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Is it 'dangerous' to self identify as an Atheist?

Harris argues the case here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KG5s_-Khvg&feature=related

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alice on July 11, 2011 at 1:42am

I must admit I tend to agree with him in some instances - I've noticed that if I do declare myself an atheist that others of faith and religion do find it more easy to switch off from what I say - where if I don't call myself anything - they can't compartmentalise me and need to deal with me on my merits - I think myself a kind, caring and compassionate person - and so have valuable assets that give my character merit.

And if I go in incognito - so to speak - then I am able to not only be more acceptable to others - in that they don't simply dismiss me for my self identification as atheist - but I do have the ability to gain more influence in others' lives.

And like Hitchens says - every conversation with a theists is a good thing - it has an effect.

And I was speaking the other day about the changes I've made to my own way of speaking after encountering Naturalism and concepts such as determinisms, the causal web and our lack of contra causal free will.

Although I accept like I've been told in here before - everyone is different and has a different way of being or style - and so what suits one doesn't suit another - Hitchens wouldn't do this - and he shouldn't - it's not in his style or character... but still worth consideration :)

Permalink Reply by Alice on July 11, 2011 at 1:48am

I actually agree with Harris on his points about having to go over the same ground with theists all the time. His point being that when we self identify as atheists we invite others to come up with the same old arguments about why there is a god.

But really what we need to do is to talk about the real issues - such as gay marriage, the use of condoms, the fear of terrorism etc - and address these subjects with reason, science and rational thought.

In other words changing the topic of the arguments from god - to things that actually matter - the real issues that are facing us in this world - the real topics on which religion is preventing progress.

Permalink Reply by Henrique O on August 13, 2011 at 10:51pm

very interesting

Permalink Reply by Alice on July 11, 2011 at 2:02am

His 3rd point is regarding his belief that Atheism is against potentially beneficial sources of well-being such as meditation and other experiences historically associated with supernatural thinking.

I think we've blown that idea out of the water with our last discussion on meditation and atheism here on AN.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Terence Meaden on July 11, 2011 at 5:30am

I put this cartoon on Alice's thread about Christopher Hitchens some three hours ago, but it would seem appropriate to locate it on this new thread as well.

The word 'atheist' scares some people out of their wits.

Permalink Reply by Atheist Andrea on July 21, 2011 at 6:52pm

This is the best cartoon!

Permalink Reply by S.F. Zeigler on July 11, 2011 at 2:17pm

If you do really good things for others THEN announce you are an ATHEIST... I read someone that posted here... "I'm a better Christian than you are... and I'm an ATHEIST".

Being an Atheist doesn't make you "good". But being a good human makes you a good Atheist. Lead by example and not through "quotations".

Thanks -Z

Permalink Reply by Dogly on July 11, 2011 at 8:01pm

Hot Chick, I agree that when engaged in some "good works", which others comment on, it is a great time to say you are an atheist. Especially when someone thanks you with words thanking god for what YOU just did.

Permalink Reply by Paul Howard on August 1, 2011 at 6:36am

I wish there was a 'like' button for comments.

Permalink Reply by Susan Stanko on August 1, 2011 at 7:22am