Will non-violent, persistent RESISTANCE & TRUTH-TELLING by atheists eventually overcome RELIGIONISM?

Question

Religionism: Religious zealotry and evangelism

Answer 1

Well, what atheist have been saying is essentially factual, and facts remain true. There are more people today who have rejected religion and the concept of god than ever before. Eventually there must be a point at which it becomes the standard, rather than the exception. As long as science continues to fill in the gaps to which religious people wish to plug in 'god' we should continue to progress to a secular society.

Answer 2

I certainly applaud the 'non-violent' and 'persistent', however it must be clearly understood that no-one can, nor should, ever be forced to accept any thought-system.

I believe, as do many 'atheists' that religion has done more harm than good to our species over extended periods of time. However I am not an 'atheist' per se. I do not accept the religious view of 'God', nor do I accept the contention that there is no 'intelligence' behind our perceived realm.

However, I do not promote my opinions in an evangelistic way, nor do I wish others to do, or even attempt to do, the same to me.

I believe that we are here in, all our diversity, for the very purpose of determining what we think and feel about our existence, and then to offer our ideas to others as and when seems appropriate, this forum is an excellent example of how that process should work, and to offer them in the same sense as a restaurant menu, so that others may select items that they find attractive, and try them out.

Can you imagine going to a restaurant where the waiters forced their selections from the menu down your throat against your will ??

This is pretty much how I see religious zealotry and evangelism, however, beware, because the 'atheists' and the 'scientists' can also get pretty 'zealous' in their 'evangelism' !

Answer 3

No

I believe that a sound and reasonable talking and telling of truth by believers themselves will have more effect on religious zealots.

Mainly because atheists cannot and do not want to understand a believers psychological state or needs.

Why should the zealot listen to someone who completely ignores the spiritual and aesthetic side of faith?

That will only make the zealot feel more like theyre being patronized and will only get an atheist hurt in the process.

So if zealotry is to be fought, it needs to be done by the people who know the religion and its teachings.

And lets not forget, that a religion that teaches zealotry, will not be followed by millions of people.

For example: The Prophet has many quotes on the kind of behaviour God loves. And just looking at some of these quotes show us that God does not love extremism.

Moderacy is the required form of behaviour.

And if I was to educate a bunch of zealots about the principles of their religion, I would go for that. Because its wisdom, and it cannot be debated with.

Answer 4

~~~NH ,,,, It might help a little on the Individual Level,,, in a small group or one-to-one atmosphere,,,, but on a Mass Level I feel that there must be a major Shift in The Collective Conciousness. For Instance, a situation like the movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" or others,,,,I'm personally hoping for the Mayan Calender Prophecy of The Galactic Alignment commencing on December 21, 2012,,,,,"something" is coming,,, and it isn't Jesus,,,,

Answer 5

Perhaps, but the truth of the matter is a little more double-edged than that. Atheists have no power to be anything but non-violent (most of the world believes in God). When, however, they have had power, they have instituted the most violent regimes in history, outstripping Islam, the Crusades, the Inquisition, and even Hitler.

Stalin, alone, murdered thirty million people in Russia. A full quarter of the population died in Cambodia just to make some sort of paradise. How many people have to die for the point to be made? Atheism, *every* time it has had political power, has been brutal and tyrannical. It has outstripped any given religion in brutality. I think there's more to fear from atheists than there is from either Islam or Falwell.

Answer 6

I like to fantasize that persistent non-violent resistance and truth-telling can change the world. It worked for Mohandas Gandhi, and it ended the systematic slaughter of innocent civilians in Viet Nam. Passive resistance won't change the opinions of those who insist on worshipping the past, but it does offer hope to the next generation that a determined minority are working for a rational and logical future.

Answer 7

Slowly. I think the internet will hasten the demise of religion. A generation of children are growing up, reading many view points that challenge the validity of religious teachings where before the internet, there would have been no such exposure. The internet also offers knowledge far more easily accessible than before and knowledge is the antonym of belief.

Answer 8

I'm afraid not completely. Throughout time there have been those so overzealous, charismatic, and powerful that they draw in those who seek simple answers for the problems of life. However, I see possibilities for a time when the extremists are a small minority and atheists and non-religious spiritualists are the majority.

Answer 9

Science has proven a force unto itself and was the method used to undo much of what pasted as 'truth' by religious leaders, who also violently raged against atheists who dared to question their right to a viewpoint which history proved out as actual truth!

But hearken, science falls short too, for they have entered upon our door the cults of a debunked following - psychology and psychiatry, with insipid malignings to all that each and every one is but animal and so do woe to good faith.

For one can't forget the truth of things - he isn't in possession of, own or have one, but is one - a SPIRIT being called thought!

Answer 10

Religion will always be the end result of some old dude on mushrooms tripping out. It is baseless, violent, and judgemental. I would say based on that Atheists have a better chance of surviving in the world.