Is School Out for Most Atheists?
I know what led me here, and I also know that my original premise was faulty. I came here (atheism) straight out of Christianity. I hadn't, at that point, read any other religious texts. I just went on hearsay (mostly from my friends/family that were Christians) that all the other religions were false. When I figured out theirs was as well, it was pretty much right to atheism. Now, I'm backtracking and studying as many other religions as I possibly can. I know I'm right, as an atheist, but it just got me wondering:
How many of you out there are still studying other religions?
I do it constantly, both to become more well-rounded (not EVERYTHING in all those religious books is bullshit, just most of it), and to know how to debate against any type of theist I come across. I know a lot, if not most of you, have read the bible... But who here, like me, has read or is reading the Koran, the Vedas, I Ching, the Dhammapada, etc.? I talk to a lot of atheists who can virtually destroy one of the aforementioned religions, but they seem content with what they've learned. When I make an attempt to teach them more, I get something along the lines of "Who cares? Religion is all crap anyways!" I don't get it. Isn't that the same close-mindedness that we fight to discourage? Is atheism becoming a trend, which is sprouting mindless followers (thinking S.E. Cupp, if she actually IS an atheist) of it's own?
Maybe I'm fucking crazy (no comments on this line, please), maybe I've just got too much time on my hands, but it sometimes seems like I'm alone in my quest to learn as much as I can about my passion.
How many of you out there are still studying other religions?
I do it constantly, both to become more well-rounded (not EVERYTHING in all those religious books is bullshit, just most of it), and to know how to debate against any type of theist I come across. I know a lot, if not most of you, have read the bible... But who here, like me, has read or is reading the Koran, the Vedas, I Ching, the Dhammapada, etc.? I talk to a lot of atheists who can virtually destroy one of the aforementioned religions, but they seem content with what they've learned. When I make an attempt to teach them more, I get something along the lines of "Who cares? Religion is all crap anyways!" I don't get it. Isn't that the same close-mindedness that we fight to discourage? Is atheism becoming a trend, which is sprouting mindless followers (thinking S.E. Cupp, if she actually IS an atheist) of it's own?
Maybe I'm fucking crazy (no comments on this line, please), maybe I've just got too much time on my hands, but it sometimes seems like I'm alone in my quest to learn as much as I can about my passion.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Becca on -
As I was just brushing my teeth getting ready for bed something else popped into my mind. I find it rather insulting (or at least insensitive) to imply (as some seem to have on this thread) that because an atheist never studied a variety of religions means they didn't become an atheist for 'wise' reasons. Or that because an atheist didn't study religions their atheism is somehow lesser than that of atheists who have studied religions. Should it really be expected for a person to have studied religions; it that person for all intents and purposes was raised atheist or was one like me who was always an atheist even though I tried really hard to believe? I almost feel as if we have a lite version of no true Scottsman going on here.
Or perhaps I misinterpreted or read a little too much into some of the posts. Anyways I hope at least what I am trying to get at here is understood.
Good Night all....
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Permalink Reply by Keith Johnston on -
I agree. All it takes for a person to become an atheist is a basic understanding of science.
The only valid reasons I see for studying religion would be academic. Such as understanding their place in society from both a historical and sociological point of view or even in terms of finding the best methods to deploy in order to control large numbers of people without violence.
Science shows us all religions are bullshit demonstrating that there is no requirement for the supernatural nor is there evidence of such.
The only other reasons I could see study of religions taking place are:
1. to understand it in order to quote it back at believers, pointless if you know a little science since there is nothing a religious person could quote that could not be refuted by simple logic and evidence. I do not need to have read any of the religious texts regarding the giant spaghetti monster to know it is bullshit.
2. To find the one true religion.
Bullshit since there is no true religion
Thats it.
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Permalink Reply by willailla on -
I only read the bible occasionally to sharpen my sense of logic by finding flaws. I spend my time reading any and everything; and I'm fascinated with politics and propaganda, sciences and my dog. But I have never been deep in anything but . . . wine.
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