I agree with the first post. In fact, it was very well put. I especially like the argument that more people invested in the real, physical world, it would make them more interested in science, so bright minds would have fewer barriers between them and the big discoveries. And thank the fates for a world with fewer damned priests! 

I also agree we shouldn't be too optimistic. People are inherently slightly insane, and different groups will always develop silly ideas. However, organized religion is just that - organized. If the village idiot, or a village of idiots, believe in fairies or ghosts - I should add that one can believe in these things without being an idiot, I'm just making an example - it's usually a small problem for the rest of society, and it is a belief that might easily soften given new perspectives. However, when people go to a special house every week and tell each other all about how much they love the fairies and fear the ghosts, and they then set up similar houses in other villages and convert them one village idiot at a time, you start having problems.

Either way. I think it's of immense importance for atheists, agnostics, and anyone who believes in what you might call the material world, to do two things:
First, be visible. Don't be afraid to talk about your ideas, especially when someone is justifying something on the basis of their belief or generally demeaning those who don't believe as they do.
Secondly, be sensible. Don't try to convert people if it means harassing them, and try to keep any feelings of tribalism on the shelf. Try to like religious people, even outspoken religious people, as long as they like you. The best way to work for a better world is by showing your peers that atheists aren't dogmatic, but reasonable and amiable. Besides, if *you* can't even be tolerant, why blame the religious for intolerance?

by Sorenzo on 06/18/2009 10:19:42 PM EST

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