Remembrances

[Theland]

If you are an atheist, would you ever take part in a remembrance gathering , such as following the latest terrorist outrages in France?
If so, given your unbelief, what would be the point?

[Answerprancer]

"Unbelief" oh give me a break. I'd go there to remember and celebrate their former lives. Possibly to cry a little over the tragedy of it.

[Answerprancer]

...and before you say "why and to whom?" ...to the other people gathered, the world in general and most of all, to myself. Rituals don't always have a religious centre.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Don't you understand moral, family and cultural bonds?

[IggyB]

Remembrance events are held for the dead but the purpose is for the living; to grieve, to celebrate life, to show solidarity, to take comfort in the company of others, or in the event of terrorism to show that we won't be forced into hiding by the acts of others

[Zacs-Master]

It's called 'paying your respects' and also demonstrates solidarity against the perpetrator/s.
Belief doesn't give you claim to the moral high ground in such situations Theland.

[mikey4444]

Stupid question Theland !

[EDDIE51]

What the hell has religion got to do with it?
You sometimes really astound me Theland !
You go to show your sympathy for the victims and support for the community, country, law and order, NOTHING to do with' belief or Unbelief' in a God.
I think an atheist is far more likely to go and show support, a religious person would be likely to just accept it as being 'God's Will' and say there is nothing they can do about it.

[jakep]

In the example you have given in the OP, 'belief' was the root cause of the outrage

[Old_Geezer]

Is there any more or less point whether you're a believer or atheist ? It's a non-optional social convention. Some gain mentally by recalling those they knew. Others wish to indicate respect for both those who once lived and those left behind. Many are going to feel they should comply to avoid criticism even though they get nothing from it and know that it doesn't bring anyone back.

[goodlife]

Moral reference a point. They are adrift like a ship without a rudder. Many, for example, ride the popular current of moral relativism, the view that “ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them.” According to this philosophy, there are no moral absolutes—everything is relative. ‘What’s wrong for you may be right for somebody else,’ relativists assert. Because their moral compass points in just about any direction, they are quick to validate virtually any sort of behavior as acceptable.

[vulcan42]

Theland, your twisted point of view shows exactly what is wrong with religion.

[mikey4444]

If anybody wants a reason why I am an atheist, they need look no further than the posts of Theland and Goodlife.

[Old_Geezer]

I think you have misstated the position Goodlife.

Obviously there are no absolute morality since even if one chooses to believe in a deity then there is nothing one can point to which states what this deity has revealed as an absolute truth. So that suggestion "goes out the window".

It follows then that morality depends on what folk can agree is morally right and wrong, and can back up by some justification they use to claim it.

For each group that comes to an agreement then they agree that their view is correct and applicable to all. But in the individuals in the group are enlightened they appreciate that another group may come to a different view and also think their view is correct an applicable to all. That there is no guarantee whose view is more valid (if indeed either is) so the best course of action is to allow the others to do their thing as far as possible and to try to come to a consensus vis dialogue.

This is acceptance of reality and the search for truth, not an inability to know to simply accept what someone tells them is right and try to force it everywhere.

[Old_Geezer]

But if the individuals...

[Old_Geezer]

... via dialogue ...

[Old_Geezer]

... not an inability to know and to simply accept what someone ...

[naomi24]

Theland, what's your point in attending such gatherings?

[mikey4444]

OG...trying to use logic and rational against a religious viewpoint, is akin to trying to nail custard to the wall.

[maggiebee]

Theland - probably for the same reason as some want to be married in church, have a minister/priest to conduct a funeral and possibly have their children baptised.

[beso]

goodlife //Moral reference a point. They are adrift like a ship without a rudder. Many, for example, ride the popular current of moral relativism, the view that “ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them.” According to this philosophy, there are no moral absolutes—everything is relative. //

Yes. Thinking about the issues is a much better way than following the so called morality invented by ancient, ignorant misogynist who arrogantly that their personal prejudices were given them by a supernatural consciousness.

The moral rudder of religion has rusted in place and like a ship with a stuck rudder, religion will ultimately sink as the seas become rough.