To clarify my previous post:

[Leopolds Ghost]

This message will probably be censored by the ridiculous new posting system, which is my primary point, so I don't much care. We are turning into Reddit 2.0, where the majority will have unquestioned priority in matters of free speech. Since nonreligious people have always been the majority on DU (at least in discussions of religion -- which are not allowed to take place outside of these social groups) I don't see much future for minority viewpoints.

Regarding Dawkins et al. I was obviously referring to his academic circle of evolutionary psychologists and academicians, who have issued quite a few statements suggesting that their vision of progressivism basically starts and ends with rationalism and does not include tolerance of other groups. It was an academic reference.

The concept of Liberal discourse and all that.

[mysuzuki2]

1. Dawkins is pretty extreme.

His version of Atheism IS pretty intolerant and almost evangelical. I am, I guess, an Atheist but I see no need for Dawkins approach myself. In fact, he and his coterie actually remind me of the more intolerant Christian groups in some ways. On the other hand, when he stays off the soapbox he is an interesting guy. Some of his books on evolution are extremely well done. For the record, I don't believe that the truth of evolution (and it is not a theory, it is a proven fact), say anything much one way or the other obout the truth or falsity of any religion.

[Critters2]

2. I'm convinced that the most aggressive New Atheists and the most conservative Christians

are caught in a mimetic rivalry with one another. Without realizing it, or at least without being willing to name it, they are imitating one another in a cycle that becomes less and less civil. "Everything you say bounces off of me and sticks to you"

[Taverner]

3. I wouldn't say intolerant

He does not suffer fools gladly, but I don't either.

I would say Dawkins is tolerant - - not necessarily accepting, but tolerant

[Critters2]

4. I think calling for the destruction of everyone who holds a specifc pov is intolerant.

But that's me.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2073985/Professor-Dawkins-makes-festive-vow-destroy-Christianity.html


Please remember that this is a safe haven...and not the religion forum.

[Taverner]

5. He's not calling for the destruction of all Christians

Just the destruction of Christianity, the organized religion.

Granted, I think he's overreacting. But he's not advocating violence anymore than Operation Clambake is...

[Critters2]

7. I'm pretty sure I know the meaning of the word "destroy".

It's kind of the opposite of "tolerate".

"Hitchens is thoughtful about CS Lewis and Christianity and rather leaves Prof. Dawkins floundering in his wake, occasionally interjecting little assents to show that he's still there, as he struggles to keep up.

But one of these interjections is most revealing. About half-way through, the Prof gets this in edgeways: 'Do you ever worry that if we win and, so to speak, destroy Christianity, that vacuum would be filled by Islam?'

So, 'if we win...and destroy Christianity'. True, there's a 'so to speak' in there, but it doesn't do much. Try 'If we win and, so to speak, kill all the Jews' as an alternative. Doesn't really work, does it? And Prof Dawkins can hardly claim that he was misquoted or taken out of context. He was editing the magazine, after all - there's even a picture of him doing so, pen poised masterfully over page proofs."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2073985/Professor-Dawkins-makes-festive-vow-destroy-Christianity.html#ixzz1h7fOSCXE

[Taverner]

6. Are you trying to chase out nonbelievers just as you falsely thought you were chased out of Religion

?

[Critters2]

8. I'm trying to figure out why the topic of atheism keeps popping up in a "People of Faith" group. nt

[Taverner]

9. Because you bring it up

As for me, I prefer the company of Social Justice Christians to Ayn Rand Atheists ANY DAY

At least we're on the same page

[onpatrol98]

10. Maybe they're secretly hoping we'll convert them...

Stranger things have happened...I mean, you know, kind of like when you constantly tease a kid you secretly really like. I think, down deep, they want to be progressive people of faith. They're covering it up with a show of disdain. But, why else would people, who profess not to care, frequent a group supposedly organized solely for people of faith.

They want to be converted! Wow! A mission field within our own little group on DU. How great!!!

Gee...where did I leave my leaflets? I'm so unprepared for mission work, right here on DU. But, I'm a quick learner. And, when people are so obviously reaching out for attention and witnessing, who am I to be derelict in my duties of spreading the Gospel!

I do realize that some in this group may not be Christians, but rather from other belief systems. Feel free to chime in. I'm eager to learn from you, also!

[Critters2]

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