Can Atheists, Agnostics, and non-theists, unite?

Question

This is my latest idea on why we don't stand a chance against the theists.
Do we need 'leaders' to unite us?
We tend to be 'free-thinkers', so it would be ironic if we even had 'leaders', in my view.
What are your thoughts?
Please change my mind, I don't like this idea at all, but it makes sense to me.

Answer 1

I think most of us see the problem with theist-rule.

The problem is finding a solution for it.

Used to be able to move to a deserted island and set up your own government, at least till the British Navy arrived and laid claim to the island for His Majesty.

People say education, but I think they under-estiamte the depth and power of religious indoctrination of the very young.

Some talk of outlawing that practice, but good luck trying to convince a theist-majority to agree with it.

Obviously violence is out of the question.

So what are we left with?

We are pretty -much agreed on the problem. But we are very far apart when it comes to a viable solution.

Answer 2

The idea of a free thinker is that he (or she) is free to think what he will. When you form a group of any sort, you are no longer a free thinker but conformist.
Remember an idea makes sense so long as you don't put it into practice. As soon as you do that other ugly things rear their heads. I'm sure when Marx & Engels thought up their theories, they never envisaged what terror they let loose on some poor Russians and others who had to endure Communism for 50 years.

Answer 3

Free thinkers aren't necessarily anarchists. I think we need one "leader" with some power to stop the slide into a theocracy--but it is almost impossible for an avowded atheist or agnostic to get elected to anything. So, I don't know, really. We can wait around for the rest of the world to get some sense, but we'll be waiting a looonnngg time.

Answer 4

To have leaders, you would create some form of doctrine i.e beliefs of the leaders. Therefore you would no longer be a free thinker, but rather, become a member of a religion. Quite a scary thought I think.

Answer 5

It's not wise to force a herd mentality on a group that is historically filled with independent thinkers. It would only work in the face of strong opposition.

Also, it's not necessary because free thinkers do things as they see fit, without any allegiance to the sort of dogma required to keep people in a tightly knit group.

Answer 6

The more non-religious people unite, the more religious people will unite. Observe that during the Reformation, tons of churches began branching off from the larger ones, but then when the Enlightenment came the religious folk began uniting again and setting aside their differences.

Answer 7

You need a reason, goal or idea. Mine is if the non-theists do not unite and move off this planet the Theists are going to nuke your A**. So choose death by stupidity or run.

Answer 8

Agnostics tend to be a bit more open minded than the others. They acknowledge the possibility that there is some deity. It's hard to reconcile that with the position that there is no god with absolute certainty.

Answer 9

Someone on this board made the comment that trying to unite this bunch would be akin to herding cats. I think that person hit the nail right on the head.

Answer 10

Not you again! No, one of the reasons I left organized religion was to be free to do ANYTHING in my searches. And anyway, after my stint as a 'non-theist' I have decided their is a Deity of sorts, just not the one everyone was touting.