RenegadeOfPhunk wrote:GIMR wrote:There is nothing wrong with not believing in God, there is something wrong with thinking that those who do are mental, and most definitely vice versa. I have no problem with constructing new anuses on religionists who like to persecute those who choose not to participate in theism.
Well, you can get one clear 'Amen' from an atheist on that! :)
I think you've handled yourself admirably GIMR. My hat (that I'm not actually wearing) goes off to you.
I kinda get the impression that Mercury probably is justifed in his 'attitude' to an extent. I just think he's taking it out on the wrong targets. Targets that don't deserve it. At all. (Just my opinion mind. There's probably a history here that I'm ignorant to...)
I mean, to maybe get some insight into what might motive such resentment - 'God' knows that some theists just drive me up the wall. With constant insinuations that I can't be moral without a belief in God. That I'm just as likely to murder someone as give them the time of day. That the religious are
de facto more moral than the non-religious.
And it doesn't seem to matter what argument you put forward. It won't matter. The desision has already been made...
And that kind of attitude DOES breed resentment. Also, it can cause some to say 'Well, if your saying I am simply obliged to act up, then hey - watch this...!'
I mean, it was only back in the 80's that Bush Sr. made that utterly shocking and deeply moronic comment about atheists and citizenship. I doubt any respectable politician would ever get away with making such a statement today - so I'm sure that indicates things are moving in the right direction, but still. I think that kind of sentiment is still VERY strong - especially in the US. I get the impression that the term 'Atheist' is still very much a dirty word for many.
I do think I have a bit more luck in this specific regard, living in Britian. It seems pretty clear to me that it's much easier to be an atheist here - generally. If I were to live in the US, then who knows. Maybe I'd be far more bitter and lash out more. Maybe, maybe not...
But anyway, not that any of this is meant to justify anything. I just think it's important to perhaps try and see where the underlying issues might be
really at. I may not be on the mark at all, but some stuff to think about anyway.
Besides, I don't think someone like GIMR needs any defense from me. Looks like she's more than capable of kicking arse all by herself ;)