Posted by Amanda on December 29, 1996 at 10:55:32:
In Reply to: Re: bugs and men posted by Tyler on December 27, 1996 at 15:23:02:
: Now Stephen, I do very much agree with you that atheism is the same one-dimensional thinking that plagues a fundamentalist Biblical literalist (read: Creationist). Too often these people reduce the infinite down to something that is comprehensible and can be put on display on a fireplace mantle. These types of people do not think about what they do, they just do it. I have not observed that sort of constipated thought here from anyone, but I see it frequently in my wife's family, as well as in a few of my other contacts. Perhaps my judgement has been poisoned by them, but I make an effort to repel them and look at these things without presumption as best I can. I cannot go with you in saying that the bug is less meaningful than I am. Yes, I am more evolved from a mental and physical standpoint. But if you were to visit here from a distant place, say..... Andromeda, I think that what you consider mundane now would intrigue you. Imagine a class of robots or androids encountering biological life of any sort! I guess that's the issue isn't it? Perception and interpretation.
: Incidentally, if you are into Star Trek:TNG, two episodesaddress this issue; The Measure Of A Man, and Silicon Avatar----- check 'em out!
I can't see at all where you might find similarities between atheists and fundamentalists - it seems that the group of atheists you have been subjected to are a rare bunch. One complaint I hear from many atheists is that they dislike very much having to label themselves at all as many doubt very much that their beliefs are exactly the same as a group of others. Most people call themselves atheists because it is a term that is understood by many and so avoids a long, drawn-out, explanation of one's beliefs. A common question I get asked is "What religion are you?" and I initially reply with "I am not religious" - this gets a puzzled reaction and a look of horror if that person happens to be a theist which is most likely the case - so then to relieve the confusion I make the claim of being an athiest. The only common belief I have found that I share with other athiests is that I do not believe in God. I do realize there are athiests out there that claim right out that there is no god but usually with a little bit of intelligent thought and logical thinking they will see that this is a claim that cannot hold up. All "isms" are a bit scary but it amazes me how many I actually subscribe to - usually though the definitions have been so warped with time that using them without a definition would result in a misunderstanding. If your a skeptic than there's on ism you subscribe to and it's quite obvious that this term is misunderstood by many. Feminism is terribly misunderstood - it means simply that you believe women should do as they please and I would have to agree with that. I suppose I would subscribe to Masculinism too if there were such a term. Anyway, as an atheist, I certainly do think before I act and my thoughts have more than one-dimension - but on issues such as after-life, the existence of God, the soul as a separate entity from the body and various others - I go in the direction of the evidence and the evidence is against the possiblility of all of those things. When the day comes, if it does, that the evidence leans in the other direction - I will happily change my beliefs. As for religious fundamentalists - from all I've read and seen - I at this moment think they are the most dangerous and craziest of the bunch and it's ignorance and fear that pays their way in this world. When the majority opens their eyes, I think we would see them die out (figuratively of course).