Well, just a short piece I wrote in response to something on ThinkingAloud.
I remember when I first got my apartment in the US. It was a crappy one, but had a shedload of land on it for walks, and relaxing, not to mention it was safe for my ferocious Mr Schmo to go out and sort out the local wildlife. My apartment was in a row of three, and next to my gaff was this weird redneck fellow who was a bit of a drunk, and an arsehole. His gaff was an utter pit, but I used to sit out front and offer him beer, and we'd chat away about sport, the weather, and just chew the fat. Anyway, one day we were chatting about something, and I mentioned I was an atheist. Well fuck me with a broom sideways, the guy changed instantly.
He accused me of being the reason America was going down the tubes, and was on the verge of getting fisty, (not in an anal way, in a knuckle-face interface type of way). Anyway, I managed to calm the inbred freak down, (I'm not a small fella), and the guy stormed off kicking stuff, etc. I never spoke to him for over a year.... PURELY because I never happened to believe in whatever faith he had. I think it was made worse because I had no faith at all. Is that worse than simply being with another religion? In the US, it would seem so.
From that moment on, I seldom told people I was an atheist, unless I knew them well. I think some folks in the US are a little backwards like that, and I must say they do tend to be the far right, staunch republicans, (not all, just some). I think their ideal land to live in would be a theocracy based entirely around Christianity, and yet their sworn enemies that all they prattle on about is Saudi Arabia, N. Korea, etc, which are the antithesis of what they want, isn’t it? Do they want to live in a country where intolerance is utterly mainstream, and it is essentially a dictatorship? That seems very un-American. I remember a poll that mentioned that Atheists are the most untrusted group in the US... That to me is scary indeed. Are Americans that shallow. Being a European, I had never felt the anger like that purely because of my belief, or lack of. Peculiar people anyway.
I'm not sure when the notion of the afterlife first came into being, but it seems a fairly common idea throughout religion. Hades, Heaven, Valhalla, and all the other places where dead people can go in their spare time have been written, sang, and spoken about for generation, upon generation, as the paradise your soul is transported to after death. However, whilst the idea of this may he nice and fluffy, it has been used as a tool, especially in recent times. The promise of the afterlife is the prime tool in the use of Islamic suicide bombers. Would they happily blow themselves up if it wasn't for the promise of 72 virgins was not there? Would people be so willing to head off on foreign conquest if the promise of an eternal life was not there? Some people may think it is a side issue, but I feel it is one of the core reason why we have suicide bombers. It is different to the person sacrificing themselves on a grenade in war, or putting themselves in danger to protect people, as that act is far more altruistic. A suicide bomber is all about destruction with the aim of killing not only your perceived enemy, but yourself. Is this willful destruction simply a religious thing? Nope, it certainly isn't, but the suicide element is. It is as though the belief that they have an afterlife means that the life they have on earth is cheapened, and means nothing. I can't get my head around that.
It is not simply an Islamic thing either. The kamikaze ran suicide runs famously in the second world war. Some people think that this was not faith based, but it was for their Emperor, who was, to them, a God. remember that Kamikaze means 'Divine Wind'… Soldiers have for many centuries believed that God was on their side. This was unfortunate when both sides had God on their side, as it suggested that God was simply a shit who thrives on destruction, and mayhem, (and the religious text tend to back that up). It is interesting to note that the notion of Hell in Christianity only came about after the creation of the new Testament. At no point does the Old Testament mention hell, and it shows by the fact that Jews do not have a notion of Hell, only of eternal life.
So we have religious wars throughout history, from the Crusades, to wars between England, and Catholic countries in Europe. Now, I hear you yell, that wasn't about religion… You are right, but religion is the tool used in these wars, and the excuse. Whatever the motive, the fact that the battle cry was accompanied with a cross of whichever flavour driving on the troops. The fact the churches were complicit in backing up this nonsense makes them as guilty as anyone. Then we have the ireland issue, where grown adults pelt each other, children, etc, with stones, bottles, and explosives because of what they perceive as religious hatred… This is not even back in history. This is all recent, and is a massive shame on the people of Northern Ireland.
