Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on February 16, 2011 at 12:43am

Well, to begin with, know and define one's own beliefs and the basis upon which one builds. If a foundation is firm, and if one has rational thoughts supported with evidence, one should be able to withstand even the most outrageous fallacies. My jaw drops open when I hear some of the beliefs presented, almost as though a microscope or telescope had never been invented. When these events occur, I make certain to respond; silence implies agreement.

Stories told in Sunday school classes and in youth groups enchanted our generation of children, even as they did when people lived in caves and watched the night sky. Make available the night sky of the telescope, tell old stories of the hunter, lion, dog, etc. Make them as compelling as the myths of the Bible. Watch the wonderful films that bring the universe to life. Observe the Earth, close up, with microscopes and far away telescopes. Learn why mountains exist where they do and why; know the forces that created the seas teaming with life and the upheaval that put clam shells on top of mountain ranges.

There is no virtue in being tolerant of intolerable interference with school curriculum. Religion taught as science just does not stand up to scrutiny. Explore religions as the emerging story of human development of primitive peoples and compare and contrast of the known universe of today.

Create a modern story, based on evidence, that tells of the journey of a modern seeker of information. Honor imagination and creativity; they are the skills we need to build a preferred future.

Develop a new value system that the Earth, sky, water, soils, belong to the Earth. They belong to the people, and the decisions made about them should be made by all. No more blasting mountains into streams without the agreement and compensation of aborigines.

As to the politics of how to do all this, --- your turn.

Permalink Reply by David Rosman on February 16, 2011 at 10:57am

Shannon - I recently wrote a column for InkandVoice on this very issue - http://wp.me/pDkAX-5r

I am also writing a book debunking the Christian myth of the US is a Christian nation - "A Christian Nation? An objective evaluation of objective evidence." It is scheduled for print later this year.

David Rosman
Columbia, MO

Permalink Reply by Shannon on February 16, 2011 at 1:43pm

 

Joan-  Where is the new Carl Sagan when we need her!  I agree that rational ideas need to be put out there in a more forceful and entertaining way.  We can't tell people what to say in Sunday School Class.  I think it's important to be respectful but firm in a way the evangelicals are not.  Politics?  That is one of the main reasons Im asking for ideas. 

 

David-  I cannot wait to read your book!  Who is the publisher?  Bill Maher did a quick comparison of middle east and asian myths and how they correlate.  It was very very convincing to my pals.  Post a Blog when your book comes out. Interestingly- most of those Christians don't see Catholicism or Mormonism as Christianity.  That's a wedge Im sure someone is going to use politically one day.

 

Checked out your link.  I loved this quote- “The idea that America is a chosen nation that has been singled out by God for a distinctive mission in the world, we put a very strong version of that proposition on the table in this survey and 6 in 10 Americans affirmed it. Indeed, 30 percent of people who probably don’t believe in God at all affirmed it. So, this is a remarkably persistent part of America’s cultural and political DNA that I think our political leaders ignore at their peril.”  It's like 6 out of 5 dentist approve this toothbrush.  You can't make this s#!+ up!

 

Consider supporting these guys.  http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/

Permalink Reply by David Rosman on February 16, 2011 at 5:49pm

Shannon, no publisher yet. I am searching now. This is the time where a lot of hard work can go for neigh. I do not want to self-publish. Any connections or suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Wendy on March 7, 2011 at 5:36pm

Well, first of all, more people need to be out there with differing opinions. I don't think it'll be easy- look at Thomas Paine and the end of his life. But courage and honesty are virtues that are largely lacking in today's politics- especially when it comes to religion.

I make it a point to speak to my representatives about my non-theism, and I am respectful and reasonable. I will, occasionally, challenge them- particularly when their lawmaking is hampered by their religion.

Beyond this, I don't know. It's going to take awhile in this very religious nation to create significant change in this area. Must start somewhere.