Destroying Religion

[Theofane]

I've learned that this is the goal of New Atheism. But how could this be accomplished? How could religion be systematically dismantled and destroyed, if in fact that is possible?

Some (but not all) religions owe their worldy success to having been spread by the sword, by terror and torture and intimidation. How might atheism reverse this historical process without becoming just as bad or worse than history's religious oppressors?

 

[CabVet]

I've learned that this is the goal of New Atheism. But how could this be accomplished? How could religion be systematically dismantled and destroyed, if in fact that is possible?

Some (but not all) religions owe their worldy success to having been spread by the sword, by terror and torture and intimidation. How might atheism reverse this historical process without becoming just as bad or worse than history's religious oppressors?

It's not possible to destroy religion, just like it is not possible to convert everybody. Why can't we all just get along?

 

[pgp_protector]

I've learned that this is the goal of New Atheism. But how could this be accomplished? How could religion be systematically dismantled and destroyed, if in fact that is possible?

Some (but not all) religions owe their worldy success to having been spread by the sword, by terror and torture and intimidation. How might atheism reverse this historical process without becoming just as bad or worse than history's religious oppressors?

Any evidence, Links, Documentation, ect?

 

[Theofane]

It's not possible to destroy religion, just like it is not possible to convert everybody. Why can't we all just get along?

Indeed!

Why can't we all just get along?

 

[Theofane]

Any evidence, Links, Documentation, ect?

That is an old forum trick.

Don't try to derail this thread!

 

[k450ofu3k-gh-5ipe]

Indeed!

Why can't we all just get a bong?

Fixed.

 

[rturner76]

The statement in the OP is false. Therefor it cannot be verified. By definition an atheist has no belief in no God. They simply have no belief period. Like being asymptomatic, having no symptoms. How can you force a non belief on someone? That would be like saying I'm gong to make you not believe you are breathing. I can try to force you not to pray, read or fellowship etc but I would not be an atheist. I would be an Anti-theist. An atheist is more like a non-theist they have no believe, they don't have a believe that there is no God they just don't believe there is. See the difference, good. Feel better? Great. Now can we go back to loving aour neighbor? Awesome! Onward Christian soldiers!! March!!

 

[quatona]

I've learned that this is the goal of New Atheism.

Where did you learn that? In sunday school?

 

[Eudaimonist]

I've learned that this is the goal of New Atheism.

It isn't the goal of the New Atheists to "destroy" religion, but to rationally enlighten people so that they change their minds and become atheists.

Consider this Wikipedia quote, which seems accurate to me.

New Atheism is the name given to a movement among some 21st-century atheist writers who have advocated the view that "religion should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever its influence arises.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Theofane]

Where did you learn that? In sunday school?

Sunday School was a long time ago for me.

 

[Theofane]

It isn't the goal of the New Atheists to "destroy" religion, but to rationally enlighten people so that they change their minds and become atheists.

You can argue semantics all you like.

 

[Eudaimonist]

You can argue semantics all you like.

These aren't just semantics if someone is using the word in the context of "systematically dismantled and destroyed", and follows that up with talk of "terror and torture and intimidation".

It's clear that this is a distortion of what the New Atheists are about.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[quatona]

Sunday School was a long time ago for me.

So where did you "learn" this?

 

[The Paul]

That is an old forum trick.

No one believes your original statement, so if you want to have a discussion about it you're going to have to back it up.

If you feel this is some kind of "trick" that just says some unflattering things about you.

 

[SithDoughnut]

Successful troll is successful.

 

[Red Tornado]

Atheism doesn't have goals.

But education (Proper) usually turns people away from faith.

 

[Paradoxum]

He said New Atheism, not atheism. I would actually agree that New Atheists do seem to think religion is a bad, even dangerous, thing and should go. Of course the do this by trying to use rational argument.

I think it is possible that religion could largely disappear, but not time soon. It would be done by education, rational argument and science. I don't know if this will actually happen though.

 

[Eudaimonist]

He said New Atheism, not atheism. I would actually agree that New Atheists do seem to think religion is a bad, even dangerous, thing and should go. Of course the do this by trying to use rational argument.

I think it is possible that religion could largely disappear, but not time soon. It would be done by education, rational argument and science. I don't know if this will actually happen though.

Yeah, I predict more of a Babylon 5 future in which there are still many diverse religions in the future, rather than the Star Trek future in which there is only secular humanism.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[GrowingSmaller]

What about homeless new atheists.... Do they turn down charity given in the name of God?

 

[Exiledoomsayer]

What about homeless new atheists.... Do they turn down charity given in the name of God?

You mean like those charities who in the name of god will actually refuse to give you aid unless you convert to their religion and if you refuse to play along they take their soup cans elsewhere and the needy be damned?

I guess that would be up the to individual.