Is the live and let live philosophy of most atheists and agnostics really a good thing?

Sometimes when I look around it seems as though my country, that I was born and raised in, that my family arrived at from the mayflower, that we have fought and died for for generations is going to a bunch of fundie lunatics. My right of freedom from religion is being quietly eroded away almost daily. Yet I honestly believe every man has a right to their beliefs.



At what point does one take a stand?

How does one decide when their rights start and anothers end?

I dont advocate violence but...isnt there something that could be done to at least slow the erosion I see before me?



When is it time to get angry and stop merely,"Rolling my eyes" at the ignorant?

Is the live and let live philosophy of most atheists and agnostics really a good thing?
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Reply:Some people do take stands... and they get results...
Reply:No... it is NOT a good thing. It USED to be... but not anymore.



Christian 'Dominionists' (Reconstructionalists, Theonomists) have largely usurped the local level political apparatus of the Republican Party, and are engaged in a sub rosa process to politically motivate moderate Christians under the false cover of religious issues such as morality and family values, under cover of front organizations like the Christian Coalition, the American Family Association and the Promise Keepers. The goal is nothing less than the takeover of all elective offices in the USA.



Their doctrine comes from the Bible, starting with the term 'dominion' at Genesis 1:28... “And God said unto them, [Adam and Eve] Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have DOMINION… over every living thing.” They interpret DOMINION as: “... a supremacy in determining and directing the actions of others or in governing politically, socially, or personally.”



They want to remake the USA as a theocracy... and they are succeeding.



Its most common form, Dominionism, represents one of the most extreme forms of Fundamentalist Christianity thought. Its followers, called Dominionists, are attempting to convert the laws of United States so that they match those of the Hebrew Scriptures. They intend to achieve this by using the freedom of religion in the US to train a generation of children via home-schooling and in private Christian religious schools. See: JESUS CAMP http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/j...



Later, their graduates will be charged with the responsibility of creating a new Bible-based political, religious and social order. One of the first tasks of this order will be to eliminate religious choice and freedom. Their eventual goal is to achieve the "Kingdom of God" in which much of the world is converted to Christianity. They feel that the power of God's word will bring about this conversion. No armed force or insurrection will be needed; in fact, they believe that there will be little opposition to their plan. People will willingly accept it. All that needs to be done is to properly 'explain it' to them.



All religious organizations, congregations etc. other than strictly Fundamentalist Christianity would be suppressed. Nonconforming Evangelical, main line and liberal Christian religious institutions would no longer be allowed to hold services, organize, proselytize, etc. Society would revert to the laws and punishments of the Hebrew Scriptures. Any person who advocated or practiced other religious beliefs outside of their home would be tried for idolatry and executed. Blasphemy, adultery and homosexual behavior would be criminalized; those found guilty would also be executed. There are two conservative Christian pastors in Texas who have advocated the execution of all Wiccans.



By failing to openly confront this insidious agenda, we have sown the seeds of our own destruction, while these religious wing-nuts are paving the way to Armageddon with gleeful anticipation.



"Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder." ~ Arnold Toynbee



http://www.religioustolerance.org/recons...

http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/...

http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/...



This endeavor has been underway for some years now, and guess what? It's working. In 2004, 'dominionist' congressmen made their first move, introducing the "Constitution Restoration Act of 2004" (HR 3799 IH). The following proposed law will be added to Sec. 1260 of Title 28, Chapter 81 of the U.S. Code: “Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Supreme Court shall not have jurisdiction to review, by appeal, writ of certiorari, or otherwise, any matter to the extent that relief is sought against an element of Federal, State, or local government, or against an officer of Federal, State, or local government (whether or not acting in official personal capacity), by reason of that element’s or officer’s acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government.”

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Implications: Because the judiciary is 'an element' of the federal, state and local governments, this wording, if it becomes law, may allow any judge to institute biblical punishments without being subject to review by the Supreme Court or the federal court system.

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Reply:As you pointed out, the philosophy of many atheists is anything BUT "live and let live". Many of them are every bit as evangelical as religious people are. Just hang around R%26amp;S for awhile if you don't believe it. :-)
Reply:I think we have a duty to try and educate them.



Unfortunately it is a daunting task, because they have been brought up to believe that science is deceptive and that relying on faith for belief is virtuous.