The Church in Africa
It has been well documented about the churches stance on Condoms, so I won't dwell in this too much. However, I feel the need to point out the utter ridiculous nature of their doctrine, and dogma, and the effect in Africa. Aids… It's not exactly nice, and it's somewhat deadly so the figures show. So why, with everything we know today, does the church still insist on proclaiming condoms, and family planning a sin? Why? Anybody know? It is fucking ridiculous, and something that proponents of it should feel utter shame that they will stand by it. Millions die in Arica due to these proclamations, and yet the church stand solid, and happily stand idly by whilst a very religious population die off, for no reason. I this compassion? Is it love? Nope, it's downright manslaughter.
The church should be ashamed.
Child Abuse
Again, not something that is rare in todays world. The church now has a reputation for abuse of children? Is it fair, or is it simply stereotype, and exaggeration? Well, a recent investigation would seem that no, it isn't. It is maybe not widespread, but it is certainly something the church knows about, and will happily cover it up if they can. This is the church we are talking about here… covering up child abuse, rape, and mental torture. This is supposed to be the beacon of hope for these people, and the people who SHOULD be the most trustworthy in these peoples eyes are the ones who they should be most wary of. A simple google search of 'Church child abuse' will find that this is not a single event. It is all over the place. Does the church think they are above mans law? Do they think that their dog collars, and self-invented titles will give them any protection? These people have preached for all their lives about God, the afterlife, and sin, and yet these people are the ones that are the worst offenders. As an addition, the letter that the current Pope Benedict sent out when he first became prefect of the whatsimacallit, informed the Archbishops, et al, to deal with cases of child abuse secretly, and to keep the information from the prying eyes of the police, and the press. This is the same Popiness that sentenced a Bishop that had committed such offenses to a lifetime of prayer, and penance... That is a sentence apparently.
The teachings in the Bible
The Bible… It's the guidelines that all Christians should work from, which is a shame, as there is so much in the Bible that has a place only in the realms of Hell. The God we know is all loving isn't he! Isn't he?
Hmm…
If you are a rape victim - Death
If you don't listen to a priest - Death
If you hit your father - Death
If you commit adultery - Death
If you worship another God - Death (For you, and the rest of your town)
If you have sex before marriage - Death
Now forgive me for being a little ignorant, but how exactly is this God an all loving, and compassionate God? That is by no means the lot either, (speaking of Lot, that's quite a story), there is genocide, murder, slavery, rape, sexism, sacrifice, etc… Hmmm… So how on earth did this little book of horror become the guide for a good and wholesome life? Fuck knows… All I know is that I'll take my atheistic ways, and morals over this crap.
This is by no means an ancient things either. People are stoned today for being a witch, or committing adultery, etc. Fine theocracies such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, etc, all hold their religious teachings very seriously. So next time someone wants a Christian country, and not a secular one, just point out how great those other theocracies are, and do they want to head down that path of intolerance, and hatred. Does the bible only lead you down a path of hatred? Seemingly, as it leaves no scope for people who may be different to you, or hold different beliefs.
Granted, many people ignore these particular teachings, but what does that say about their faith? Either the bible is the word of God, or it is the collection of short stories available at all good bookshops. Which is it. I'm not sure picking and choosing the parts of your religious text gives you much credence, and certainly shows you to be a hypocrite.
Conclusion
So what IS the church good for? Raising funds, and being a security blanket? Is that is? It has no other use apart from negative things? It gives nothing to the world. There have been no advancements made because of religion. If religion was given free reign over the world, would mankind have progressed? I don't think so, and this suggests to me that it would only retard mankind, and his progression. That leaves only one conclusion…
Many, many people have talked about the church being a force for good, or evil in the world. Personally, I find it hard to answer that question purely because of the huge leap between the Church as an authority, and the church as a community. I hold no doubt that the vast majority of religious people are NOT evil, wicked, or demonic in any way. In fact I’d hazard a guess that 90% of the people on the earth have the same goals, and the same desires in life. I want a nice house, a good relationship, and enough wealth to make my life comfortable, and struggle-free. I don’t think it would be wicked for me to say that, and I think it is a very normal part of the human condition.
