Atheism, Religion, Respect: Are Atheists Intolerant By Not Respecting Religion?
Friday August 29, 2008
For religious theists, their religion, religious beliefs, and theism are very important to them. They hold their beliefs and institutions in high regard, so become defensive when irreligious atheists are sharply critical of religion and religious beliefs. Theists demand that atheists show more respect and tolerance, but is this justified? What are they really asking for? It can be argued that they are demanding others admire and defer to their religion, which is an illegitimate demand.
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even though about 90% of humans believe in some kind of god or gods, i do not respect them, as they are superstitious, self-righteous, deluded sheep. so much misery,destuction and intolerance has sprung from religion. it is more like a plague than a moral code for people to live by. then, religion is always playing catch-up to new scientific facts. what respect might frightened, murderous sheep deserve?
i was thinking about this when i saw some native american religious rituals. it’s somewhat easier to accept (but not respect) a religion that is deeply cultural and traditional and does no harm. still, the individual must make the decision to go along with it. if the individual participates in the religion on a purely cultural/traditional basis and causes no harm, then that’s cool. but when the individual uses religion as a way of explaining the universe or alleged gods, especially if it is the religion of ones youth, and especially is that religion is involved in harm, then, it reduces that individual to a lazy, blind, bigoted follower that not only does not merit respect but is a negative force in the evolution of civilization.
What? I should have respect for superstition? Incredible!
Should I respect that for which I hold utter contempt. I think not.
That I believe Jesus Christ, Mohammad,Abraham and Moses, along with Yahweh, Jehovah, Allah, Visnu, Krishna et al as all being ridiculous.
With the first four as being deluded religious fanatics with as much credibility if better principles than Jimmy Swaggart, or any other Bible Tent Evangelist is not a sign of intolerance for the followers of these entities. But to ask me to show respect for
their delusions is as credible as asking them to adopt my philosophy. I’ll respect their right to be wrong as much as they respect mine to be right.
tomedgar@halenet.com.au