How does believing in a god slow down the advancement of society?
*cough*Fundamentalism*cough*
Alot of ancient societies never advanced because of religion, IDK if you would count it but some of the middle eastern countries have also not advanced as quickly because of reliigion.
One can argue that secular life, law and science gives all religions equal footing and an equal voice. By eliminating their input, one religion cannot have an unfair domination over the other. Mostly, however, it keeps the crazies out of power.
Also, people have one less reason to discriminate against gays, women and black people - they still find other stupid reason certainly but they don't have as many to choose from.
Also, people have one less reason to discriminate against gays, women and black people - they still find other stupid reason certainly but they don't have as many to choose from.
They also have one less reason to donate to charities, volunteer, and be good people in general. You don't need religion to do good things in the same way you don't need religion to do bad things.
I don't see the point in doing so in this thread since I don't think the story really took place and this doesn't seem like the topic for speculating on such matters. I was simply pointing out there was no mention of their skin color.
They also have one less reason to donate to charities, volunteer, and be good people in general. You don't need religion to do good things in the same way you don't need religion to do bad things.
It would seem easier to just say you don't need religion. The negative points you mention seem negligible Considering there are many secular charities and non religious willing to donate and even run charity drives to help fund them. There is also the added bonus that money isn't being skimmed off the top of these donations to be used to further that religions agenda.
It would seem easier to just say you don't need religion.
It would seem that way, but I know many happy theist families who do not frown on homosexuality or get involved with politics and other opinions about stem cell research.
So it would be easier to say we don't need religion, but that's not reason enough to fight against theism.
If you're doing those good things merely because your religion says you should then I pity you.
People do good things in the name of God because it makes them feel good. You don't need religion to feel good, but it religion alone doesn't hurt.
I've debated this over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.
It's easier to change how people view their religious beliefs than it is to make them stop believing in God all together.
I never said that did I? I implied that we should push all religious beliefs away from the centre stage of society but I never advocated ridding the world of religion entirely.
I never said that did I? I implied that we should push all religious beliefs away from the centre stage of society but I never advocated ridding the world of religion entirely.
Alright then, fair enough. That makes much more sense.
In my opinion, religion is just a crutch. An important one, I'll give you that, but a crutch. And not everyone can live comfortably without it. That's fine. I accept and even encourage that. But as Avorne has put it, we need to make sure that the crutch doesn't turn into a wheelchair. I'm not sure if this is a good analogy, but I think you'll get what I mean. I also think that we should at least make sure that children are educated about both sides, atheism/agnosticism and faith or religion or belief in a higher power. That way, they can decide for themselves.
Even if you are an atheist you still believe in something. There is not a person on the planet that has no theory as to how or why we are here.
You do mean for that to be that Atheists believe that there is no god or spirit or higher power controlling fate, destiny, the universe, etc.? Or do you mean something else? Because Atheism and Agnosticism are often confused.
I think I'm far behind in this debate, so I'll just touch up on this before stepping back in.
[quote=NemoSeeSicksTeeAte]I think you are trying to say that theists are close minded when it comes to science and history that contradicts religion. I see many atheists who consider theists to be close minded people in general. So, as a response to those considering theists to be close minded people in general...[/quote]
I see where you thought that ; I should have clarified. I didn't really try and rule anyone out, as I know for a fact there are close-minded Atheists among us--even more than the religious, if you think about it! To me, teachings of other concepts should be given to those that want to be open to other interpretation. But to those that don't want to have interpretation, if they are content with what they believe in or don't believe in, there shouldn't be any efforts.
Then I go with my other paragraphs on my last reply deedeedeedeedeeeee.......Okay back to the present era!
Even if you are an atheist you still believe in something. There is not a person on the planet that has no theory as to how or why we are here.
Right. Atheists do not believe in a deity, so the majority of them "believe" in the many theories, laws, and concepts of science. But let me clarify. Belief does not mean faith. It takes the smartest person in the world to realize there's always more to learn.
