Hello there and Happy Saturday!
First up, I wish to thank ALC for another excellent read last week- very interesting! If you haven't had the chance to check it out yet, please do! Thank you ALC.
This week YMR has a new post. Please welcome Carlos Scienza.
Carlos was raised Jehovah's Witness but is now an Atheist. I know you'll enjoy this next post as well.
Carlos Scienza
www.JehovahsWitnessBlog.com
1) What religion do you practice?
- None, as I am an Atheist
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
- I was born into a Jehovah's Witness family
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
- I'm fairly outspoken, therefore, I wouldn't consider myself to be a conservative.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
- It's all down to DNA. We are what we are because of it.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
- See answer 4.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
- A place where everyone can stop believing in a sky god or any other entity. A place where we can put our religious differences aside and concentrate on a better future for all mankind.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
- If you're talking about a religious paradise/heaven, then I think anyone that deludes themselves with such a fantasy, should rethink their life and maybe think about seeking help.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
- I don't have a religion.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
- I don't have any holy days.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
- Of course. As long as I am treated with respect, I too will respect others, even if they aren't Atheists.
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
- I would, but only for academic reasons, or if the family thought it prudent to do so.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
- I am not against anyone wearing a burka. Any human can do as they please, as long as it doesn't affect everyone else.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
- A very good friend of mine is a priest (Anglican) and she's a woman. As far as I'm concerned, if the Vatican doesn't allow female priests, but covers up child abuse, I think there's something wrong with that picture.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
- I don't have a place of worship.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
- Well, as a former Jehovah's Witness, I can tell you that messing around with cults such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, etc. has really affected my outlook on life. I used to think homosexuals were the devil's spawn and that abortions were murder. Now, I understand that all of my thinking was based upon mind-control. As I am free of that now, it doesn't bother me in the slightest if someone is gay, or chooses to have an abortion.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
- If my children wished to marry someone that was deeply religious, I would ask why, since my children are all Atheists.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
- No
18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
- See point 4
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
- Yes. When you decide to leave a cult, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, you normally go through an ex-communication phase called Disfellowshipping. My parents were told to not talk to me, and haven't for 10 years. All my friends that I grew up with, were told that they must hate me, "for Carlos has joined Satan". So you see, I would call that a hate crime. Wouldn't you?
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
- See point 4
21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
- I personally believe in reincarnation, but not to the levels at which some religions preach. We are energy. Energy cannot be lost, but in fact, only transferred. Therefore, when we die, our energy is transferred into something else, and so on and so forth.
My website is www.JehovahsWitnessBlog.com
Read it and see for yourself why I am no longer a believer in a sky god.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
August Posts
Hello and Happy Thursday!
Coming up on YMR for the month of August:
we'll hear from Muslimah who is a Muslim Convert, Tirzah Roxie who is Catholic, Jason who is an Objectivist and Don Emmerich who is an Agnostic.
Some great interviews you won't want to miss!
And be sure to check back this Saturday for Carlos Scienza's interview!
Thanks!
Coming up on YMR for the month of August:
we'll hear from Muslimah who is a Muslim Convert, Tirzah Roxie who is Catholic, Jason who is an Objectivist and Don Emmerich who is an Agnostic.
Some great interviews you won't want to miss!
And be sure to check back this Saturday for Carlos Scienza's interview!
Thanks!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Mark Twain Quote
Hello and Happy Tuesday!
Tuesday's quote is brought to you by Mark Twain:
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Be sure to check out ALC's post!
Tuesday's quote is brought to you by Mark Twain:
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Be sure to check out ALC's post!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
ALC
Hello and Happy Saturday!
First up, I wish to thank James Randi for his post last week- if you haven't had the chance to check it out, please do! Thank you James!
This week, YMR has a new post. Please welcome ALC.
ALC is an Atheist and I know you will enjoy this next post as well!
ALC
1) What religion do you practice?
I don't practice any religion nor do I believe that any tri-omni gods exist.
2) Did you convert or were you or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
There is no such thing as being born into a religion. However many people just take their parent's religion as their own. I was born to religious family and rejected the truth of its claims around the age of 16.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I don't think such labels apply to atheists.