So, for the question “Is Religion Evil”, I feel a need to remove the religious community from this debate. Not only does it seem ingenuous to ‘berate’ the religious as individuals on this topic, but it would be wrong. Religion can seldom be judged on an individuals actions. Instead, my target will be the authority. The vatican, the Church of England, the Imams, the self-anointed spokespeople, and even some members of government.
So what is the argument? Well, ever since time immemorial religion has been a part of the human psyche, for reasons that some see as good, or bad. At this juncture it makes no odds as to why religion came about, only that it did. Would the world we live in today be better, or worse if religion had been expunged from the pages of human memory? Personally, I think yes, it would do, and by a considerable margin. There are many obvious, and not so obvious reason that bring to to this conclusion. Obviously I am an Atheist, so the initial notion of a God is utterly foreign to me, but I don't think that has a great deal to do with the issues I have with the Church, (when I say church, I refer to most modern religions, it's easier to write 'The Church', than list every single facet that I have in my mind. Most of my thoughts are about the Christian faith, and I apologise for that, but they are the ones most prevalent to me, apart from radical Islam). Believing in an essentially invisible being has no malicious intent, nor does it cause any harm. Children believe in Santa Claus, and the tooth fairy, and it doesn't bring about any evil, or malevolence. Instead, it is the institutions that cause the problems, and that comes down to man. I hope that explains to some degree where I am coming from in this prose? Anyway, onwards and downwards, and let us look at the pro side of the argument for religion. That pretty much boils dow to three categories that the religious rest their case upon.
The first of these is charity. In many arguments, debates, and discussions about how religion benefits the human race, this is often the first thing that crops up. It is wielded like a shining beacon as to the greatness of God, and yet, it is simply man doing the deed. There are billions of dollars/ pounds/ shekels given every year to needy people, and causes all over the world, under the banner of religion. However, as great as that is, does it really mean that the church is good? I'm not overly convinced that their argument shows that religion, and the Church makes people give money. I give money, and so do plenty of other people. I'm not convinced that giving charity is an entirely religious endeavor. 'Medicines San Frontiers', 'UNICEF', and countless other charities all contribute greatly to aid, and help for the needy without the need to try to recruit for a certain brand of faith. Let us also not forget that the existence of these charities go in no way to prove that God exists in any way. So why does the Church insist that the charity proves it is a good thing? Is it money? Is that really all it comes down to? Who has the most money? Well, by that token the USA is much better than Belgium, purely as they have more money. I am far superior to my neighbor, as I have the more lucrative employment. Is it really that shallow? Yes, folks, it is. mankind has shown over the years that we are generous, no matter what. Money will pour in year upon year for famine, drought, earthquakes, the homeless, the sick, etc. As for certain surveys saying the religious give, or certain party affiliations give more money...
The second of the pro arguments is the same one rewrapped and packaged under a few different guises. Hope, comfort, (not Ray Comfort!), etc… What exactly are these, and is it a purely religious notion? Well, I have no issue at all with people wanting to feel better inside themselves, for whatever reason, however they can attain. If a loved one dies, and it makes you feel better to think that they have gone on to another life, I am happy for you, I really am. Life can suck, and frankly we need what we can get through it. Life is hard, and a struggle, and although we have the luxuries that our evolved intelligence has given us, we still suffer the same consequences that life throws at every other living creature on the planet. Death, suffering, disease, loss, and pain. We will cope with it how we will. Is this feeling of comfort, and hope real? Is it something that only a church, or divine being could provide? Of course not, that would be absurd.
