and completely intolerant and disrespectful of one another's beliefs.

It is ignorance at its finest and it solves nothing and proves nothing.

But do I think it is wrong to try? No, not if it is done right and between willing participants. You can lead a horse to water... You know the rest.

Answer 4

To some extent, I think it comes under the futility of attempting to "force others to be free" ... because first people have to have a thirst for truth, wanting to ask good questions and seriously considering possible answers to them, or even that the question might not be meaningful as phrased.

On the other hand, you have every right to excercise your freedom of speech and sharing thoughts and conversation with those to do possess inquiring minds still. The issue is finding the line, beyond which one would be engaged in harrassment. Leave them to their cherished beliefs, because losing them might drive them to despair.

The third angle is the extent to which parents seize the "right" to brainwash their children with dogmas rather than encouraging them to formulate questions and develop critical thinking as a vital skill.
I believe there is no "right" to brainwash the innocent and immature. Hypatia of Alexandria wrote brilliantly on this subject --- of the need to "teach myth as myth and fact as fact", because the young have little defense against programming. In any case, a programmed, unexamined dogma, is no sincere belief at all.

So, it all boils down to where you find it correct to "draw the line" in terms of good manners and ethical behavior. There is a point where one feels "dogmatic" in challenging dogma ... time to close out discussion then, perhaps with "agreement to disagree".

Answer 5

I think it is perfectly fine to proselytize skepticism. I would recommend that you start with your mom and dad and any sibs you may have. Wouldn't you want them to come to the same peace of mind that you have about your beliefs?

I viewed your first video and it was excellently done!

Answer 6

Atheist here.

I don't think it's wrong, I think it's desirable. As far as you ain't going knocking door after door. Proselytizing skepticism should be done in a rational way, that's my opinion though.

Keep the work.

Answer 7

I think that is a decision each individual needs to make for themselves. I would not do that because I believe that everyone has freedom of choice as to what they believe and if they wish to believe in a deity I think is non-existent it is not personally hurting me. I feel for me to try to sway them infringes on their freedom of choice and I personally don't like when someone tries to sway me to their beliefs so I treat others as I prefer to be treated. I believe that the best way is self-realization.

However, that is for me. I would not tell another how they should or should not act as far as that goes. We are unique individuals and we each do things in our own ways.

Answer 8

They are promoting their thought to not promote. You know what I mean?

If someone says...." You shouldn't promote your beliefs onto other people."
Then they are doing that very thing. Because it is their belief to not promote beliefs. By telling you to not push your beliefs, they are pushing their belief on you to not promote. It's a vicious cycle.