I am curious about the mindset of my fellow Atheists concerning ISIS. Has the brutality of this group changed the ways you view Religion.
Not particularly, I've always vehemently despised religion as a psychological dependency. I've always found it particularly delusional, and, as of its delusional qualities, will inevitably lead to conflict. More-so with the Islamic faith as the Qur'an is an inherently war-like and strongly worded text (I've read it in its entirety, trying to gain some context as to the violent nature concerning the unrest in almost all regions it is prevalent), and specifically inclined toward war with non-believers (Over a hundred references within the book refer to condemning those who don't believe, usually with death resulting as the consequence for not accepting Allah). Although there are those that believe with absolute conviction in the words contained in their holy scripture and remain peaceful, my view on Religion, ever since I grasped its insanity at 20 years of age, is that it is a dangerous, insanity-enabling disease of the mind. I'm quite tired, and slightly drunk, so I'm sorry if the syntax of that post falls short of acceptable. But nonetheless, those are my views on the subject.
When I was working the chief said I would be in charge of the chaplains program. I said, "Me? I'm the only atheist you've got." "That's why it has to be you. If I appointed Chuck he wouldn't allow any Catholics or Jews and Dennis wouldn't allow anyone but Church of Christ ministers. For you, they're all the same." I had to admit he did have a point. I don't see the religious aspect of ISIS as any different that any other religion but they have also announced a Caliphate. They wish to be considered a government. That is a different kettle of fish. It's like a Christian friend of mine who was bemoaning the fact that the U.S. wasn't a Christian nations. When I said I didn't want it to be he went totally mad. I can certainly imagine fundamentalist Christians purging the U.S. of unbelievers.
Where's the simple "no" alternative? They have not changed my opinion of religion, but they are obviously also religious.
If you didn't know there were some (*)(*)(*)(*)ed up religious people in the world, you probably should just quit life right now ISIS doesn't really change anything on that front.
No change for me. I already knew religions were basically evil, just a tool for controlling the weak minded among us.
Religion is/has been the basis for extreme power struggles for centuries, why would another group of religion supremacist nutjobs change that fact? It's all about power/manipulation here on earth and absolutely nothing to do with the wants or desires of a supreme being now or in the afterlife. In fact the truth be known the leadership in such fanatical groups are probably bigger atheists than some of you, the foot soldiers, now that certainly might be another story, but if they are truly delusional enough to believe they are doing God's work, they are beyond help, and probably just one tier level higher than a mad dog wandering the neighborhood that needs to be exterminated for the good of all mankind.
