I am relieved that atheists and anyone else who doesn't believe as I do have a strong voice in society today. First, it's just plain old fashioned American. The freedom of speech as well as the freedom to worship or not as you see fit. Less than 100 years ago a teacher could be fired for teaching evolution, today you have states that are re-writing science books to equate the Judeo-Christian myth of creation with scientific theory.
Who is the voice that helps to keep us from becoming a theocracy?
In a world today where certain sectors of Christians are so strident, I can't think of a better time for those who don't believe in a god to be very vocal and demand their place at the table too. These are people who have ethics and moral code (and let's be honest, some of them behave more like Christians than some Christians).
Another reason I respect Atheists is because they can challenge my faith. Faith does not, and I would say should not, be rooted in default behaviors and beliefs. As adults we should always be evaluating what we believe and why we believe it. Dialogues with people who don't share my beliefs help me to do that.
Being blunt, when you say that you feel sorry for everyone who does not share your faith it makes me very uncomfortable. I don't see the choice not to believe in a deity (or deities) as an absence or a lacking. It's just a different way of being and comporting one's life.
I don't see a reason to feel sorry for or pity people who believe who don't share out beliefs and I'm not sure that the would want or be thrilled with any sort of pity.
I'm always concerned that ideas like that, no matter how well intentioned, can become a slippery slope in the wrong hands.
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Who is the voice that helps to keep us from becoming a theocracy?
In a world today where certain sectors of Christians are so strident, I can't think of a better time for those who don't believe in a god to be very vocal and demand their place at the table too. These are people who have ethics and moral code (and let's be honest, some of them behave more like Christians than some Christians).
Another reason I respect Atheists is because they can challenge my faith. Faith does not, and I would say should not, be rooted in default behaviors and beliefs. As adults we should always be evaluating what we believe and why we believe it. Dialogues with people who don't share my beliefs help me to do that.
Being blunt, when you say that you feel sorry for everyone who does not share your faith it makes me very uncomfortable. I don't see the choice not to believe in a deity (or deities) as an absence or a lacking. It's just a different way of being and comporting one's life.
I don't see a reason to feel sorry for or pity people who believe who don't share out beliefs and I'm not sure that the would want or be thrilled with any sort of pity.
I'm always concerned that ideas like that, no matter how well intentioned, can become a slippery slope in the wrong hands.
Have Happy and Blessed Easter