But we still have to try, it is the only way that mankind can continue to progress.
Reply:There is no rule for these things. Trust your instincts, and keep trying. You'll learn and get better.
Reply:9/11 Has made it clear for most people that Religious zealots can, and will continue to be, very dangerous to any civilized society.

We don't need to declare war on religious nuts; they have already declared war on all civilized, intelligent, and tolerant people.

However, the Internet and sites like this one, will help point out to them just how immature they really are.

We, as atheists , must try to organize altruistic institutions that can replace the many religious organizations that brainwash our children ; and we must define the limits of acceptable moral teaching in our society.

Furthermore, even most atheists praise much of the charitable work done by organizations like the Salvation Army, Boys Town , the YMCA and a few others.

We can't simply ridicule the morality that is being taught in these churches, and offer no limits on what is acceptable behavior in our society.
Reply:~~~ jam ,,, I know it's a trite saying but,,,Patience is a Virtue. I suggest you concentrate on that for a time as you are obviously quite frustrated. Consider for a moment what Copernicus and Galileo had to contend with when they knew for a Scientific Fact that our Solar System is Heliocentric and that this knowledge directly Contradicted scripture(that earth is center of Universe) which is considered to be The Word of God. ,,,And they could PROVE it !! Along with nurturing your Patience with those not as Knowledgeable as yourself,,, or me,,, you should also try some Humbleness. Yes, it is true that Ignorance prevails all around us but for some reason people like you and I are at Higher States of Awareness,,, or Conciousness. We have a capability to Higer Understanding. You certainly would not lose your Patience with a child by trying to convey The Concept of Sharing. It has to be learned AND understood. This is the burden you bear toward your Fellow Man to help assist them out of Darkness while still maintaining The Integrity of Your Character,,,, and growing further yourself. Unless you are in The Public Eye as a celebrity or whatever on any level of exposure to The Public you will have to accept the fact, as I did, that we'll only be able to help One person at a time. Plant seeds of thought with due respect and see how they grow. Nurture them along the way when you get feedback and gracefully let go those who fight you. It is not their time to learn yet. Practice altruism and you'll never be disappointed,,,, and don't forget that you are not alone. There are plenty of us out here to assist the Change in Collective Conciousness. We just don't get much Media Coverage,,, kind of like The Truth nowadays. ~~

~~ Namaste` and Fondest Aloha
Reply:Come on?"My right of freedom from religion is being quietly eroded away almost daily"

Since when did God gave you permission to have freedom?

He made some gambles in history and lost it for a moment now he wants it back!God's plan you know

We where and still are sheep and pastors,like slaves and masters!
Reply:Who said you can't take a stand without restricting other peoples personal freedoms and rights?
Reply:can any atheist Please tell me how the word is "rammed"

down their throat. i've never made anyone actually eat

scripture. nor have i nor can i force anyone to believe.
Reply:The time to take a stand is long overdue.



You are right, the live and let live attitude is very dangerous because the religious are very dangerous. Live and let live is based on an assumption that faith is benign, and therefore freedom of religion is benign - however Ohio, Waco and 9/11 all prove that this assumption is fatally flawed.



You should stand up for your right NOT to have a religion now, or soon it will be forced on you.
Reply:If atheists really had the "live and let live" philosophy, they wouldn't be so intolerant of the Christian "fundies".
Reply:I don't think getting angry will solve anything. How far beyond our particular zoo here do you believe their influence extends. The place to attack will be the extremities unless they are less rooted than you seem to believe. One must search for weaknesses, cracks, crevices in the opposition's armor. Look for the weakest point. If you really wish to defeat them, you must carefully study them first.
Reply:The problem is that we can't be neutral in a society where religious fanatical thinking is manipulating people lives!

(breathing).... We must counter that with our example, reason, science, and denounce the irrational corrupting religious superstitions.
Reply:It won't be long and we'll all be forced to attend the church of Ann Coulter and Bill O'Reily.
Reply:Yes, it fine for many people. But there are others who say "Live and, Let Die", like the title of the movie.
Reply:Not if you care about your brother,s here on earth, we Christian,s do not want to see anyone lose Heaven and end up in hell.
Reply:In my opinion it is a really good thing! I truly do not find it important enough to discuss with anyone.
Reply:People have the right to believe what they want, as long as they don't cram it down other peoples throats.
Reply:one takes a stand when ETERnal life is at stake thats when!!