We are all born Atheists

[zzontar]

There is no atheist club, nor any atheist guidelines or rules - except the lack of belief in gods of any kind.

https://www.atheistalliance.org/

http://www.edmontonatheists.ca/

http://www.alternet.org/education/athei ... acceptance

[Farmmaa]

Those are not 'clubs'...good try though.
There are no rules and regulations to adhere to, no dress code, no secret handshakes or tithing requirements.
The Atheist Alliance is simply an advocacy and educational foundation....which includes more than just those who see themselves as atheists.

[fluffy]

There are no rules and regulations to adhere to....

So even someone who believes in god can join? ("Club" was just sarcasm when I used it above.)

[fluffy]

Unfortunately, many religious folks do use their personal beliefs to try to affect others...

Not just religious people either. I refer of course to the topic of this thread, and the application of the "atheist" label to people without their choice or consent being considered.

Religion , spirituality and lack thereof is nothing more than a personal choice.

Exactly. And that choice should be left to those directly involved.

This monkeying around with definitions is just so much wordplay. The term "atheist", to all but a very, very few, means and has always meant "one who does not believe in god or deities". There can be no credible argument against that. To start insisting that the label applies to those who have never given the issue a moment's thought is just plain wrong and smacks of private agenda.

[OREZ]

Unfortunately, many religious folks do use their personal beliefs to try to affect others...and if you feel that your personal beliefs should dictate laws, rules, medical decisions, politics, education...then you do need to defend that position and try to convince those with differing beliefs why they should live by your religious code.

If your beliefs are kept to yourself and affect no one else, then no need to defend them.

I don't feel that my personal beliefs should "dictate" anything but we live in a democracy and if my position on various social and political issues is influenced by my faith, that's allowed, just like it is for you. Each of us uses his or her personal beliefs to try an affect others every time we vote in an election or make other important decisions.

And when it comes to keeping beliefs to myself, lets get real. People don't need to keep their beliefs to themselves, we're not living in a totalitarian regime where people do not have freedom of speech. People share their beliefs about everything from politics to religion to lifestyle etc. every day in a democratic society and that's as it should be.

[fluffy]

And when it comes to keeping beliefs to myself, lets get real. People don't need to keep their beliefs to themselves, we're not living in a totalitarian regime where people do not have freedom of speech. People share their beliefs about everything from politics to religion to lifestyle etc. every day in a democratic society and that's as it should be.

Agreed. But the problem of people forcing their version of morality on others doesn't seem to be going away, and religion does tend to be a major driving force there. Look at the abortion debate.

[Poindexter]

I agree Fluffy, what Mark Rubio said is a perfect example.

Sen. Marco Rubio said Saturday that he doesn’t believe a pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus should have the right to an abortion — even if she had reason to believe the child would be born with severe microcephaly.


Read more: http://www.politico.com/states/florida/ ... z4H2QZOA4L
Follow us: @politico on Twitter | Politico on Facebook

[fluffy]

Right. Not his decision to make. He's entitled to an opinion on it of course, but ultimately the decision should rest with those directly involved.

[OREZ]

I'm as uncomfortable with someone trying to impose his religious morals on everyone as I am with someone trying to suppress the beliefs of others.

[fluffy]

I'm as uncomfortable with someone trying to impose his religious morals on everyone as I am with someone trying to suppress the beliefs of others.

Pretty much the same thing from where I stand. Somebody stepping outside their sphere of authority.

[JLives]

I'm as uncomfortable with someone trying to impose his religious morals on everyone as I am with someone trying to suppress the beliefs of others.

On that we agree. While I may engage in discussion on the existence of a deity I will defend your right to believe as you wish. I advocate for a secular society where all beliefs are supported and one not chosen over another. So long as religion stays out of schools, workplaces and governments I'm good.

[JLives]

In science and philosophy there are no default positions.

But facts do matter.

[averagejoe]

But facts do matter.

Check this out....http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/ ... flood.html

[Nomaster]

Wow, a place that may have suffered a flood...in China, you say.
Hmm, methinks if the bible story is 'true' then we'd be finding these amazing discoveries all over the world.

Isn't that what the bible flood myth says? A worldwide flood happened.

[averagejoe]

Wow, a place that may have suffered a flood...in China, you say.
Hmm, methinks if the bible story is 'true' then we'd be finding these amazing discoveries all over the world.

Isn't that what the bible flood myth says? A worldwide flood happened.

Yes China is part of the world.