I get headaches. I wrote this to explain a little better just what I usually mean when I say that.
8.10.2013
6.26.2010
Why debate questions of religion?
Recently, I took part in a discussion with a friend that touched on issues about which I care very deeply. The rationality of religious belief; the wisdom of religious belief; the nature of knowledge itself--what does it mean to be certain?
Although we did not tread any ground that hasn't been covered before by people with far more pedigree and knowledge, I thought it was a healthy, it somewhat heated, discussion on these "Big Questions" between my nonreligious self and my considerably more religious friend. I was surprised, then, when a third-party posted the following:
These words ring with the sound of a defensive anger, somewhere between "how dare you?" and "why can't you just live and let live?" And to a certain extent, I understand. We all have our sacred cows, so to speak, and it can be a deeply affecting, negative experience to have them bluntly criticized by outsiders. And religion is usually the most sacred cow of all.
But while I understand some of this anger, I also believe that it's misplaced. In fact, I think the author of the above comment misunderstands the purpose of the debate in question, and maybe even all similar critical responses to religion from the atheist community. So I feel an obligation to answer, from my point of view, the questions posed.
Although we did not tread any ground that hasn't been covered before by people with far more pedigree and knowledge, I thought it was a healthy, it somewhat heated, discussion on these "Big Questions" between my nonreligious self and my considerably more religious friend. I was surprised, then, when a third-party posted the following:
"If you are a Atheist. . .Why do you have to challenge GOD????? This is something you chose not to BELIEVE IN. . .Why would you have to have this arguement with members of the Christian Community????? Do you try to challenge a belivers faith in thier GOD just to prove 'your point'? Who appointed you chief antagonist?????
I think you are looking for something in your life that you do not have. . .A sense of belonging in a Christian Community. Ah! First you would have to BELIEVE Iin the generousity of GOD."
These words ring with the sound of a defensive anger, somewhere between "how dare you?" and "why can't you just live and let live?" And to a certain extent, I understand. We all have our sacred cows, so to speak, and it can be a deeply affecting, negative experience to have them bluntly criticized by outsiders. And religion is usually the most sacred cow of all.
But while I understand some of this anger, I also believe that it's misplaced. In fact, I think the author of the above comment misunderstands the purpose of the debate in question, and maybe even all similar critical responses to religion from the atheist community. So I feel an obligation to answer, from my point of view, the questions posed.
7.10.2009
A short discussion: Who should pay for K-12 education?
Several days ago, a Facebook friend complained about the "Pay to Play" system being adopted by some public school districts. This system in essence requires that parents pay the cost of extracurricular activities in order for their children to participate.
I think this is an interesting topic, and one that warrants a discussion. A slightly different debate emerged, however, between me and another Facebook citizen. The focus became "who should pay for K-12 education?", and the argument below ensued. I'd love to hear feedback from the wider world about the points raised, as well as any other perspectives you have to contribute.
I've left the conversation as is from Facebook, complete with the spelling and grammar errors that sometimes creep in during a fast back-and-forth. I've replaced names (besides my own) with initials, and moved one snippet for clarity, but the conversation otherwise unfolded exactly as below:
I think this is an interesting topic, and one that warrants a discussion. A slightly different debate emerged, however, between me and another Facebook citizen. The focus became "who should pay for K-12 education?", and the argument below ensued. I'd love to hear feedback from the wider world about the points raised, as well as any other perspectives you have to contribute.
I've left the conversation as is from Facebook, complete with the spelling and grammar errors that sometimes creep in during a fast back-and-forth. I've replaced names (besides my own) with initials, and moved one snippet for clarity, but the conversation otherwise unfolded exactly as below:
4.27.2009
Not everything should be easy.
A friend from a former job writes the following:
If you know yourself, you know the things at which you excel and the things at which you don't.
If you're lucky, you'll find yourself doing things that you find easy. If you're really, really lucky, you'll find yourself doing easy things that make you happy. Sometimes, rare individuals find themselves happy doing things they find extremely difficult. These last individuals are either delusional, self-indulgent or both. (I would argue that those who boast that they are happy facing challenges are not really being all that challenged, but I digress).
I do not agree. Follow the link to the full post, with my comments and his responses.
3.20.2009
Atheist Pride, Part II
UPDATED Introduction, February 2012: This two-part essay was originally written for an "atheist pride day" on Facebook. Back in 2009, several thousand atheists and other nonbelievers changed their profile pictures to the "Scarlet A" of the Richard Dawkins Foundation (http://outcampaign.org/promotions). In making this tiny gesture, we hoped to start productive dialogs with each other, and with our more religious friends and loved ones.
At the time, I wrote the following to address some questions I'd received--first from believers, then from nonbelievers--about the origin and purpose of the day, which we called, simply, "I am an Atheist". The second of two parts begins below:
In Part One, I gave some of my reasons for being a part of this event, and put forward some ideas that I hope theists will read and consider
In Part Two below, I want to address some things I've heard from some members of the atheist community in response to putting together an event like this.
At the time, I wrote the following to address some questions I'd received--first from believers, then from nonbelievers--about the origin and purpose of the day, which we called, simply, "I am an Atheist". The second of two parts begins below:
In Part One, I gave some of my reasons for being a part of this event, and put forward some ideas that I hope theists will read and consider
In Part Two below, I want to address some things I've heard from some members of the atheist community in response to putting together an event like this.
Atheist Pride, Part I
UPDATED Introduction, February 2012: This two-part essay was originally written for an "atheist pride day" on Facebook. Back in 2009, several thousand atheists and other nonbelievers changed their profile pictures to the "Scarlet A" of the Richard Dawkins Foundation (http://outcampaign.org/promotions). In making this tiny gesture, we hoped to start productive dialogs with each other, and with our more religious friends and loved ones.
At the time, I wrote the following to address some questions I'd received--first from believers, then from nonbelievers--about the origin and purpose of the day, which we called, simply, "I am an Atheist". The first of two parts begins below:
Whether you are religious, secular, or irreligious, I hope you'll take the time to read some of my thoughts today on the significance of this event to me, and what I think events like it can mean in the future for the atheist community.
In Part One below, I will try to answer the question "Why have an atheist pride day?"
In Part Two, I will address some questions raised about this event by the atheist community.
At the time, I wrote the following to address some questions I'd received--first from believers, then from nonbelievers--about the origin and purpose of the day, which we called, simply, "I am an Atheist". The first of two parts begins below:
Whether you are religious, secular, or irreligious, I hope you'll take the time to read some of my thoughts today on the significance of this event to me, and what I think events like it can mean in the future for the atheist community.
In Part One below, I will try to answer the question "Why have an atheist pride day?"
In Part Two, I will address some questions raised about this event by the atheist community.
2.02.2009
25 Things
A copy of my "25 Things" meme that's been making the rounds through Facebook.
01. I take just about any opportunity to be introspective, and I tend to talk a lot.
After your second hour of reading this, you'll see what I mean.
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
01. I take just about any opportunity to be introspective, and I tend to talk a lot.
After your second hour of reading this, you'll see what I mean.
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