I would hope that all of you will have heard of placebos, security blankets, superstition, touching wood (stop sniggering at the back!), and all the other things that you do irrationally, just to make yourself feel better, or because it is some sort of habit. I know that when I am at sea, some people are funny about whistling on deck, or some people are funny about opening umbrellas inside. I know my lovely nieces all have the things that they grip with them, and cannot be without, such as 'white bear' or 'rags'… Whilst is is easily passed dismissed in todays semi-literate scientific civilization as harmless, should that superstition become something more, then it gains power in the realm of pseudo-science. Is it rational for grown, intelligent adults to act like a two or three year old child until the day they die? Is it retinal for adults to believe these things above all others? No, it isn't. The hope and comfort that people feel in relation to religion IS real to them, but aren't we at the point where these medieval superstitions are put behind us? You do not turn into a blithering wreck, scared of your inevitable death once you begin to think for yourself, and see the world for how it really is. Religion, along with the tooth fairy, fairies, and hobgoblins belong in the mythical books, and not as something taking a front row in your life. Grow up, and see the superstition for what it truly is.
The third, and final argument on the pro side that I can think of, (without delving into the supernatural pseudo nonsense), is community. Now when I say community, I simply mean that the church, and the events there in are a good thing in the community. It is probably one of the things I see as a major positive thing for the church, (albeit a lot have a religious undertone to them). The village church hall often has fairs, and events that do bring the community together, and that is a good thing. The only downer I can see in that is that it is inevitably on its base level a recruitment drive, but ho-hum… What can you do!
Oppression of Knowledge, and the Pursuit of Science
So, what possible bad things can the church be responsible, or have a part in? Well, why not start at what I think is THE issue of the modern time, with relation to how the church is retarding human progress, and that is its ability to divert people from the logical, and the rational, to what is essentially Bronze Age superstition. The church has a vast history of trying desperately to oppress logical, and rational thought, with the likes of Copernicus and Galileo threatened with death if they did not recant their findings, and return to their 'religious' ways. Ever since the fall of the Roman Empire, knowledge is Christendom was oppressed, in favor of the Church and its teachings. Before the Dark ages we had the likes of Plato, Aristotle and Pythagorus, and after we had newton, Darwin, Kepler, etc. During the Dark ages, those speaking about their scientific thinking were severely punished, many losing their lives to the stake, and the fire. The church held Christendom on a very short leash, and anything that ventured outside their beliefs was very quickly quashed.
How much this held human progress up, I don't know, and no-one can really say, but for 500+ years, maybe more depending on what you read, science was at a near dead stop. Just imagine where we would be today if we had not had that? Imagine how much progress would have been made in that time, not to mention the amount of people killed, tortured, and died through lack of sensible scientific appliances? This is where the world owes a huge debt to the Muslim world, and the fact that they held onto this knowledge, and it did not die out, despite the churches attempts to do so.
Creationism
Following on from the blockade of science, creationism does have, I feel, it's own little area it needs to be in. It should be fenced off, and treated with great caution, not so much for what it says, but for what it makes people think. There are people in the world, and I'm sure you all know one, who's idea of logic is to have in their mind a place where they think that science is a load of of toss, and that the Bible is actually what happened. They don't see it as a religious text, rather they see it as a true account of what happened since God created the universe right at the beginning of Creation. Now I for one understand entirely why primitive man had these stories, and it has been shown the world over that man in his infancy had stories in which to explain all that was unexplained in his life. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Pagans, The Roman Gods, the Greek Gods, and so on, and so forth.
It was essentially a very early method to explain the world, and what was going on around them. In the modern world, with all the mounds, and mounds of scientific discoveries, how can we hold onto these beliefs? Surely this goes back to holding onto these ridiculous beliefs. The evangelical churches of the United States are the prime movers when it comes to Creationism, or as they have re-christened it, "Intelligent Design". Fortunately, there is absolutely nothing intelligent about it, and even the simplest high school student can easily pick apart the arguments… So why does it persist? I honestly think it is down to people being either completely stupid, or shatteringly indoctrinated, to the point where they have no more logical though capability. Watching 'Jesus Camp' or any of Ray Comforts videos will soon make you understand the level of ignorance that these people possess. They have no logical thought process that tells them that their ideas are utterly based on nonsense. The thought that the Earth is six thousand years old, and that the dinosaurs, and man once lived side by side is sheer and utter idiocy.
