1. [Warning: Graphic] Children's foreheads slashed in Muslim saint's name

Comment #20441 by whisper on February 2, 2007 at 1:24 pm

I have to agree with Squiddity.

Sensationalism is a problem in the media.

Nobody is disputing the "facts" so much as the way they were delivered, and from a North American perspective.

I'm not saying that this 'ritual' is right or should be tolerated... but there are better angles for an arguement than appealing to the masses emotions... this type of approach is what really perpetuates these problems. We know it's wrong, bad, horrific... but let's not sit and argue the same arguements over and over again... let's try something else.

The responses I've been reading sound more like they are from people of 'faith' than people of reason.

2. Durham Council Votes To Continue Saying Lord's Prayer

Comment #19605 by whisper on January 28, 2007 at 9:33 pm

jonovision_man, there ARE many atheists in Durham... trust me! But yes, you are right, the religious types seem to be far more motivated. Unfortunate.

Mark R, I watched your "debate" on CityTV. To be honest, and no disrespect against you, your arguements were weak and the Reverand was taking it to you, IMO. However, I probably could do no better. And the callers were unfortunately for you, I suspect the wrong demographic to share your/our opinion.

But as Dawkins himself has said, it's hard to corral atheists into some sort of formal group. And I agree. I have nothing to prove to anyone. No gospel to share. No membership to bolster. I simply want to be left alone, to believe what I want to believe and not have a decision of any type renderred unto me because of my religion or lack thereof.

Peace.

3. Atheism, not religion, is the real force behind the mass murders of history

Comment #19602 by whisper on January 28, 2007 at 8:49 pm

I too scanned the posts rather quickly, but wanted to add my little bit of bandwidth consumption. Yes, I am an atheist.

In a politically correct vein, you can see why there is so much verbal combat going on between religious folks and non-religious folks. It infuriates us when someone dismisses your "side of the story". So like many of the conflicts around the world, resolution simply won't happen until people agree to disagree.

Unlike many religions, I don't want to "convert" anyone to Atheism. I simply want people to accept me for who I am and what I do.

Making references to historical figures and their ties to religion will simply go on forever. I don't want to reference oodles of historical "fact"... but I think it is somewhat honest to say that if you weigh the killing in the name of God references against the killing in the name of Atheism, the teeter might totter onto the side of killing in the name of God.

Has anyone listened to the band "Corporate Avenger"? and in particular the song "Christian's murdered indians"? Make's for some fun thought provocation.

Peace.