Is ignorance bliss?

[naomi24]

Are atheists who point out the glaringly obvious flaws in religion, unkind? Do non-believers have a moral duty to highlight the facts, regardless of the dismay, and possible hurt, they may cause to those who rely upon the prop of religion to get them through life - or is it kinder to say nothing and leave them to their illusions?

This question was put to me recently by an atheist friend.

[naomi24]

Mibs, Absolutely superb!

[mibn2cweus]

Naomi, This question addresses an issue which lies at the heart of many religious debates, "What the hell are we (atheists) doing here in the topic of religion?" The fact of the matter is we recognise that what we choose to believe has consequences, not only for the believer, but for those whose lives are touched by their actions, not just the innocent children but indeed all of humanity as we struggle to come to grips with the reality we face and seek answers to the questions of right and wrong.

The answers are not to be found by running away from the question or by relegating it to a 'higher authority'. The answers lie in the same reality that raises the question, not by attempting to rewrite it but by learning to read and comprehend the messages written into its very fabric.

The inescapable reality is that we are responsible for our own thoughts, beliefs, choices and actions, all of which define who we are. The first step in taking that responsibility is acknowledging that we have it, that our lives for better or worse are our own and that anyone asking us to sign divorce papers has only one objective in mind, not murder, but voluntary spiritual suicide.

Thanks for asking!

[naomi24]

You're welcome - but the thanks really should go to my friend for asking me the question in the first place.

[beso]

For so long we have been taught that we owed respect to religion and it was rude to be critical of the faith of others. Meanwhile the believers were free to teach their depraived philosophies to anyone who would listen and bludgeon those who were not interested.

Finally nonbelievers have cast off this artificial constraint and begun to speak up against these ridiculous teachings. This change is an crucial step in the process of moral development of our societies. While our values continue to be dominated by the bigotry that is religion we will be stuck in a morass.

It is essential that we present the truth about corrupt values underlying religion so that the young have an opportunity to avoid falling vicitm to pervasive religious indoctrination. Upsetting the sensitivities of the devoted is not something that should concern us in the slightest. Their primitive amoral beliefs are worse than worthless.

[Ankou]

but it was her party. she might have cried and run upstairs.

[mibn2cweus]

. . . when yuh gotta go . . . yuh gotta go . . . ~o">

[naomi24]

I don't know who 'she' is, but I like your link, mibs. Very good. :o)

[Ankou]

noami, some day some time....

"Waldo, Chakka, et al, I was at a party recently, and the party girl, a devout Christian, in her speech twice thanked �The Lord� for all her friends and for all her blessings. Her happy face was a joy to behold, and at that moment, I could no more have burst her bubble than jump off the roof. "

[naomi24]

Ahhh, bless! You do try - and that could have been really funny if it hadn't taken you a week to think of it. :o)

[Ankou]

well ive been away. glad you missd me.

i would have thought with you being so anti religious that you could have taken at least one of the options.

[naomi24]

Haaaaa!