Thankfully, attempts to promote this subject in the classroom by religious organizations such as 'The Discovery Institute' has been swiftly dealt with in court, on the side of logic, rationality, and common sense. That will not stop them. The Dover case was merely a stop gap, and the rise of religion in modern day politics ensures that this will not go away like some berated child. It is going to come back, and rational humans must do everything in their power to stop it, because failure to do so will be the start of another slippery slope into a modern dark age, where superstition bests logic, and we know what happened last time that happened.
I like science. Not in a weird "I-have-braces-and-never-go-out" type of way. I like the way that anyone, and I mean anyone, can go out and challenge the world on a subject. You can, should the need take you, grab a microscope, and question the theories on biology, or grab a telescope and argue that the moon is made of Cheshire cheese, NOT Cheddar as previously thought. Science may feel cold, and out of reach to many, but the fact is that it is very open indeed, and that accessibility is what makes it an inherently beautiful setup.
Religion is different. Speak out, or question the religious documents, ways, or teachings, and you suddenly have a name. Heretic, blasphemer, infidel, kuffar, and unbeliever. From the get-go you seem to be up against a wall. It is not hardened nut-jobs doing the blocking. It seems that every religious person out there thinks that their religious belief is more important than my own on the subject. You come up against people who repeat chapter and verse at you, despite me not putting any weight at al in them. Do you think they believe that by rabbeting these verses I will convert? They will proclaim my doom, and that judgment will come at my end. Well, I'll wait to see about that, as they have as much forst hand knowledge of that event as I do.
On the international stage, we have religious fanatics going nuts over drawings, and bonkers because their creation story isn't being taught in the science classroom. The science classroom, for goodness sake!What part does science have to play in creationism? It essentially boils down to the religious not likened their religion cheapened by science which they feel contradicts their bible story. Well, fortunately we live in a somewhat free society, (although that seems to be dwindling somewhat), so if I fail to see the point you are making, and point out the fallacies in your story, I will do so. I will tend not to instigate the debate. I seldom talk about religion in normal life. However, the moment someone pips in with a silly statement, or a notion that is absurd, I will put my head above the parapet and say my piece, as politely as I can muster.
So, we have to do our best to discuss the issue with people who have this faith. They believe in the Ark, Noah, Adam, Eve, the virgin birth, and the resurrection, with no proof other than that of a book. There is no proof of Moses, and the exodus into the desert for 40 years. There is no evidence of a character called Jesus, and we don't know who wrote the gospels. We have no evidence of a crucifixion, and no evidence of a teacher at the time healing people, or feeding 5000 people with a happy meal. It consistes of chinese whispers decades, and centuries after the fact. This all, however, doesn't matter, as it gets argued away with the word "faith"... Oh, OK then. never mind historical records, and logic, faith trumps all! The moment someone uses that argument against you, end it there, as these people have no cognitive ability. mere details, and facts mean nothing to these people, and corroborating their story simply consists waving a bible in your face.
It is a dead end, and I fear it will be like that for an eternity. Religion will always be part of the human experience, but that is no reason to dump all reason and logic. Superstition, and fear of the unknown will always breed the supernatural thoughts, and 'answers'. These people are the kind who cannot see the inherent beauty in nature, and for them to see any awe in anything, it has to have a supernatural element. They can;t look at a mountain, a stream, the sky, the stars, and planets, and just think of the science, and natural forces creating, and destroying them. That's not awesome enough. I do not want these people dictating things to me, in any way, shape or form.
I've always been an atheist. I say with certainty for one reason, really. At no point in my life have I looked skywards and, when alone, asked for anything. There have been mutterings, but these were never aimed at any one, or anything other than myself. I was telling myself off, or urging me to do something, or get something done, or get out of a quagmire. I never went to church voluntarily, and when I was there, I was dragged there for some reason or another, and spent the time pondering my navel.
