Should we ATHEISTS ethically try to "convert" Xians(and others) to Atheism?

Question

is it ethical to try to take it away from them?

Aren't we kinda like the big kids on the bus telling all the first-graders that santa, the easter bunny, and the tooth fairy,aren't real?

I agree if people have questions that we could answer them, but if they aren't ready for the truth...are we ethical in arguing with them?

i see what you're saying dreamstuff....there does seem to be a difference in effect here....but i think my analogy is sound...

I do see the religious trying to convert atheists, and other religious, as do I see the difference in effect santa and religion have on a person's life.....

I've been wondering the ethical rammifications for a while, and i think it's equally hard to convert a religious person to an atheist as it would be for a religious person to convert me to their religion in some cases.....perhaps it's a moot point...i guess the world will work itself out, those converting will cancel each other out, and hopefully everyone will use their brain....

(thats another problem, not everyone has one of those....)

Answer 1

There are political considerations that tend to lead me to believe that we should. It adversely effects us to have them trying to push their indoctrination into the schools and to attempt to use tax money to further their cause. The only way that I see to change that is make fewer of them.

Personally other than that I have no interest in it other than answering questions.

Answer 2

Ethical?

The difference between telling small children about Santa is that they are small children, and their belief does not harm. Eventually they will grow up and stop believing.

You're talking about adults, and the beliefs that they have, that actually effect other people (such as passing laws imposing their fantasies on the rest of society, and prevent all youth from getting educations in science).

So, no, I don't think your analogy holds.

That said, I think it's largely pointless to try to convert the religious.

I will leave that to the writers of books, which believers are free to read or not, and agree with or not.

I think there's nothing wrong in, say, Dawkins writing books trying to persuade people to give up their beliefs.

But for us to making pests of ourselves by haranging the religious is not a good idea.

just some stray thoughts....

Answer 3

Good point. My answer is no. We should respect each other's level of Spirituality, you are right. High school kids shouldn't tell first-graders that Santa Claus doesn't exit, because they will not accept it as true, especially if Santa Claus continues to bring them present, therefore Santa Claus if REAL for them and true and that's what HS kids don't understand and respect, and maybe even envy, because they don't have this extra attention from Santa Claus.

I can think of it in a different way. Can first-grade kids explain High School kids about Pythagoras's Theorem? No, because they don't even know that exists, because they don't have capacity to understand that yet, but eventually, through several years in school they'll get there, get it? It is necessary several lives for a person to achieve knowledge. Atheists are in first-grade in that matter.

Peace!
Edit: I am not Christian. I am enlightened.

Answer 4

Ethical or NOT, Magley, You can see for Yourself that it's being attempted here every day.

Diminati says she wants children to be "free from belief." Rather a sweeping comment, and it made me aware that belief is vital. I mean belief in mama's cooking, daddy's job, that the highway doesn't suddenly end on the other side of a hill. We believe many things in this reality of ours. And each of us has the right to draw the line where we choose.

I LIKE Your analogy about bullies!

Answer 5

You have no proof that a god doesn't exist. To answer your question, yes and no. I see no reason why you couldnt ethicly try and convert others to atheism but the problem here lies in the fact that most people are god fearing and that is deep rooted into their ethical behavior. Perhaps brainwashing is the key.

Answer 6

No just let the scientologists be insane. Besides unless u are a pshycologist specializing in converting cult members I doubt u could do it sucessfully.
As for the Christains and the rest well just leave them alone. Least none of them think aliens are real.

Answer 7

I don't argue. I simply state facts to them. God is not real. God is a myth. God is a concept. God is an idea. God is nothing more than this. All religious concepts and beliefs that follow from a mythological god are themselves mythological. This is not arguable, it is fact.
The heinous things that have been done in the name of religion on this planet demand that we atheists tell people the facts about their mythology. Thats all I'm doing - educating.

Answer 8

No, we should mind our own business. If someone wants guidance and asks, then, and only then, should we offer assistance. We should do so in a loving manner, ever mindful that it is NEVER polite to kick the crutches out from under someone. (Something I am guilty of and that I make a conscious effort to change)

Peace.

Answer 9

Well, you're not going to convert many people with the arrogant attitude you and many of the people who've answered this question seem to have. Also, if you are really using logic you will inevitably become a Catholic, so I'm not sure what methods you're going to use.

Answer 10

Regardless if the person is religious or not religious, no one should try to push their beliefs onto anyone else. Believe what you believe and leave everyone else alone.