Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Enlightened Observer on March 20, 2010 at 7:44am

We also need to persuade people that our representation in the political arena is a serious matter. If atheists, as some sort of joke, put "Jedi" or Pasterfarian as their religion it may make a point but it does not help us to get our views recognised.

This is not meant in any way to disrespect those who genuinely believe in the Force or have a true regard for Its Noodly Appendages.

Permalink Reply by lt_zippy2 on March 21, 2010 at 12:15pm

Exactly!

Having our views recognized is vital!

For me it's the fact that I have seen so many people who put down "CofE" on a questionnaire (usually a job application) but I even remember a member of my own family (a believer) trying to get another member of my family (a probable non-believer, but I cannot confirm) to put down CofE simply because he had been baptized before he was able to choose for himself, and this family member NEVER goes to church, and as far as I'm aware has no religious belief at all (what I would call a post-religionist - if only society was!).

And as for the Flying Spaghetti Monster (may sauce be upon him) his chosen people (arrrrr) should be able to put what they want ;o)

Permalink Reply by sinisterpictures on April 10, 2010 at 10:03am

I never tick a box that has anything to do with supernatural delusions.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Terence Meaden on April 12, 2010 at 9:12am

Quite so, Sinister.

And when I find myself asked to swear an oath at the solicitor's, I respond by saying I am not a super-gnat believer but I will willingly agree to swear a statement of honesty.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Terence Meaden on April 12, 2010 at 9:18am

zippy2: "Also...what are your plans this coming Census? What have you put previously? Do you answer the question at all?"

I have never ticked a christian or CofE box on a census form.
If an Atheist box is there, that's for me (and my wife too).

Permalink Reply by lt_zippy2 on April 18, 2010 at 2:52pm

All that they have is the following:

In England:

20. What is your religion?
-> This question is voluntary

[] No Religion
[] Christian (including Church of England, Catholic, Protestant and all other Christian denominations)
[] Buddhist
[] Hindu
[] Jewish
[] Muslim
[] Sikh
[] Any other religion, write in
--------------------------------

The question for Wales is almost the same except the Christian box which just says "Christian (all denominations). The order of answers are the same.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Terence Meaden on April 21, 2010 at 5:46am

This is good news---putting our preferred option "No religion" first.
Might this mean that the people who were ultimately responsible for laying out Q. 20 are non-religious?