Tuesday, February 3, 2009

No, it is not a capital g. I deliberately did not capitalize, because there is no god. Where is your proof? Seeing a shining light as I swim to shore (not drown) is not proof of god, that is a common mis-perception. Our brains, made of chemicals, will create illusions as the tissues are starved for oxygen (or glucose). The brain is also known to create illusions (called auras) when there are chemical or electrical imbalances that lead to seizures. Is everyone who suffers from a seizure seeing god when they sense an aura?
No, I would not be surprised at the faith our founding fathers had. I know that many professed faith in a creator (I have actually read about some of them). That is exactly why they chose to deliberately exclude any mention of a god in oaths of office or as a part of our government: to avoid one belief system governing/persecuting/ignoring other beliefs systems.
Those who profess faith must be defensive about their faith, because to disprove it would mean they must face reality. Reality can be difficult to deal with: it is final.
Those who profess faith must destroy others to keep theirs. Atheism doesn't seek to "destroy" faith, just show that reality is real.

The Separation of Church and State

There is a reason our founding fathers chose (deliberately chose) to leave god out of the oaths of office, and government: coming from a country where any religion but the officially accepted religion was persecuted, the only way to make sure such an environment did not develop again was to keep “church” and state separate. Unfortunately this has not been maintained: our past few presidents have been quite vocal about their beliefs, and have even used their religion and beliefs of other religions to start or maintain conflicts against other religions and their followers.
Also, “church” meant and means all forms of religion, not just mention of god or myths from “holy” doctrine or the establishment of religion (church).
Finally, no political party is a friend to any atheist, or free-thinking individual, regardless of their belief or philosophy. The parties are after power and have lost all interest in maintaining a democracy that serves the individuals. Partisan politics is on its way to destroy, or already has destroyed what is left of the democratic system. Individuals who attempt to run for office are not taken seriously unless they are affiliated with a party, preferably one of the “Big Two.” Religion has long driven political power, political power has long used religion to gain and maintain power. Until we as a global society can fix this problem, no political system is going to keep church and state separate for long. Our country claims to do so, but that has been a facade for at least the last 8 years, probably much longer.

If Only You Could Be More Tolerant

In my experience, atheists tend to be some of the most tolerant people. Even of others’ beliefs. Not all atheists are tolerant, and lately some atheists have been quite vocal about their views. But as I am reading some of the more popular literature from atheists I am seeing more concern about the future and wellbeing of humanity rather than of what beliefs are. There has been some eye-opening facts that make me cringe about some of the practices religions allow, which leads me to be concerned about religion continuing. Concern for humans as individuals, though, has been the most common theme.
The most intolerant people I have ever met have been religious, especially if you are not of their religion, or of their particular sect, but especially if you are agnostic or atheist. I think if theists kept their personal beliefs to themselves, enjoying their own beliefs in their own ways, without trying to convert or destroy anyone who did not believe the same way, atheists wouldn’t have too much of an issue with religion. But religions have to be destructive of other beliefs to survive.
Atheism does not need to destroy religion. Atheists are more likely to try to show a theist what reality is, and to appeal to reason and logic. If a person wishes to continue to believe something in spite of evidence to the contrary, most atheists will walk away with a sense of loss for a life and a mind. On the other hand, a theist will attempt to destroy an atheist if they refuse to believe in something that contradicts reality. Destruction is not the goal, acceptance of reality is.
As an atheist, I am free to study any religion: learning about the nature of humanity, learning about what helps some cope with reality, learning some of the best and worst of humanity’s history. I can do so without a preconceived bias. All religions are equal to me; none are superior to any other. If only those who believe their religion to be the best could be so tolerant, how many wars and atrocities would have been avoided? How many deaths avoided?
The religious leaders teach tolerance, but the doctrines are inconsistent and conflicting making them easy to use to advance the “church’s” agenda (whatever that agenda may be).
Bottom line: if you find out someone is of a different “belief” or philosophy than yourself, take some time to learn about it before making judgments, then attempt to accept the person for who they are, as they are. If this is not possible, then walk away, don’t try to “convert” them or change them, unless they express an interest. Some people are looking for the truth, in their religion, in their philosophy, in their lives. Some people may need religion, let them have it. Others need science, facts, logic, reason and the truth. To some, the truth is their religion. Reality and truth are the only “religion” I need.