4) What's your heaven/paradise like?
What you see right now. My heaven is living the best life possible in the real world. I don't need to invent a fantasy world which I hope to enter some day.
5) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise?
Of course - anyone that wants could live the best possible life they could have.
6) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I've always been a fan of reality. I enjoy understanding how the world works at the deepest possible level. I would not like to live a deluded lifestyle where I think that there is some "other world" that is infinitely good.
7) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I don't have holy days. However I do celebrate happy days such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, and many other events.
8) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
I try very hard to make friends with people who believe different things than I do, perhaps I can learn something from them. Many times my friends have taught me something I didn't know before and therefore caused me to change my mind.
9) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Why not? As long as its fun and there are interesting people to talk to I'll go anywhere.
10) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Shariah law is a morally corrupt system that should be eradicated. As a long as the woman in question *wants* to wear a burka I'm fine with it. However if she wants to where the burka only because she will get acid thrown in her face if she doesn't than I'd say there is a problem.
11) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Women are not very different than men. While there *are* some slight differences attempting to use stereotypes in that way leads to the locker room fallacy .
12) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I don't have a specific place of worship. Segregation in morally wrong - period.
13) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
My lack of religion barely affects my daily life. I make sure to give every important decision I make enough thought to come to the most rational conclusion. I would hope that no ones' religion affects their decision on abortion or gays rights. People should always do what is morally right.
14) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
As long as they made the choice on their own, based on their own faculties of reason and logic, I would have no problem with whatever my child did. If someone was pressuring them to make a bad choice - I would try and dissuade my child from making that choice.
15) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
There is no such thing as hell.
16) Who do you think is not a practicing ----in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
There are many people who claim to speak for atheists. None of them speak for *all* atheists but many of them speak for many atheists. Among them are Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and others.
17) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Yes. Whenever I use United States currency (which says "in god we trust") or hear someone recite the pledge of allegiance (the line about "one nation under god") I get told that I am not a real patriot because I don't have any imaginary friends called "god".
18) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No. Understanding reality shows your value and any delusions to the contrary devalue that.
19) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
No. Just lacking a belief in any mythological being does not provide me with peace of mind. However since I only care about reality and don't have to worry about a jealous petty god I find that peace of mind comes much easier than it does for religious people.
20) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
There is no rational reason to believe that I will be reincarnated.
First up, I wish to thank James Randi for his post last week- if you haven't had the chance to check it out, please do! Thank you James!
This week, YMR has a new post. Please welcome ALC.
ALC is an Atheist and I know you will enjoy this next post as well!
ALC
1) What religion do you practice?
I don't practice any religion nor do I believe that any tri-omni gods exist.
2) Did you convert or were you or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
There is no such thing as being born into a religion. However many people just take their parent's religion as their own. I was born to religious family and rejected the truth of its claims around the age of 16.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I don't think such labels apply to atheists.
4) What's your heaven/paradise like?
What you see right now. My heaven is living the best life possible in the real world. I don't need to invent a fantasy world which I hope to enter some day.
5) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise?
Of course - anyone that wants could live the best possible life they could have.
6) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I've always been a fan of reality. I enjoy understanding how the world works at the deepest possible level. I would not like to live a deluded lifestyle where I think that there is some "other world" that is infinitely good.
7) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I don't have holy days. However I do celebrate happy days such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, and many other events.
8) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
I try very hard to make friends with people who believe different things than I do, perhaps I can learn something from them. Many times my friends have taught me something I didn't know before and therefore caused me to change my mind.
9) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Why not? As long as its fun and there are interesting people to talk to I'll go anywhere.
10) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Shariah law is a morally corrupt system that should be eradicated. As a long as the woman in question *wants* to wear a burka I'm fine with it. However if she wants to where the burka only because she will get acid thrown in her face if she doesn't than I'd say there is a problem.
11) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
Women are not very different than men. While there *are* some slight differences attempting to use stereotypes in that way leads to the locker room fallacy .
12) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
I don't have a specific place of worship. Segregation in morally wrong - period.
13) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
My lack of religion barely affects my daily life. I make sure to give every important decision I make enough thought to come to the most rational conclusion. I would hope that no ones' religion affects their decision on abortion or gays rights. People should always do what is morally right.
14) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
As long as they made the choice on their own, based on their own faculties of reason and logic, I would have no problem with whatever my child did. If someone was pressuring them to make a bad choice - I would try and dissuade my child from making that choice.
15) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
There is no such thing as hell.
16) Who do you think is not a practicing ----in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
There are many people who claim to speak for atheists. None of them speak for *all* atheists but many of them speak for many atheists. Among them are Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and others.
17) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Yes. Whenever I use United States currency (which says "in god we trust") or hear someone recite the pledge of allegiance (the line about "one nation under god") I get told that I am not a real patriot because I don't have any imaginary friends called "god".
18) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No. Understanding reality shows your value and any delusions to the contrary devalue that.
19) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
No. Just lacking a belief in any mythological being does not provide me with peace of mind. However since I only care about reality and don't have to worry about a jealous petty god I find that peace of mind comes much easier than it does for religious people.
20) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
There is no rational reason to believe that I will be reincarnated.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tecumseh Quote
Happy Tuesday!
It's time for another great quote- this one comes to us from Tecumseh:
When you rise in the morning, give thanks to the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, YMR will have a new post!
It's time for another great quote- this one comes to us from Tecumseh:
When you rise in the morning, give thanks to the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, YMR will have a new post!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
James Randi aka The Amazing Randi
Hello there and Happy Saturday!
First up, I want to give a big thank you to Infidel753 for sharing his very interesting perspective with us. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his post.
Next up, YMR has a brand new post. Please welcome James Randi aka The Amazing Randi! I know you're going to enjoy his post as well.
Here Is James Randi's Introduction:
James Randi has an international reputation as a magician and escape artist, but today he is best known as the world's most tireless investigator and demystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Randi has pursued "psychic" spoonbenders, exposed the dirty tricks of faith healers, investigated homeopathic water "with a memory," and generally been a thorn in the sides of those who try to pull the wool over the public's eyes in the name of the supernatural. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a Fellowship from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 1986. In 1996, the James Randi Education Foundation was established to further Randi's work. Randi's long-standing challenge to psychics now stands as a $1,000,000 prize administered by the Foundation. It remains unclaimed.
www.randi.org
1) What religion do you practice?
I am an atheist.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
See #1.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Politically, ethically, how?
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
????
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
I have no idea. I’d have to know the individuals involved.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
I don’t have any.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I have no idea, since this is all fiction, anyway…!
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I DON’T HAVE ANY RELIGION!
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
See #1.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes, why not?
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? No.
Please explain why?
Because it’s superstitious nonsense!
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
The burka is hot and unattractive, and I’ve no idea what Sharia Law may be.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
They should be allowed to be silly, just as much as men.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
See #1.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
See #1.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion? See #1.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
See #1.
18) Who do you think is not a practising ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
See #1.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No. I’ve no idea why not.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
See #1.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
See #1.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No, because there’s no evidence for it!
First up, I want to give a big thank you to Infidel753 for sharing his very interesting perspective with us. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his post.
Next up, YMR has a brand new post. Please welcome James Randi aka The Amazing Randi! I know you're going to enjoy his post as well.
Here Is James Randi's Introduction:
James Randi has an international reputation as a magician and escape artist, but today he is best known as the world's most tireless investigator and demystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Randi has pursued "psychic" spoonbenders, exposed the dirty tricks of faith healers, investigated homeopathic water "with a memory," and generally been a thorn in the sides of those who try to pull the wool over the public's eyes in the name of the supernatural. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a Fellowship from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 1986. In 1996, the James Randi Education Foundation was established to further Randi's work. Randi's long-standing challenge to psychics now stands as a $1,000,000 prize administered by the Foundation. It remains unclaimed.
www.randi.org
1) What religion do you practice?
I am an atheist.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
See #1.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Politically, ethically, how?
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
????
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
I have no idea. I’d have to know the individuals involved.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
I don’t have any.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I have no idea, since this is all fiction, anyway…!
