Thom, I sent you this email in 2007 which was the last time I heard you assert the idea that Atheism is a religion. I also called your radio show to debate this with you only to be told (after about 45 minutes wait) that you werent going to take my call. This from the person who famously says people who disagree with me go to the head of the line. While in general I find you to be an intelligent, reasonable person I must say on this subject my respect for you has diminished. Point 1. Telling the head of the largest atheist organization that atheism is a religion is like saying to a rabbi that Judaism is just Christianity without the new testament. Not only will all rabbis disagree but most of them would be highly offended. Point 2. Most atheists declare their belief not because of subjective hearsay evidence, but because of the preponderance and trend of evidence based on three hundred years of scientific experimentation and result. starting with Galileo every scientific prediction made by religion has been proven wrong, creating a steady withdraw of the presumed power of god in the universe until it is only allowed at and before the big bang. Point 3. Even then, most atheists conform to the rules of science and would be willing to accept the possibility (however remote) of the existence of god. and would be willing to believe in god, if given clear objective unambiguous proof. Would most religious people be willing to believe in the non-existence of god given the same standard of proof? This is the reason the Theory of Evolution is called a theory and not a fact. Something the religious right loves to point out with titters of derision. So, on the one hand if you dont come out and say that evolution is a fact then you are seen as promoting something thats only a theory. On the other hand if you positively assert that there is no god then you are lumped in as a religion. So, to be quite clear about this, Evolution is the most tested and proven theory in the history of humanity. And by the same scientific method Atheism is a scientific theory not a religion. Moreover it is a theory with a tremendous experimental track record just like Evolution. This in a nutshell is the nub of the religious hypocrisy either quit complaining that Evolution is only a theory or stop calling Atheists religious but you cant have it both ways. Point 4. It is only the existence of religion that makes any atheist groups necessary. If there a civilization completely devoid of religion it would be atheist by nature but the inhabitants would not practice atheism they would simply take it for granted. History is however rife with examples of religious cultures and civilizations without atheism and abundant with every manner of religious implement. As I stated earlier I think you are a brilliant and well spoken person and it makes it all the more disheartening to hear you come off as a religious snob. This position is beneath you and I respectfully ask you to rethink your position in this matter. Sincerely, Russell Poley P.S. I would still be happy to debate you on this subject. Just name the time and place.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:34:33 +0000
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