As is clearly argued on the Conversational Atheist site: http://conversationalatheist.com/why-does-it-matter-what-people-believe/ it matters that people have faith and superstitious thinking.
Unbelievers sometimes argue to let people of faith have their delusions -- they only harm themselves. This is not true: beliefs inform their actions. And not just actions that harm themselves alone. Actions that harm society.
The outcome of the Prop 8 ballot measure in California is one glaring example.
ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME–SEX COUPLES TO MARRY.
INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
- Changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California.
- Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
The ballot measure passed and is now a constitutional amendment to
the state of California’s constitution. The California constitution now
officially discriminates against same-sex couples.
How did religious beliefs apply to this passing? Take for example, Jeffrey Jackson.
Jeffrey Jackson of Lynwood said he struggled with how he
would vote on Proposition 8. On the one hand, as a black man casting
his ballot for Obama, he said he had a deep and personal reverence for
civil rights. On the other, he is a Pentecostal Christian.In the end, it was that religious faith that guided his decision.
“It’s straight biblical,” said Jackson, 46. “It’s just not right.” — LA
Times: Backers focused Prop. 8 battle beyond marriage
A man who claims to have a a deep and personal reverence for civil
rights voted to make the California constitution officially
discriminate against same-sex couples. A man who was inclined to
fairness had his thinking overturned by his religious beliefs.
People didn’t just come to this conclusion on their own, however. Here’s a link to my copy of
Church & Ministry Endorsers of Prop 8
Supernatural faith-based religions create undue fears and worries in
the minds of children and adults; worries about things that don’t
exist. They promote magical and superstitious thinking; they cause
their adherents to give respect and credence to religious leaders and
religious ideas for no good reason other than blind faith. This blind
faith often leads to terrible results — like the outcome of the Prop 8
vote.
Engaging religious people in conversation and debate helps to
counter these negatives. There are many positive reasons to engage in
religious debates, as well; from honing your interpersonal skills, to
alleviating another person from an oppressive doctrine. Conversation
and dialogue are fundamental tools for progress.
I hope you join me in spreading the conversation to all corners of your world.
those who understand what and who spreads injustice :)
"A person doesn't die when he should but when he can."
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude
"close your eyes, clear your heart..." Allama Iqbal...An Ode to the Cup Bearer<
Faith is not inherent of being intolerant. There is a whole movement dedicated to going against the religious right that still has the same basic principles as many atheists, and yet they are doing what they are doing for religious reasons; they want to make the world a better place, because that is what they feel they were called to do. These people may be completely pro-civil rights, right down to voting against proposition 8 and other similar initiatives, pro-choice, and fight against the intolerance spread by the religious right.
~C
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Faith is not inherent of being intolerant.
I'm not sure I agree. I would suggest that "faith" as it applies to revealed religions does create a strong propensity for intolerance. Why? Because the premise of all revealed religions isincludes a core assertion as to the "truth" of that religion's basic beliefs. Those beliefs cannot be objectively challenged, which leads believers of those faiths to respond irrationally to those who disagree with the basic premise of their religion. Basically, all revealed religions are based on the premise that "we are right because 'god' says we are right, and you are wrong if you disagree, regardless of the preponderance of evidence with which you counter our assertions." There is also the common assertion in revealed religion to consider anyone who disagrees as commiting a "crime" or a "sin." Some individuals within a revealed religion may not adopt this mind-set, but it is strongly encouraged in christianity and islam, at least, and to a lesser degree even in Judaism.
TTFN,
Blackout
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For me I have friends who aren't religious in anyway, and our unsure of God's existence. But they are uncomfortable with homosexuality and that whole concept. The mindset can go either way or so I believe. As a christian I don't support it, but I'm not against it, I'm tolerant of it as long as in my house I can serve the Lord, and have that freedom to worship.
I totally agree with that people must have faith and a superstition belief for a sense of security. It's biblical to have faith and hope for the belief of God But as my Bible states, "If I have faith, and Hope, but not love then what does it matter?"
I could speak in tongues all day, speak to angels, have a gift of healing, but if I don't love you, including the homosexual then it doesn't matter because love holds us all together.
Real quick, (it's been on my mind) How does everyone else perceive Christians? Do you like them, hate them? Annoyed by them? I personally feel from the online community that more people are speaking out against it. If so I would like to apologize to you, but please understand we are just human. By no means am I perfect.
You know the Christian doctrine "Love the sinner, hate the sin"? Its an excellent maxim, and it summarizes my view towards people of faith. They may be annoying when they try to rationalize the convoluted logic behind their beliefs and infuriating when they impose biblical tyrannies on modern civilization, but like you said they are just human.