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I DON’T HAVE ANY RELIGION!
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
See #1.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes, why not?
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? No.
Please explain why?
Because it’s superstitious nonsense!
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
The burka is hot and unattractive, and I’ve no idea what Sharia Law may be.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
They should be allowed to be silly, just as much as men.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
See #1.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
See #1.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion? See #1.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
See #1.
18) Who do you think is not a practising ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
See #1.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No. I’ve no idea why not.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
See #1.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
See #1.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No, because there’s no evidence for it!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Albert Einstein Quote
Hello and Happy Wednesday!
Today's excellent quote is brought to you by Albert Einstein:
'Peace can not be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.'
And don't forget to check out Infidel753's excellent post!
Today's excellent quote is brought to you by Albert Einstein:
'Peace can not be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.'
And don't forget to check out Infidel753's excellent post!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Infidel753
Hello and Happy Saturday!
First up, I wish to thank Abe Solomon for sharing his perspective with us. I found his post both informative and quite interesting as well. Thank you Abe.
Next up, we have a new post! Please welcome Infidel753.
Infidel753 is an Atheist and I know you're going to enjoy this next post as well!.
Here Is Infidel753's Introduction:
I'm American, 49 years old, university-educated, blogger for almost three years, non-religious. I have a strongly optimistic view of the world. Over the years I've had an anthropological interest in religion at times because of its enormous impact on human history and culture, but I see no truth or value in it. I don't believe in anything supernatural, including the concept of humans having souls. The good that exists, exists because of human achievement.
http://infidel753.blogspot.com
1) What religion do you practice?
I don't have any religion, and never have.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I grew up without any religion. I never felt anything was missing.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I'm liberal on political and social issues.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Since conservative attitudes on social issues (such as being against gay marriage and abortion) are often rooted in religion, I suppose not having a religion makes it natural that I don't have those attitudes.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
When I apply those terms to religion, I mean the extent to which a person's religion affects their behavior and attitudes. For example, a Catholic who wanted to ban abortion by law would be conservative, while one who was tolerant of it would be moderate.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
I don't believe in any kind of afterlife. Our free will and consciousness are generated by the electro-chemical activity in our brains. When the brain stops functioning, the mind it generates doesn't go anywhere, it just stops.
My idea of an ideal environment wouldn't be something static, the way people seem to imagine Heaven. It would evolve continuously, like the real world.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Since I don't believe Heaven exists, I don't believe anyone goes there.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Let me stress that atheism is not a religion or equivalent to a religion, as some religious people seem to think. Atheism just means not believing that any god exists. It tells you nothing about what positive beliefs a person has. Some atheists describe themselves as rationalists or secular humanists, some don't. Stalin was an atheist, but I have nothing in common with him at all.
Atheism is purely a lack of belief in a god, just as silence is an absence of noise (not a kind of noise) and health is an absence of illness (not a kind of illness).
I suppose not believing in a god is a "good fit" for me in the sense that there is no evidence for the existence of a god, any more than there is for unicorns, fairies, etc.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Not applicable.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
I don't even know what religious beliefs most of my friends have, if any.
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
It would depend on the circumstances, but in most cases, no. Most religions are deeply morally offensive to me. Participating in their rituals would feel too much like endorsing them.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Islam is not just a religion, it's a totalitarian ideology. The burka, as a form of clothing which specifically symbolizes that ideology, strikes me rather the way a Nazi uniform would. Shariah law is the substance of the ideology -- a complete codified system for the ruthless oppression of women, gays, unbelievers, and anyone else who deviates.
Islam was my field of study at university. It's the religion I know the most about, though I have no family or ancestral connection with it.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I think any discrimination against women in terms of what positions or offices they can occupy is stupid. The fact that most religions restrict what roles women can have is, I suppose, their own business, but it's another sign that they're a reactionary force.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Not applicable.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
Not believing in the supernatural doesn't have much to do with daily life. As for abortion and gay marriage, see questions 3-4.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I don't have any children. If I did, it would be their own business whom they married. I'd advise them not to marry anyone who believed anything too dangerously crazy.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
There's no such thing as Hell, so nobody can go there.
