Originally Posted by
Thorne
Only by your interpretation, not by mine.
Not only by my interpetation, but that of the experts who defined the terminology and its meanings.
Yes, but the others don't claim to be the true arbiters of morality, the way theists do.
Or the way Atheists do?
Those rights have already been established by law. The law doesn't specify that you don't get those rights if you're homosexual, or if you're black, or if you're atheist, or if you're theist. The law applies to ALL. If any are given those rights, ALL must be given those rights. Which includes the right to worship (or not) as one wishes. NOT as someone else declares.
If that was the case there wouldnt be a schism in society right now between the proponents of gay marriage and the proponents against it. The law would allready have it covered.
Nope, not even close. I'm talking about NOT teaching wishful thinking IN SCHOOLS. I never said anything about what parents should, or should not, be able to teach their kids.
Really? Sure doesnt look that way.
That being said, however, do you think parents should have the "right" to deny their children medical care when the children are ill, just because of their own religious beliefs? Should parents have the "right" to brutally beat their children because the Bible tells them not to spare the rod? Do you not agree that there are certain limits society, and the law, MUST place on parents when dealing with the health and welfare of their children?
Last time I checked we have laws in place allready that cover all that.
Just out of curiosity, how does one "study" atheism? Are their classes on it? Atheist seminaries? Are we atheists supposed to send our kids to Monday School or something?
Its real simple, you can take a class in theology, or philosophy, or any history course that covers those time periods (where they will teach you about it.) or you can read any number of books and other things written on it in self study...just like anything else.
I am an atheist NOT because of what I believe, but because of what I do NOT believe.
Then why spend so much time telling us what your lack of belief entails...if its got nothing in it, it shouldnt need to be expounded upon at all.
That's it. My views on science, evolution, cosmology, history, society, etc., have nothing to do with being an atheist. Yes, my understanding of those things probably influenced my non-belief, but is not defined by it.
Just as a theists religious adherence does not nessesary have anything to do with any of that eaither.
You haven't been listening anyway, so what's the difference?:)
Oh Ive been listening....the real question is have you been listening to yourself?
Respect it, no. That much is obvious...so much for all your clap trap conserning secularism. Understand it, yes. If you really understood it, you wouldnt be so adamantely set against its contemporary practice within the letter of the laws of our society today. But where does one draw the line between, "If I have sex outside of marriage I'll be sent to Hell," and "If I break a mirror I'll have seven years bad luck." Each of these statements have their believers. Neither are provable. You dont have to draw any line save for yourself and leave the lines other wish to draw for themselves.
But if you pray hard enough, believe hard enough, send Pat Robertson enough money, God will forgive you!
Ive never sent Pat a single dime...and truth be told I dont actually know anyone else who has...why people send their money to places though I believe is their own business in any event.
Why not? Show me how they are different. How is the idea that Santa Clause knows if you've been bad or good any different from the idea that God knows if you've been bad or good? How is writing a letter to Santa asking for gifts any different from praying to God asking for gifts?
Becuase one is a commonly acepted fairytale, where as the other is someone's belief system and as such is deserving of the same mutual respect you claim atheism deserves.
Sure, theist don't like those kinds of arguments, and will get all upset by them. Just as I get upset by your dogmatic insistence that atheism is a belief. Oh, well. Guess they'll have to learn to live with it, just like me.