Agnostics, atheists, non-theists: What should we do about theists?

Question

There is a huge part of humanity that acts on the false premises of religion. This is not about freedom of beliefs, but consequence of actions. These people are totally oblivious to critical thought in important areas (like science, art, politics) because they follow their own mythologies. This is as big a problem as anything we face as we try to improve life on earth. What can we do, and what is being done, to deal with this problem?

If theistic activity is a roadblock to progress, what can humanity do to bypass the roadblock?

Answer 1

In as much as the predominate religions believe and actually anticipate an end to the world, they must be considered dangerous. No religion should EVER be allowed to have their own state, let alone nuclear weapons. We must dismantle ALL religious states and take education of children out of the hands of anyone whose end goal is the destruction of humanity.

Answer 2

You mention art as an "important area". What do you define as an important area? Art is nothing more than entertainment. A critical area would be food, water, and shelter... the basic elements to survive. What should all of us engineers, mechanics, and scientist do about these "artists?". Clearly they are not promoting life on this planet and are simply wasting resources.

Do you see now why you are being heartless and arrogant when you refer to theists as a "problem". What makes you so much better than not only the billions of people living today that hold a belief in some form of God, but the billions of people that have lived and died? Are you really all that smarter? Are you giggling because you think you seen through all the trickery that has fooled millions with IQs far higher than yours?

Are you a fool?

Answer 3

I am technically a theist, being Deist. But, I do not fall under your category since I take no action on the false premise of religion. The only action I have ever taken to this effect is in my own life when I chose to reject revealed religion, not even my children's - they were free to explore and choose their own path - whether it be agnostic, atheist or the religion of the purple people eater.

I do understand your question as relates to revealed religion though, it has caused and will continue to cause, as long as human beings live and breath, conflict on this planet. In my own small way I do try to do something by working politically to oppose religious tenets from being imposed on the rest of us in the form of law. Personally, I think that anyone trying to turn this democratic republic into a theocracy should be tried for treason, but it's larger than just our country's problems and I do acknowledge that.

Answer 4

Religion is a concept on its way out the door in most civilized nations - the US being a bit of an exception to the rule, but thankfully, the religious fanatics are not yet hampering the progress, although the US is seriously falling behind in the field of stem cell research..... thanks GW.... but I digress.... some of the most civilized and socially stable nations in Europe are also the ones with the largest percentage of Atheists or non-practicing christians (Scandinavia, Germany, UK, France, Austria and Switzerland) - their standard of education and living far exceeds the one in the US, which is skewed by an insanely wealthy elite that raises the statistical average and does not reflect adequately on the large number of uneducated, or underpriveleged individuals.

Moral of the story: The theists will take care of themselves over time.... kinda like the Shakers did.... I still like their furniture though ;)

Answer 5

we aren't a problem only because we decide to beleive in a higher power. you are talking about the theists that think we should make people beleive. you should talk to someone that doesn't beleive in forcing others to beleive what they beleive. beleiving in a higher power is not wrong. you shouldn't try to push your beleifs on someone else. we theists are also NOT as obvlivious as you may think next time you post a question try to think things through a little research ALL sides not just your own. science tells you to do that. so does politics and art has no place in this.

Answer 6

We must respect them, but not alow them to interfere with our own spiritual and mental progress. Eventually theistic religions will implode, it is just a matter of time.

Answer 7

Sounds rather intolerant and arrogant (who is the arbiter of what constitutes progress?). People should have the freedom to choose their belief systems. What makes your system of thought inherently better?

Answer 8

Unfortunately there's not a lot we CAN do, other than disregard their imaginary friends, keep making scientific discoveries till they run out of places to hide their "god of the gaps", and be supportive of them when they question their faith and begin to recognize the absurdity of their superstitions.

Answer 9

all we can do is to continue to educate these people. be a shinning example of love and tolerance. show them that belief in myths and fairy tales is not necessary to live a life filled with morals and charity and loveliness

Answer 10

Yarrrrr! I wouldst be inclined to be agreeing wit ya. But lets not be too hasty mate. It takes all types. And we all be different from eachother, as well they be too. I figure they all can't be as stupid as most in here are. Can they?