18) Who do you think is not a practising ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
Since atheism is the absence of one belief and not a belief system, it can't be "practiced" as a religion can.
Nor can anyone "speak for" it. However, I greatly admire atheists like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Pat Condell, Ibn Warraq, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who have spoken out strongly against religion, sometimes at great personal risk.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Religious people have sometimes said nasty things to me on the internet, but I haven't experienced anything that rises to the level of a hate crime.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Not really applicable. I certainly don't feel devalued by not believing in the supernatural.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Atheism gives me peace of mind in some ways. I feel freer knowing that my life is my own and not cluttered up with some "higher purpose" imposed by a supernatural tyrant. I don't worry about being punished eternally for transgressing some silly bronze-age taboo that has nothing to do with real morality.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No. There's no evidence for it, and no plausible mechanism whereby it could happen.
First up, I wish to thank Abe Solomon for sharing his perspective with us. I found his post both informative and quite interesting as well. Thank you Abe.
Next up, we have a new post! Please welcome Infidel753.
Infidel753 is an Atheist and I know you're going to enjoy this next post as well!.
Here Is Infidel753's Introduction:
I'm American, 49 years old, university-educated, blogger for almost three years, non-religious. I have a strongly optimistic view of the world. Over the years I've had an anthropological interest in religion at times because of its enormous impact on human history and culture, but I see no truth or value in it. I don't believe in anything supernatural, including the concept of humans having souls. The good that exists, exists because of human achievement.
http://infidel753.blogspot.com
1) What religion do you practice?
I don't have any religion, and never have.
2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I grew up without any religion. I never felt anything was missing.
3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
I'm liberal on political and social issues.
4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Since conservative attitudes on social issues (such as being against gay marriage and abortion) are often rooted in religion, I suppose not having a religion makes it natural that I don't have those attitudes.
5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
When I apply those terms to religion, I mean the extent to which a person's religion affects their behavior and attitudes. For example, a Catholic who wanted to ban abortion by law would be conservative, while one who was tolerant of it would be moderate.
6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
I don't believe in any kind of afterlife. Our free will and consciousness are generated by the electro-chemical activity in our brains. When the brain stops functioning, the mind it generates doesn't go anywhere, it just stops.
My idea of an ideal environment wouldn't be something static, the way people seem to imagine Heaven. It would evolve continuously, like the real world.
7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Since I don't believe Heaven exists, I don't believe anyone goes there.
8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Let me stress that atheism is not a religion or equivalent to a religion, as some religious people seem to think. Atheism just means not believing that any god exists. It tells you nothing about what positive beliefs a person has. Some atheists describe themselves as rationalists or secular humanists, some don't. Stalin was an atheist, but I have nothing in common with him at all.
Atheism is purely a lack of belief in a god, just as silence is an absence of noise (not a kind of noise) and health is an absence of illness (not a kind of illness).
I suppose not believing in a god is a "good fit" for me in the sense that there is no evidence for the existence of a god, any more than there is for unicorns, fairies, etc.
9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Not applicable.
10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
I don't even know what religious beliefs most of my friends have, if any.
11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
It would depend on the circumstances, but in most cases, no. Most religions are deeply morally offensive to me. Participating in their rituals would feel too much like endorsing them.
12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Islam is not just a religion, it's a totalitarian ideology. The burka, as a form of clothing which specifically symbolizes that ideology, strikes me rather the way a Nazi uniform would. Shariah law is the substance of the ideology -- a complete codified system for the ruthless oppression of women, gays, unbelievers, and anyone else who deviates.
Islam was my field of study at university. It's the religion I know the most about, though I have no family or ancestral connection with it.
13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I think any discrimination against women in terms of what positions or offices they can occupy is stupid. The fact that most religions restrict what roles women can have is, I suppose, their own business, but it's another sign that they're a reactionary force.
14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Not applicable.
15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
Not believing in the supernatural doesn't have much to do with daily life. As for abortion and gay marriage, see questions 3-4.
16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I don't have any children. If I did, it would be their own business whom they married. I'd advise them not to marry anyone who believed anything too dangerously crazy.
