Can atheists do anything to establish a common ground in their struggles with organized religion?

Question

I think theists, in particular Christians, can do quite a lot. All they have to do is stop meddling in politics, stop hindering scientific research, stop teaching children anti-knowledge (creation nonsense), stop assuming their morals are better than someone else’s…well, it’s a long list but it all comes down to Christians giving up some of their influence.

But atheists don’t have much influence, political or otherwise, so there’s virtually none to give up. And all atheists want is for children to be taught the truth, truth that is proven with evidence. Maybe some atheists could be a little less arrogant, but that’s all I can think of.

Answer 1

The things you list that Christians can do are things which either are OK for individuals but not groups, such as "meddling in politics," or more or less come down to free speech issues. We don't have to like it, and we will respond to it, but as long as they are not making a push to destroy our Constitutional rights, fergeddit.

But I think there is a common ground. I belong to the Ethical Society, and many of the members are atheists. Many are not, too. We have a different speaker each week, and often invite people from "other" religions (the Society is technically a religion) to speak to us. So if a Christian wanted to come and give a talk, or even share the platform with an atheist, so long as they could maintain good manners, it might work very well. As sort of "neutral turf," if you will.

Answer 2

Do you even know what values Christians teach? I bet you don't. If you did, you wouldn't down talk their morals. If honesty, integrity, meekness, forgivness of everything great and small, humbleness, generousity, love, and faith are bad things to you, I would be afraid of what your world would be like if you created one.

Your "proof" is whatever you choose it to be to support your original thought or opinion. You will gladly throw away 100 results to get the 1 you want and call it true and fact. Yet you call something else "anti-knowledge"? Little hypocritical don't you think?

Stay out of politics? And let you recreate the nazi party and try to wipe us off the earth because you dont like us? No thank you.

If the majority of people feel our morals and such are right, then obviously you have a problem. It's nobody elses problem, it's your own, maybe you should do some self reflection and see why that is. In the end, you might just realize the truth about yourself.

Answer 3

See? The grass is always greener...

The operative word is 'organized.' I'll betcha bottom dollar that once Atheists ORGANIZE itself into a solid group, one with a strong VOTING BLOCK, they/you will be able to "make things happen", too, and politicians will undoubtedly listen.

In retrospect, that's what the Hippie Movement was ultimately all about. To go against the Establishment and to stop the war in Vietnam... Until they all grew up to become a part of the Establishment.

But all the same, once it becomes organized it will also have its share of problems and headaches among its membership. Just like any other organized religion today.

Peace be with you.

Answer 4

I wasn't aware that I struggle with organized religion. Perhaps I ignore it, sure, but struggle? Nah.

It is clear that organizations based in religion can be, and often are, quite powerful in terms of politics and economics vis-a-vis atheists, but philosophical stances based outside of religion are overall gaining adherents. The reason points to something obvious and incontroversial (though, to be fair, nothing is truly incontroversial on the Internet): official influences aren't the only factor in what people end up believing.

And, yes, some Atheists are arrogant. But can't that really be said about any group in any conceivable way of classifying people?

Answer 5

Answer: This is the way the country was founded, currently studies indicate that atheist are a minority 8 to 11 % describe themselves as agnostics or people with no faith, Only 1 % of the U.S population identify themselves as atheist. 80 % identify themselves as Christians but only 76%of protestants say they are absoulutely certain there is a God.




Rant:
I'm a Christian but I believe that we were all born with a choice God Given and Constitutionally. I believe that some of us christian don't even know our own faith and religion. Most people don't want to be preached about something they want to know fact. In our culture, which is one that is hugely exposed to Christian images and verbiage, the credibility of the messenger is paramount. We need to have freedom of religion at the same time we need to have freedom of religion people have a choice. If I'm talking to an atheist I use that as an opportunity to tell them about my God if they don't want to believe the shouldn't be disrespectful they should just say no thanks and I will go on about my business. Atheist are in some form doing the same thing as Christians...Annie Laurie Gaylor co founder of the freedom from religion foundation, I feel that both sides are attempting to train children. Most atheist won't come and say Hey I'm an atheist vote for me because that shouldn't be a deciding factor on someones influence. We can't blame every Christian for the actions of some. Some say we can't prove the bible and I ask how can you prove it wrong? If you say we are stupid because we live for faith then let us live our lives and we will see what happens at the end.

Answer 6

We do tend to stay out of the few areas where we really could do the most good. Politics and education. Although frankly in the US the two are joined at the hip. The religious right have their self righteous claws deep in these areas and it will be an uphill battle to remove them. But we have to start trying before they completely wreck the country. And quite possibly large parts of the rest of the world as well.

Blatant examples of their insanity are in your answers, above. I mean read this stuff, they are totally deranged.

Answer 7

I think the best thing atheists can do is be resilient and not back down. Christians know deep inside that their beliefs are irrational. All atheists have to do is keep restating the obvious until it finally sinks in to them that we are not going away, and we are not going to take their strong arming crap any longer. Fortunately, each younger generation of Americans is less religious than their parents. This trend is not going to stop, and the future should be a more humane, peaceful, loving and rational place as a result.

Answer 8

If you could remove children [say 2000]from religious background's and keep them completely away from any impute [anti or pro religion] i think we could very well establish a very big common ground with organized religion.it would open there eyes to the real world.allowing them to realize the facts and not brain washed into believing in this god nonsense.

Answer 9

There is a group called the Freedom From Religion Foundation that is basically trying to ensure the rights of atheists. I suppose more atheists could get involved in that if they wanted to increase the influence of atheists in politics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_From_Religion_Foundation

Answer 10

Get rid of the corrupt politicians and politics. Then let the voters decide. This is still a great country. We must mind who is running it, and make sure things represent the true will of the people, not a Church, not a local business interest, not someones personal fortune.