This thread is inspired by another: view original post
I know that I am. I won't try to say I'm just an atheist. I openly admit I am anti-religion. That said, many atheists are just atheists. They quietly go through life, knowing there is no god. Then I start a thread, admittedly to rustle some theistic jimmies, and they just post that they too are atheists, and they state why. Suddenly the religious folks jump on them the way a dog jumps on a meaty bone.
Why? Why can't an atheist respectfully state what they are and why? If we have to respectfully listen to why you have a relationship with Jesus or Mohammed, or Vishnu, then why can't we state that we have a deep relationship with science? Furthermore, why can't atheists evangelize? If theists can ride around on mission and ask people if they've found Jesus, why can't an atheist talk to someone about science, and how the old theistic notions of how our world work are being cast aside for the concrete theories that predict so much?
Discuss respectful atheism, and why theists won't allow it.
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Edited by Cat: 2/24/2013 9:24:52 AMAtheism in and of itself is simply the non-belief in a deity; there is nothing else that adheres by default. I happen to be an anti-theist, because I think religion causes more harm than good, and makes otherwise rational people hold irrational beliefs, but I also respect their right to hold said beliefs. I want to make it clear that I wouldn't force the world to cease to belief in deities if I were given the chance; I'm not a fascist. Sure, I'd prefer that people believe as few irrational things as possible, but I'd want them to reach that state by their own inquiry. So, why am I an anti-theist? Because religion [i]is[/i] a detriment, and there are very good reasons to oppose it. I realize that most of the world is religious, and I have to share the planet with everyone, so I have no qualms with co-existence, but I do not respect their beliefs; just their right to have them and individuals themselves if they are good-natured.