I don't think the grandiosity displayed by the oft quoted Mr.Dorkin sets a particularly good example from which to draw for this, or any other, discussion. A quick trawl around the narcissistic emporium that is
http://richarddawkins.net/ will tell any rational human being all they need to know!
Here's a quick quote from one of his business offshoots - which can be found at
http://outcampaign.org/ - 'Atheists have always been at the forefront of rational thinking and beacons of enlightenment....'
This, I believe, was from Spike Milligan. 'My father was a great man. I know this because he told me so himself. He said, "Son, I am a great man." And you just can't argue with facts like that.'
I am sure 'The Great Man' has something of interest to say. He certainly has a great deal to say. But if religion really is 'the new evil' then surely he should be campaigning for changes to the law? As far as I know all recognised forms of child abuse are illegal in this country. If our elected representatives have missed a couple out then they should be told to correct the matter immediately.
Unfortunately, it would appear that 'The Great Man' is more interested in channelling his prodigious intellect into selling books, dvd's, T-shirts, lapel pins, coffee mugs, ..................... Pretty much the self-appointed David Beckham of the 'educational elite' - a social group quoted in the preface to 'The God Delusion' - clearly a group to which Mr Dorking fervently believes he belongs.
I don't believe in any religion, but nor do I believe that religions are in any way inherently evil. Nor do I subscribe to the view that those that do 'believe' should be subjected to ridicule and public abuse. When Mr Porking equates atheism with homosexuality he displays a crass disregard for social history and a deep understanding of marketing 'hooks'. 'Unbelief' is not a cause to be rallied to. It is not unfairly subjected to public discrimination, misunderstanding and prejudice. It is not illegal.
The rate of change, of both generally held beliefs and scientific knowledge, has, over the last two hundred years, been nothing short of astonishing. There is no evidence that this rate of change is slowing. In my youth, a mere 40-50 years ago, most people held a religious belief (at least, if asked), women stayed at home and looked after the kids, people with 'learning difficulties' were locked away from public view and homosexuals, if caught, languished in prisons. Most people are now perfectly comfortable to express a lack of religious belief. The logical end-point for religions, exposed to this rate of change, is that they become at least irrelevant, if not actually illegal. They are not, in truth, far from the state of irrelevancy now, at least in our society. This is without the aid of any concerted attack on them and without any clarion call for their beliefs to be disrespected. For that, and without the assistance of the disingenuous Mr Donkey, we should be grateful.
Homosexuals, women, the disabled, all had something tangible and morally right to fight for. In what way are atheists being morally or socially wronged? They are not, of course. Which means Missed-A-Dork-in is attempting to rally support, not for the poor down-trodden, intellectually superior atheist, but for an attack on religion. In a tolerant society this is unacceptable. The current decline in church congregations and in the power and influence of The Church, will continue as a natural consequence of our increased knowledge and awareness. It is unseemly to kick a man when he's down. Unless, of course, you've got a few unremarkable books and Channel 4 documentaries to sell. And a personal profile to raise.
When I was a child I was indoctrinated, if you will, with the belief that the topics of religion and politics should never be discussed in unfamiliar company. This thread is proof-positive of the wisdom of that advice.
It's a shame indeed if members of this forum feel that they must acquiesce to the bullying of the likes of Mr Doughnut and his acolytes. He and his lackeys would garner a great deal more respect if they demonstrated, rather more appropriately, the courage of their convictions. An address to the General Synod, perhaps?
I shall look forward to reading about it.
