A big howdy from extremely rural England.
I have never used a forum in my life as I am a huge Technophobe.
It is extremely difficult to peck out any free thinking atheists where I live.
I was raised in an atheist family where I was encouraged to question everything.
I am so appreciative of being able to experience this life that I would not be so greedy as to expect another. I feel atheists have been neglected in many societies, past and present. I am continually frustrated that there is a continual discussion among authorities of how to accommodate diverse faiths but there never seems to be consideration of how to accommodate those with lack of religious beliefs.
Rant over. :)
Best Wishes
Kim
(http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/08/08cc8be0132f411c46a308931558be2bcbc0dc50a97f9fb26d94e41ce7a69193.jpg)
Welcome to the forum. :)
Arrrrg! Welcome to the forum me heartie!
(http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzEwLzAyLzdiL3NpcnN0dWZmaW5nLjc1MzBjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTk1MHg1MzQjCmUJanBn/6fabdab3/4bf/sir-stuffington.jpg)
Welcome to the forum!
Greetings from across the big pond.
Welcome to da club mate!
Welcome aboard Philanthropist! You play guitar? :super: Solitary
Welcome to the forum.
Greetings from the south of England.
Quote from: Philanthropist on January 15, 2015, 03:46:47 PMA big howdy from extremely rural England.
As a yank, there are parts of England that aren't London?? :P
QuoteI am continually frustrated that there is a continual discussion among authorities of how to accommodate diverse faiths but there never seems to be consideration of how to accommodate those with lack of religious beliefs.
That's simple. A futon, some blankets, a fireplace, a nice book...
Hey, welcome fellow southern
Quote from: Philanthropist on January 15, 2015, 03:46:47 PM
I feel atheists have been neglected in many societies, past and present. I am continually frustrated that there is a continual discussion among authorities of how to accommodate diverse faiths but there never seems to be consideration of how to accommodate those with lack of religious beliefs.
/quote]
First, Kim--welcome! This is a great spot.
Your comment set me to thinking (always dangerous for me and usually produces a headache) that atheists did not appear until the 1500's I think. That makes it a relative baby in the world of philosophy. And it has not been very safe to think like one until even later than that. Since religion is conservative by nature, they do not embrace change of any sort--especially that change that would diminish their numbers or faith. So, they fight it. And those that are mentally ill, as most religious are, have no capacity to reason. So, religion will be with us for a long, long time; I am very sorry to say.
Welcome, Philanthropist! I hope you enjoy your time on the forum!! :)
Ooo arr! Welcome!!
Quote from: Mike Cl on January 16, 2015, 10:19:42 PMYour comment set me to thinking (always dangerous for me and usually produces a headache) that atheists did not appear until the 1500's I think. That makes it a relative baby in the world of philosophy.
The first known overt atheist was Jean Meslier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Meslier), iirc. Though of course, there are tons of probable atheists going all the way back to classical Greece and India, where materialistic philosophies did exist (Epicurianism and Carvaka).
QuoteAnd it has not been very safe to think like one until even later than that.
In some places, it's still not safe.
QuoteSince religion is conservative by nature, they do not embrace change of any sort--especially that change that would diminish their numbers or faith. So, they fight it. And those that are mentally ill, as most religious are, have no capacity to reason. So, religion will be with us for a long, long time; I am very sorry to say.
Maybe. Maybe not. We do know that the number of nontheists has skyrocketed in recent history and we know this largely came at the expense of theist numbers. If current trends continue...
Quote from: Hydra009 on January 17, 2015, 02:30:15 AM
Maybe. Maybe not. We do know that the number of nontheists has skyrocketed in recent history and we know this largely came at the expense of theist numbers. If current trends continue...
Yes, there is that. Europe is largely non-theist and even here, nontheisism is growing. There is hope--but it will not come quickly. It will follow the pattern of racism in this country. Just when many are willing to proclaim that racism is dead, it resurfaces is a slightly different way in our society. It retrenches itself and tries to disguise itself so that it can stay around. Religion is like that. It's just when some ideal like creationism holds sway to the extent it does, it reminds me that the stupid and the insane are still very much out there and still has politics by the throat.
Quote from: Philanthropist on January 15, 2015, 03:46:47 PM
A big howdy from extremely rural England.
I am continually frustrated that there is a continual discussion among authorities of how to accommodate diverse faiths but there never seems to be consideration of how to accommodate those with lack of religious beliefs.
Kim
Welcome aboard Kim.
Like many of us you have won the birth lottery and were born into a place where you can express your beliefs without constant fear.
In regards to your frustration. Do you find it weird that the U.K., with an officially established church is far more secular than the U.S. with a constitution that officially prohibits the same?
And do you think the government stamp of approval on one religion is what may cause them to try to be so accommodating in order to avoid accusations of preferential treatment?
QuoteIf we define religion as the worship of supernatural forces, we must observe that the outset that some peoples have apparently no religion at all. Certain Pygmy tribes of Africa had no observable cult or rights; they had no totem, no fetishes, and no gods; they buried their dead without ceremony, and seemed to have paid no further attention to them; they lacked even superstitions, if we may believe otherwise incredible travelers.
The dwarfs of the Cameroon recognized only malevolent deities, and did nothing to placate them, on the ground it was useless to try. The Vedahs of Ceylon went no further than to admit the possibility of gods and immortal souls; but offered no prayers or sacrifices. Asked about God they answered, as puzzled as the latest philosopher: "Is he on a rock ? On a white ant hill? On a tree? I never saw a god!"
Will Durant's history of the world. Solitary