Thank you.
Most of the voting Nones vote Democrat by a wide margin but it is not a parity in power. Even though Nones make up 30% of the population they are not an organized nor represent a voting block. They tend to be unaffiliated voters and for progressive things like fact based science policy, healthcare for all, LGBT, women reproductive rights, race and income equality. In terms of morals, ethics and values, secular humanism is proving to be in line with the Democratic party where as the Republican’s hold on to the White Christian Nationalists who hold allegiance to former President Trump and who are now seen as racist, anti-science, anti-LGBT, anti- women, anti climate, and anti-immigrant. The differences between the parties are so wide and polarized. Look at the stark divergence between a Trump/Pence/Pompeo/DeVos/Huckabee Christian Republican and a Biden/Harris/Shumer/Sanders Judeo-Catholic Democrat. All claim trust in the same God. They both can’t be worshiping God correctly but both can be wrong about the existence of their mutual God.
Democrats control both houses of Congress and the White House. How is that not parity?
You can worship God in the same manner but disagree on the virtues of secularism and theocracies. You can believe God forbids same sex relationships and still support the freedom of others to enter into those relationships.
And yes, they could all be wrong about the existence of God. However, when a party platform agrees with the secularism preferred by the Nones it is a win for the Nones. Despite what beliefs elected Democrats may have, we seem to agree on the role of government.
That’s pretty mild compared to the foul language and insults regularly hurled at Christians on atheist sites.
So? If you have to resort to “Billy hit me first”, you’ve already lost the argument.
That cuts both ways. Back when I was running a large atheism community we had a mutual agreement with the moderators of large Christian communities not to condone trolling, and not allow members to brag about trolling or related activities. I have not been well treated in some YEC FB groups despite my efforts to “play within the rules” and be polite at all times (not necessarily agreeing, of course). Some people seem to think atheists aren’t even human.
There is a lot of anger in some atheists, and not without good reason. Some have lived with years of abuse in the name of religion. Other are simply venting to their peers about their frustrations with religion. If you go into an atheist group with the intend to argue or proselytize, you will get what you deserve. I would expect the same if I went into a Christian group trying to make trouble.
The real truth is that people can be very mean to each other in any group, and it depends on how well managed the group is, not on the group being (a)theist or whatever the topic that brings people together. I think the Internet makes some people feel like there is no cause for personal accountability.
Let’s just also add that it makes no sense to complain about BL’s forum here at the PS forum.
Single incidendents are not group culture, and managing a forum is not a science.
I thought Kyrsten Sinema was one, but it seems I was wrong.
I think you can tell a lot about a person’s character by the sort of language he/she uses. Judging by the language I’ve encountered on atheists sites, I say a lot of atheists are decidedly lacking in class and decency, which is hardly surprising, considering atheism in general is not exactly famous for having high standards of morality.
I doubt if any Christian has ever called an atheist the “c” word online, but I’ve copped that foul word many a time on atheists sites. The sheer hatred oozing out of some of those individuals came as a shock at first, but then I came to expect it. Pretty sad, really.
I could tell you some stories. Atheists run the gamut, just like any other people.
Well that was unneccessary.
Canadian?
There I kind of agree. Anger and hatred solve nothing, and that energy is better directed to more productive use. I’ve never had much to be angry about, and my separation from religion was gentle. I direct my energy towards working to make a difference, and I think PS is a good spot for that.
Those angry atheists though, some of them are really hurting, and you might try showing a little compassion to them. Yes that will be hard, but I’ve seen other do it quite successfully.
I can tell you’ve had some bad experiences. You should try hanging out with some nicer atheists.
Peace. We should chat more sometime.
Is Christianity, notably Evangelical Christianity, famous for having high standards of morality? Are you claiming that atheists are as a class less moral than other people?
Maybe he is just point out that there is bad behavior on all sides. If that is what @Edgar meant, he is certainly right.
You just demonstrated your own lack of class and decency. It’s hardly surprising that atheists treat you with contempt if you go on atheist boards with an attitude like that.
No, he’s really saying Christians are better.
How charitable of you.
OK guys, repeating this vicious cycle is not helping. We’ve all seen the bad behavior and the reflex reactions, and we know how it ends. I’m trying to break that cycle here, please give me a chance.
You apparently don’t know too many Australians.
That clearly isn’t what he meant. Giving people the benefit of the doubt is fine, but it’s pernicious when there is in fact no doubt.
Responding to hatred with more hatred is wrong. I think a famous person might have said something like that.
A Jim Jeffries Netflix comedy special should make it clear to everyone.