Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard Francis on September 22, 2010 at 12:21pm

Hi Marc,

I am never sure how they can say their faith doesn't interfere with their politics when the two are so intertwined.

One thing I can think of is to make what they believe in transparent. They shouldn't have it both ways. They let their faith influence them but then they want their faith to be private. They should have to pin their beliefs to 'the mast'. I understand that AtheismUK has done just that. They contacted every politician and asked them what their beliefs are. I don't know what response they got but I think that it should be a national campaign.

Otherwise perhaps ask them specific questions like "How old is the Universe?" or "Do you accept evolution as the explanation for the variety of species on Earth" or "Should I stone my son to death for continually disobeying me?" etc

I am tired of this airy fairy "I am spiritual" crap. It is time that they explain where they stand.

p.s. Luckily, we don't have to worry about the enigma that is Anne Widdicome. I don't want to watch Strictly Come Dancing and The Vatican is welcome to her.

Permalink Reply by Rupert Young on September 28, 2010 at 11:29am

Hi Marc,

You may be interested in the campaign we are currently running at Atheism (UK), where we have written to all MPs requesting their religious stance, for publication.

Who is your MP, I'll check if we've had a response? If he hasn't responded would you be willing to write to him directly, as he is more likely to respond to a constituent? We can provide a letter and questionnaire, if you like.

Regards,
Rupert

Permalink Reply by Tonya Wynn on October 6, 2010 at 12:36pm

Ask the MP is he or she will abondon post in the case of the rapture, thus letting people down, quitting. Or better yet, dig for the hypocracy/sins that most self-righteous people are guilty of.

Permalink Reply by Marc Draco on October 6, 2010 at 12:51pm

My MP is Tom Blenkinsop - sorry I haven't replied sooner, Rupert, I didn't get the notification - something screwy with my "Google" outsourced email. Basted nuisance in fact.

He's a left-wing Catholic - i.e. on the milder side of his church and so far has supported things like evolution. Beyond that, I've written to him personally on this issue specifically.

Permalink Reply by Tonya Wynn on October 6, 2010 at 12:31pm

Perhaps in SOME cases Niccolo Machiavelli was right, that a prince should lie and tell the people that he(or she or one) is a theist. My addition would be to then convince 'fellow theists' that reason and science are godly/divine. Wonder if Darwin and a few other geniuses didn't do this to advance their theories and, hence, humankind. It is a shame that one must some times hide, but didn't priests use 'god' and religion for thier own self motives? Isn't that the theme behind the Wizaerd of Oz?

Permalink Reply by Marc Draco on October 6, 2010 at 12:53pm

I found it rather odd that a Catholic priest sat with Bill Maher and discussed how (on a timeline) the development of religion took place some 1000-odd years before science.

Given that, it made me wonder why the guy was still a priest!