I do find the thought of a supreme being to be incredibly interesting. Not so much for the supreme being itself, rather for the people who blindly believe, (of course any faith is implicitly blind), and will spend their lives with the thought that in the background, watching over them is this thing of unimaginable power. I could never figure out how people could do that, after all, if I thought I was always being watched, with this presence in the background, how do you relax? How on earth can you live your life with these ever present watching eyes, judging you 24/7? It seems religion has more in common with 1984 or North Korea, than any notion of a free society.
The power this being has over their lives is indelible. What you eat, who you fuck, who you speak to, who you see, what you watch, etc, is all, seemingly, jotted down in some celestial personell file, and stored away until your life ebbs away. It is only then, apparently, where the adventure starts. It is then you are either adjudged to be worthy, and enter a kingdom akin to Paradise, or a place called Hell. Unfortunately it matters not what you have done in your life, (you could be a mass-murdering fuckhead, a rapist, and so on), but as long as you believe, and ask for forgiveness, you are in. Which is nice. However, if I have led a good, generous, and charitable life, but do not believe, I get to burn in hell for eternity, which is nice. So it doesn't matter how good you are, as long as you say the magic words at the end.
Of course, where would you rather be for eternity? At a Bishops house, or the rock stars house? I know what I would choose. remember, you're there for eternity! ;-)
So here I am, an atheist amongst a sea of people who believe in a supernatural force beyond our sensory range, (including scientific sensors... How convenient). Why do they do it? What drives them? They talk about this faith thing, but I fail to see how in our technologically literate age, and in a civilised society, they can believe such superstitious guff? We don't get this worked up about ghosts, or fairies at the bottom of the garden. I wasn't aware of people taking umbrage whenever people discussed the existence of ghosts, or Loch Ness either. For some reason, and only those who believe can explain, why is it so guarded? Why is it my belief, or lack thereof, is seemingly a substandard stance to take? It's not because I am an atheist either, for they are as equally guarded against other religions too, each taking their superior stance. Why is religion such a taboo subject?
After living in the US, religion is something that seems to be taking more and more of a frontline view in everyday life. That is not to say that we are in the US version of the religious theocracy of somewhere like Saudi Arabia, or that religion is overly being forced onto people, BUT, and I think it deserves to be a bit BUT, it is getting to the point where everyday life is getting saturated with the incessant ramblings of fundamental Christians, news of fundamental Islamic terror, and a constant barrage of GOD. Why does it bother me? Well, this is what I am talking about;
Crazy Tracy, and her ilk. I can think of a few words to describe her, but I think Crazy is adequate for the moment. You see, I don't think that regular religious people are a particular problem, (leaving the argument that they give a platform for the nutters aside). They go to work, put out the rubbish, and say "hi" to different folks, without even a second thought about race, sexuality, or religion. I would 'like' to think that these are what normal religious people are like. No, the real problem are the fundamentalists. They are genuinely dangerous. Not in the "I'm going to cut off your head and post it on the internet" type way, (although that certainly applies with aspects of Islam), but dangerous in the way that they could easily lead the country down a path of intolerance, irrationality, and quite possibly to a theocracy, all based on a book that for some reason they hold higher than any other notion they can think of.
"But why should you care what these people say? It's not impinging on YOUR life!", I imagine some of you may well be shouting. Well, as I said, normal religious folks don't. However, more and more in recent times the religious right is taking a stronger grasp of the political spectrum, not to mention the fact that socialist values, and the PC culture means that it is harder, and harder to voice and opinion that seems to insult, or degrade someone belief system.
So, I think the atheists of the world, who are frankly tired af all this religious bullshit, are at the point where our viewpoint needs to be taken into account. We are not happy to be dictated to by people who's life lessons are from scripture that is frankly barbaric, and who will take a 2000 year old book above all other ideas, regardless of evidence, or proof, or even common sense.
Religion is "inherently wicked" according to the superb Christopher Hitchens, and examples of this are not hard to find at all.
