Future of religion questioned as atheists gather

[rug]

Man or God? The question of belief has troubled society for centuries.

By Brigid Andersen
Updated April 13, 2012 14:48:47

Religion will be a non-event in Australia within two generations according to the head of the country's atheist foundation.

David Nicholls says we are now seeing the tip of the iceberg as more and more people declare themselves non-believers and free thinkers.

But he admits religion will always be present in Australia because of indoctrination and because some people "need fairy stories to survive".

"Within two generations, religion in Australia will be a non event," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-13/atheism-conference-sparks-debate/3948216/?site=newcastle

[bowens43]

1. It amazes me that in this day and age

people still believe in ancient goat herder mythology despite the fact that there is absolutely zero evidence supporting it.

[SamG]

2. I have been told by religious believers that

the "evidence" is just not something we can experience with our logical minds. It can only be experienced by another way of knowing. That's what I have been told, many times by many people.

[AlbertCat]

4. It can only be experienced by another way of knowing.

Oh c'mon!

I've eaten mushrooms too! The trip was great, but I still don't believe.

[cbayer]

3. I like some of Mr. Stephen's comments.

He says instead of opposing each other, atheists and religious minds must come together to wage war on society's moral crisis.
"I think it's that kind of alliance against a common foe - which is this massive social and moral decline that it seems to me we're seeing everywhere - that's where the future really lies, not in the glorified cock fight that we saw on Q and A on Monday night."

[AlbertCat]

5. this massive social and moral decline that it seems to me we're seeing everywhere

What is he talking about? I don't see a "moral" decline. People seem just as selfish as they have ever been.




I do see a rise (in the USA) in fundy nuttiness as they become more obsolete.

[cbayer]

6. True. I think he may be referring to things happening in Australia, but I am not sure.

Personally, I think the Bush years constituted a significant social and moral decline, and I think the Tea Party also represents this.

Both, to me, have led us further away from social justice.

[cyberswede]

8. Social justice

yes - the moral decline I think about is the fraying of the social safety net and other issues of social justice that have been eroded since the Reagan era, mostly. Caring about the plight of fellow human beings is a moral issue.

[LeftishBrit]

9. I think that Thatcherism/Reaganism did cause a recent social and moral decline in our countries

I am not sure whether Australia has gone through an exact equivalent.

However, there has always been selfishness, and I would say that our societies are morally and socially better in most ways than 100 years ago, even if not than 35 years ago.