I just can not believe these people 'really' believe it - I just don't get it. Brainwashed or otherwise, they must have had enough exposure to the 'real' world to see that what they believe might not actually be quite what they were told it is all those years ago. Why is it that so many people can shake off the belief of Santa Claus in their teens (at the latest), yet cannot shake off religion? Why is religion any more believable?
Fear of death. Claiming that unbelievers will be punished with an eternity in Hell must be quite an effective means of getting people on board.
Yes. There is debate as to what constitutes the correct Islamic Law. It's a matter of interpretation because the source material for Islamic Law is contradictory. So there isn't really a thing "Islamic Law" - it is different to different Muslims.
He described it as a loose term to show how he strongly believes he is an atheist. I'd be surprised if he did indeed describe it as a religious affiliation. Certainly in the context that you are describing.
The point, I suspect, again, boils down to definition. Adams was saying how strongly he was opposed to organised religion generally, and theism in particular. The strength of that feeling is a religion in and of itself. He wanted people to be absolutely clear he wasn't agnostic, which is the opposite of religious because it's non-committal. I know you have a particular penchant for giving your own definition to words. Clearly, you don't like being described as "religious", whereas I see it as exactly the correct definition. To put this to bed can we just agree you're a "militant" atheist, which I hope is acceptable both ways?
Safri could only have scored his 35 yard screamer with help from Allah - proving the existence of a divine being
I'm not religious or even particularly agnostic - I would describe myself as an Atheist. I could not ever see a reason for believing in Allah however I have no problem if other people wish to do so. For many people, religion gives them a sense of belonging and purpose and can offer them spiritual guidance. I respect the beliefs of others even though I don't share their beliefs. Is that so hard for everybody to do? There are radical Muslims who are prepared to kill the 'Infidel' unbelievers just because they don't believe in the same God? At the same time Atheists don't need to constantly remind those with religious beliefs that they are wrong. Why can't Atheists, Christians and Muslims all just believe there own beliefs without worrying about what everybody else is doing and quietly get on with it???
Some of you might like to check out Richard Dawkins on youtube for his views on atheism, Islam and religion in general, a very intelligent and eloquent man.
So, did he actually describe it as his religious affiliation? Or did you infer it? No, I'm not a militant anything. I'm just a plain atheist who doesn't want religion to rule or have influence in society. Any atheist would want that. "I know you have a penchant for giving your own definition to words". You know no such thing. I don't know how agnostic can possibly be the opposite of religious. Its just in between religious belief and atheism.Its like saying maybe is the opposite to yes. It only works when you think Atheism is religious, which (you can argue until blue in the face) it isn't. And speaking of definitions of a moderate muslim (or any religious follower) I've come to the conclusion that anybody who actually believes in God cannot be described as a moderate because it is such an extreme view. It is extreme in that you believe a supernatural being is watching, controlling, assessing and finally judging you. I dare say that describes a very large portion every religious follower there is.
I think you'll find those who have a fully Sharia Law system which as you know is historically considered true Islamic Law have the death penalty for apostacy. Those that are Muslim countries with secular laws won't.
You are now wibbling. There is no "historically considered true Islam". Extremist sharia law interpretations came with the rise of Wahhabism in the mid 19th century. You are doing the very thing you told me was arrogant - dictating what is true Islam and what isn't. That is rank hypocrisy. The opposite of conviction is a lack of conviction. Atheism, monotheism, polytheism - these are all convictions. Agnosticism is a lack of conviction. So it is the opposite of religion. How on earth is that confusing? Yes, he described it as a religious affiliation. As many atheists do. Fervent atheists consider their way the right way. Just like fervent (insert any other religion). I simply cannot see how you fail to notice the parallel. You are only kidding yourself if you think you are not militant. Not just on atheism, on everything.
I could tell you I believe in flying monkeys without any proof to back up my belief, you not believing this would not make you anything other than rational. You could put a name to It like Aethiests but dismissing crazy people that believe in fairies unicorns and God is not the same as being religeous. The only argument religeous people give is to prove that god doesn't exist I'm afraid it doesn't work like that , if i want people to believe in flying monkeys I would need to show some in action or at least film or photograph them. Is there a term for people that don't believe in Ghosts vampires and sea monsters? Other than sane.
Welly - yes, an arrogant man, but highly intelligent and persuasive. Undoubtedly brilliant: http://www.alternet.org/world/shock...-finally-admits-religion-isnt-problem-mideast Carrabuh, let me give you a different example. There is a man named Ahmed. He professes himself a Muslim. Not necessarily all the time, but if asked. He is convinced that being a Muslim is the righteous path. He is absolutely certain there is one God. He is dogmatic in his belief in Islam because as far as he is concerned, the evidence states he should be. If challenged he will confidently tell others that their faith means they are misguided. He feels certain he is correct and that they are wrong. He strongly believes that babies are born Muslims. He believes it is cruel and wrong to teach children other faiths - it is simply child abuse. And he will happily announce that to the world, with no qualms or concerns. Would you describe this man as behaving religiously? Simple yes or no. Anyone can answer as well as Carrabuh if they like.
Claiming everyone is born Muslim is not the same as saying everyone is born Atheist. Everyone IS born atheist. As in when you are born you don't have the concept of religion, you have no concepts at all. The only reason to be religious is because you grew up in a place that forced that religion on you. Atheism is basically saying "We have found absolutely zero evidence for religion, and have repeatedly found evidence that is contrary to religion, so we are disregarding Religion as the best way to gain understanding of our universe." That is not a religion. You can be fanatical about atheism but it is by no means a religion. It is an absences of theism.