17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
There's no such thing as Hell, so nobody can go there.
18) Who do you think is not a practising ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
Since atheism is the absence of one belief and not a belief system, it can't be "practiced" as a religion can.
Nor can anyone "speak for" it. However, I greatly admire atheists like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Pat Condell, Ibn Warraq, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who have spoken out strongly against religion, sometimes at great personal risk.
19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Religious people have sometimes said nasty things to me on the internet, but I haven't experienced anything that rises to the level of a hate crime.
20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Not really applicable. I certainly don't feel devalued by not believing in the supernatural.
21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Atheism gives me peace of mind in some ways. I feel freer knowing that my life is my own and not cluttered up with some "higher purpose" imposed by a supernatural tyrant. I don't worry about being punished eternally for transgressing some silly bronze-age taboo that has nothing to do with real morality.
22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
No. There's no evidence for it, and no plausible mechanism whereby it could happen.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Maya Angelou Quote
Hello and Happy Thursday!
Time for another excellent quote. This one is brought to you by Maya Angelou:
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, YMR will have a new post!
Time for another excellent quote. This one is brought to you by Maya Angelou:
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, YMR will have a new post!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Publish Date Changes
A sneak peak at what's to come:
For August:
7th-we'll hear from Muslimah who is Muslim,
14th-we'll hear from Tirzah who is Catholic,
21st-we'll hear from Jason who is an Objectivist,
28th-we'll hear from Don Emmerich who is an Agnostic.
For September:
4th-we'll hear from Kola Boof who is a Womanist,
11th-we'll hear from Sarita who is Pagan,
18th-we'll hear from Ilene Rosenblum who is Jewish,
25th-we'll hear from Noor who is Muslim.
For October:
2nd-we'll hear from Anne Johnson who is a Druid,
9th-we'll hear from Jake Collyer who is an Atheist,
16th-we'll hear from Chanan who is Jewish,
23rd-we'll hear from Rand who is Christian,
30th-we'll hear from Rachel who is Jewish.
All great posts! You won't want to miss any of them!
For August:
7th-we'll hear from Muslimah who is Muslim,
14th-we'll hear from Tirzah who is Catholic,
21st-we'll hear from Jason who is an Objectivist,
28th-we'll hear from Don Emmerich who is an Agnostic.
For September:
4th-we'll hear from Kola Boof who is a Womanist,
11th-we'll hear from Sarita who is Pagan,
18th-we'll hear from Ilene Rosenblum who is Jewish,
25th-we'll hear from Noor who is Muslim.
For October:
2nd-we'll hear from Anne Johnson who is a Druid,
9th-we'll hear from Jake Collyer who is an Atheist,
16th-we'll hear from Chanan who is Jewish,
23rd-we'll hear from Rand who is Christian,
30th-we'll hear from Rachel who is Jewish.
All great posts! You won't want to miss any of them!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Featured Religions
Hello and Happy Saturday!
I was reviewing the religions/belief systems (past and future) that have been featured on YMR, and the amount of participants within that particular group.
Below are the numbers collected so far:
Agnostic: 1
Atheists/Objectivists: 9
Buddhists: 3
Christians: 5
Druid: 1
Jews: 5
Muslims: 5
Mystics: 2
Non-denominational: 2
Polytheist: 1
Sufi Darvish: 1
Taoist: 1
Wiccans/Pagans: 7
and
Womanist: 1
Here's to learning even more from the groups featured and ones we've yet to feature!
We always need more participants, so hope you'll consider!
Have a great week!
I was reviewing the religions/belief systems (past and future) that have been featured on YMR, and the amount of participants within that particular group.
Below are the numbers collected so far:
Agnostic: 1
Atheists/Objectivists: 9
Buddhists: 3
Christians: 5
Druid: 1
Jews: 5
Muslims: 5
Mystics: 2
Non-denominational: 2
Polytheist: 1
Sufi Darvish: 1
Taoist: 1
Wiccans/Pagans: 7
and
Womanist: 1
Here's to learning even more from the groups featured and ones we've yet to feature!
We always need more participants, so hope you'll consider!
Have a great week!
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