Is anyone else tired of Evangelical Atheism?

[_wenglund]

My belief is that, while religion may help a few individuals, such as the alcoholic or drug addict as Tal mentioned, in the big picture, religion is a scourge.

Your view of the "big picture" is certainly one way to stereotype religionist.

As I understand things, people tend to get away from "scourges" when possible, and reside in places that are relatively "scourge" free. Surely there are areas in the world that are mostly void of religion and religious influence that must be highly appealing and healthy to you. Have you packed your bags?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Runtu]

Your view of the "big picture" is certainly one way to stereotype religionist.

As I understand things, people tend to get away from "scourges" when possible, and reside in places that are relatively "scourge" free. Surely there are areas in the world that are mostly void of religion and religious influence that must be highly appealing and healthy to you. Have you packed your bags?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

It's not stereotyping to believe that, on balance, religion is a negative force in the world, just as it's not stereotyping to believe that it's a net positive. Snottiness aside, Wade, it's a little odd to hear you call Scottie's belief "stereotyping."

[_wenglund]

Your view of the "big picture" is certainly one way to stereotype religionist.

As I understand things, people tend to get away from "scourges" when possible, and reside in places that are relatively "scourge" free. Surely there are areas in the world that are mostly void of religion and religious influence that must be highly appealing and healthy to you. Have you packed your bags?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

It's not stereotyping to believe that, on balance, religion is a negative force in the world, just as it's not stereotyping to believe that it's a net positive. Snottiness aside, Wade, it's a little odd to hear you call Scottie's belief "stereotyping."

Had Scottie used the phrase "negative force in the world" rather than "scourge", then you may have a point.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Runtu]

Had Scottie used the phrase "negative force in the world" rather than "scourge", then you may have a point.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Mere semantics, Wade. I kind of like bluntness in people. Even if he thinks it's a "scourge," how is that stereotyping anyone? I think Western capitalism has been a nightmare for the environment. Does that mean I am stereotyping every single person who lives in a Western capitalist society?

You might find his beliefs offensive, Wade, but you're misusing the word "stereotype."

[_barrelomonkeys]

Marg, I agree with you. I don't believe most atheists even give much thought to these matters.

I know as an atheist/agnostic I almost never was bothered to think about it and only after seeking out LDS discussion boards (for family reasons) did I start to think about why I lacked a belief in God. It was just a non-issue before for the most part.

[_barrelomonkeys]

Had Scottie used the phrase "negative force in the world" rather than "scourge", then you may have a point.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Mere semantics, Wade. I kind of like bluntness in people. Even if he thinks it's a "scourge," how is that stereotyping anyone? I think Western capitalism has been a nightmare for the environment. Does that mean I am stereotyping every single person who lives in a Western capitalist society?

You might find his beliefs offensive, Wade, but you're misusing the word "stereotype."

You are a commie! ;)

[_Runtu]

You are a commie! ;)

Actually, I'm a pretty committed capitalist, but I do think capitalism has not been good to the environment. It's just that the alternatives are worse.

[_barrelomonkeys]

You are a commie! ;)

Actually, I'm a pretty committed capitalist, but I do think capitalism has not been good to the environment. It's just that the alternatives are worse.

Actually I'm just a smart ass. Feel free not to reply to me, or explain yourself. :)

[_Scottie]

Your view of the "big picture" is certainly one way to stereotype religionist.

As I understand things, people tend to get away from "scourges" when possible, and reside in places that are relatively "scourge" free. Surely there are areas in the world that are mostly void of religion and religious influence that must be highly appealing and healthy to you. Have you packed your bags?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

It's not stereotyping to believe that, on balance, religion is a negative force in the world, just as it's not stereotyping to believe that it's a net positive. Snottiness aside, Wade, it's a little odd to hear you call Scottie's belief "stereotyping."

Had Scottie used the phrase "negative force in the world" rather than "scourge", then you may have a point.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Yeah, "scourge" might be a bit harsh.

After thinking about this today, I might have to change my opinion. I sort of broke my own rule of "don't believe anything you hear and only 1/2 of what you see."

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but many of the opinions I conclude are in no small part due to the media. The media beast, being what it is, LOVES to report the worst stories. Those are what sells. So, naturally, the bulk of religious activity that I see are terrorist bombings, or the war between Palestine and Israel, etc. The media sure doesn't want to report on the billions and billions of kindnesses that are done every day by good religious folk, and therefore aren't present in my mind when drawing conclusions.

Now, that being said, would these billions of kindnesses still be done if religion wasn't a factor in these peoples lives? If we narrow it down to LDS examples, I do believe that many people help their neighbors because the church has taught them kindness and the golden rule. I'm sure other religions have taught similar things.

Mind you, I'm not saying that religious people are the only people that can do kindnesses. I was just explaining why I took back that religion is a "scourge" on the earth.

[_wenglund]

Had Scottie used the phrase "negative force in the world" rather than "scourge", then you may have a point.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Mere semantics, Wade. I kind of like bluntness in people. Even if he thinks it's a "scourge," how is that stereotyping anyone? I think Western capitalism has been a nightmare for the environment. Does that mean I am stereotyping every single person who lives in a Western capitalist society?

You might find his beliefs offensive, Wade, but you're misusing the word "stereotype."

Mere semantics, Runtu.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-