A recent UN resolution, supported by the US administration, is going to proclaim that criticism of religion is illegal. As absurd as it sounds, religion IS getting a foothold, and it needs to be actively countered, and not by sitting back muttering "well, it's got nothing to do with me". It has everything to do with you, and while you are getting on with your life, others are actively fighting to have their point of view forced upon you, whether you life it or not, to the point where you cannot even address what they are saying.
Here's Pat Condell;
The fundamentally religious bother us with their insistance that they are all about compassion, love, understanding, and tolerance, when it is patently untrue, and the opposite is more aligned with their stance. You only have to take a mere cursory glance at what is going on in the world to see that compassion, understanding, etc, are seemingly very far from the mind of the fundamentalist religious nut-job, and quite often from the run of the mill religious god-botherer as well.
religion is based on the premise of fear, hatred, intolerance, and the very notion that it is a "good" thing is utterly ridiculous, not to mention the notion they feel about their ideas being above all others, and should somehow be protected. Now, don;t get me wrong, they can believe whatever they want. They can have their Allah, God, Jesus, Zeus, Vishnu, Ganesh, and the great Ju-Ju in the sky (wtf?) as I'm frankly not overly interested in what they choose to believe. What I do object to is being labelled morally bankrupt, etc, and try their damnedest to have their religion thrust upon me, whether I like it or not. Atheists, and other groups under the same cosh, are perfectly allowed to have their rational response. To think otherwise would be verging on fascism, or at least theocratic.
I'm sure you remember the farcical debacle regarding the Danish cartoons? Now this is the sort of event where the hypocrites come out of the woodwork, feigning upset, and abuse. The fact remains that they feel that THEIR beliefs are to be held in higher regard than all others, namely the newspaper, and the artist. death threats were issued, and people did die. Buildings were ransacked, and rioting occurred. All over some cartoons. Ironically, the very issue the cartoon was raising was shown to be true by the very actions of the protesters.
It essentially boils down to THIS cartoon;
Unfortunately, freedom of speech is slowly being eroded by these people. People are careful what they say now as the threat of violence is very real. They have no issues whatsoever about telling you what THEY think, but when the tables are tuned, be it regarding beliefs, or moral questions, they stamp their feet like petulant children, and cry intolerance, and oppression. The sooner these people are shown they they do NOT trump the rest of us because of their supernatural beliefs, the better. They have NO right to impose their middle age belief system on us. I wouldn't mind, but it's not as though Islamic cartoonists are entirely innocent of drawing cartoons about jews.
The notion of Hell if you do not believe, (whether you have led a good life or not), as well as the death penalty for apostasy, genital mutilation, oppression of women, etc, is so hypocritical to the teachings they LIKE to talk about. By far the most dangerous of the religious is the literalist. The people who believe that the bible of Quran is THE word of God, and it must be taken, word for word, as is, and completely true. Anyone who has read the old testament will find that a truly frightening notion. Has there been a book with more death, genocide, slavery, incest, infanticide, and so on, than the bible? Taking this as the word of God is indeed a terrifying idea. They can wave their banners, and bibles, and proclaim their faith in whatever they want on the issue, but in the science room, faith has no place... Science does. Anybody who says otherwise is frankly an imbecile. I'd suggest watching Thunderf00t's series, "Why we laugh at Creationists", for this particular issue. he can debunk the nonsense with far more grace that I ever could.
Active atheism, (or as the opponents like to call it "militant atheism"), has come a long way in the last decade. The likes of Christopher Hitchens, San Harris, Richard Dawkins, Pat Condell, and Thunderf00t have some excellent material on the subject, and I implore you to go and find their stuff, and have a really good mooch. get your head in the trough of knowledge!
So, we are at the point where where religion does matter, a great deal, whether you believe or not. have a look at the reaction to the mere mention of 'non-believers' on BO's inaugural address, as well as the reaction to simple atheist billboards. I don;t remember this reaction to the hundreds of thousands of religious billboards, and church signs out there in the world.
