Alright, this could’ve gone into the Pit, but I’m really just looking to share my humble opinion, not get into a screaming match.
I roughly consider myself an agnostic. I don’t go to church, I don’t attend a mosque. I serve in really no organized religion. Yet… I do think that there may quite possibly be a higher power involved in the equation.
Now… one thing I personally cannot stand is militant* people of any religion. It seems clear enough that most people dislike Christian fundies. Obviously in light of recent events, people dislike Islamic fundies (= extremists, to be PC, I s’pose), but one that gets left outta the mix is ATHEIST fundies. That’s right, it’s the troop of people walking around doing exactly what they say they hate, and that’s cramming their beliefs/opinions where the sun don’t shine or where it isn’t invited. I know several people like this and it simply IRKS me to no end.
Allow me to explain myself. I do not like it when people attempt to force some kind of opinion on me. By the same token… you’re welcome to yours. If you don’t believe in God, that’s swell… hopefully you’ve got some intelligent thinking behind your decision. If you go to church everytime that the doors are open, 'gratulations! You’ve got a helluva lot more discipline that I ever will. HOWEVER… please feel free to keep your beliefs to-your-self.
It’s always struck me as humorous when people who “hate the way Christians force beliefs” find themselves going out of their way to antagonize even quiet religious groups. Why? Why, oh why, do you do this deed? It makes absolutely ZERO sense. Maybe my simple mind just fails to see the light. Maybe.
Another angle on this whole problem is, I suppose, my view on what atheism is. As per my definition… (feel free to correct me if I’m way off base, it would certainly shed light) an atheist is someone who renounces or does not believe in God, or any god(s) of any variety/persuasion. Now… why would you care in the LEAST if other people do? If God is mentioned on your money, why would you care? You don’t believe in him, anyways. If, by your belief, there is no God… then please, oh please-please, explain to me why you care where God is mentioned. Seriously. I want it explained to me why anyone should get their undergarments in a proverbial Gordian knot about something they DO NOT believe in.
I’m afraid I’m just gushing on and on… so I shall cease my ramblings here. If this is in the wrong forum, I apologize. If this ends up in the Pit… don’t be expecting alot of violent argument from me. I’ll discuss my opinion but I don’t like arguments that come to verbal thrashings ad hominem.
G’day.
~ARose
*militant is used by yours truly in this sense to convey an image of someone who goes out of their way to make sure you know about their opinion… and if possible (sometimes when not) take up their opinion as your own.