:bism:
The part that I don't like in your post is where you say "
you people need to learn to handle criticism (and a cartoon being drawn) without calling out for blood." For someone who has always been someone who has spoken out against tribal mentality, Pygoscelis, that's not a good read, because that is lumping all Muslims in one category that obviously from your experience on IB you should know by now is inaccurate and incorrect.
If you remember me from here (since I have been absent on IB due to traveling), you know I don't pull my punches. For better or worse, I speak my mind. I spoke out on the other thread because I felt there was an injustice being done, and other Muslims did too. I have always believed that Islam is the religion of human empathy, respect, and decency, but that doesn't mean Muslims will not turn to authority to understand how to apply that human empathy, respect, and decency.
For example, atheists will even agree that human empathy doesn't extend to believing that criminals should go scot-free for their crimes, but there are great thinkers of the past in the legal, moral, and communication fields that developed those ideas of mercy and justice for criminals so we can understand and apply them to modern society in the way we do today. Therefore, following authority in matters is not undesirable as you're making it out to be as we all have to start somewhere. Supreme Court, for example, when it issues a ruling, always goes back to previous authority and precedents set in the court and other legal history and if relevant scientific data to understand in what way to apply the law that is just for all and best for society. Therefore, a person bringing evidence from Quran, hadith, and scholars is doing a similar, if not exactly the same, thing.
format_quote Originally Posted by
Pygoscelis
Its as easy as believing in Santa or Faeries. It gives pretend answers, feels good, and helps create bonds with others under the same cultural delusion. And no, I'm not going to apologize if you find that offensive. The level of disrespect shown to non-muslims in this section is staggering, and you people need to learn to handle criticism (and a cartoon being drawn) without calling out for blood.
So does a theist.
True. The Atheist is accountable to no God, nor to any other fictional being. Only to himself and other beings that exist, hold him accountable, and draw his empathy. We all have an evolved sense of empathy and fairness, and the Atheist doesn't bury this under obedience to religious dogma. An Atheist also isn't bigoted or tribal because of belief in an imaginary God, and doesn't stand in the way of rational scientific inquiry because of belief in an imaginary God.
Indeed. And note the lack of making obedience to power a virtue and the lack of making belief because you want to believe (faith) a virtue. Note how Atheists have to care for and rely on themselves and each other, and have no religious reasons to hate those who don't share their reilgious delusions. Also note how Atheists are freed to think for themselves and form their own ideas and opinions rather than follow what some Imam or hadith or the Quran says. Note the thread about "not having to respect" non-muslims, and how it quickly became a battle over scripture instead of a question of basic human empathy, respect and decency.