Am I dangerous?

[TZ]

All my life as a Jewish person, I've had various religious types try to convert me, hinting that I'll go to hell if I don't (while at the same time praising Jews as the chosen ones). Then they find out I'm an evolutionary biologist they make the assumption that I don't believe in god because of that (which actually while is the case for me, I've met plenty of scientists who know what evolution is but still believe in god..they keep science and faith separate in their lives as far as I know).
I've worked at various places where embryonic stem cell research went on, so I've been accused (in general) of being an amoral baby killer.
So I've been harassed and treated like a fool AND have had my professional life affected by religion. So maybe one can understand why I've picked up a PERSONAL dislike for religion. You certainly can argue that not everyone is like the assholes I've dealt with and thats fair...but, the worst I've ever done is to say I don't like religion and my life would be better without it. I've read Dawkins and quoted him on the evolutionary aspects of religion and other social behaviors. But I've never done more than post what I think on the internets.
However, because I have been known to read and agree with some of the stuff Dawkins and Harris say (I'm in no way a fan of Hitchens but he makes the occasional good point) I have found myself lumped in with a group of people called "fundamentalist atheists" who are now being compared to crazies like the guy in Norway who killed all those people. Why? Because I have said, MY ideal world would not have religion in it? When did expressing an opinion, unpopular as it may be, make me dangerous? I've been around atheists all my life and while some of them would probably never be invited to parties or activities because they are rude and snarky and loud in expressing their beliefs, I've never actually met anyone who actually wanted to destroy a church or a synagogue or take away ones citizenship for believing in god.
Everyone has the right to say what or what they don't believe in. What people don't have the right to do, is label a group "dangerous" and try to marginalize them SOLELY on the fact they say unpopular or rude stuff. If they actually do attempt to impose their will thats a different story (Westboro Baptist Church is an example, they have a right to say offensive stupid shit but by picketing at funerals they are imposing themselves and do cross the line). But I've never seen that. Until then trying to say people like me are a threat, is much like the islamaphobes who see Sharia law everywhere....its the first step in actual oppression of the group.

If you don't like what Dawkins, Harris, et al have to say, thats fair enough. But trying to marginalize/censor them as "dangerous threats" is not appropriate and is truly the first step to theocratic dictatorship in this country.

[trotsky]

1. I happen to know that sometimes...

you say less-than-flattering things about religion on an Internet discussion board.

So yes, clearly, you are just as dangerous as the rabid religious fundies. :sarcasm:

[TZ]

2. I also sometimes say bad and unflattering things...

about believers who have said bigoted things about atheists. Standing up for a group of people being stereotyped? I'm a Nazi...;)

[Nihil]

8. Bookmarking for later reference ...

... when searching for out of context quotes:

> I also sometimes say bad and unflattering things about believers ...

> I'm a Nazi...

:P

[safeinOhio]

3. I'm comfortable as a

ethical humanist.

[Coyote_Bandit]

4. I've known scientists that

reconcile faith and science - and believe in evolution.

They view the Bible as a book that is not always to be taken literally. They think those seven days of creation were not literally 7 days as we understand them. They can even point to Biblical passages to justify their interpretation believing each day of creation is really ten thousand years.

Not defending their understanding - just pointing out that not everyone who is Christian requires that the Bible be read literally.

[TZ]

6. Oh I know that.

I just always get tired of assumptions being made about scientists and religion, even if I happen to fit the stereotype so many fundies have about scientists...;)

[Orrex]

5. Wait a mnute. You're Jewish? When did this happen?

:evilgrin:

[TZ]

7. You know when

that happened, Mr. Accucirc! :P :hi:
Did you see that Dr. Strange reference you in a Cracked article btw? :rofl:

[Taverner]

9. Dawkins is the biggest threat to Christians because he's polite and correct

And he doesn't back down

I love Hitchens, especially the Hitch-slaps he's done, but he can be mean.

Dawkins has none of the meanness and argues showing a great deal of respect - respect that in many cases is undeserved (Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort deserve NO respect in my opinion)

[Meshuga]

10. If people say you are dangerous...

...it is because they see truth in what you are saying.

[LeftishBrit]

11. Yes, very!

You support VACCINATIONS, don't you!? That's blasphemy!

:hi:

[LaurenG]

12. No. In fact I count on you and those like you to keep me healthy

I don't mind what you believe in I trust and expect you to know what's best for you and to follow your heart. As far as I'm concerned I'm fine with people of faith or non faith, its what's inside that counts.

Long ago I started a thread about the spirituality of atheist's, not to be confused with and religious belief. It has been my experience without a single exception so far that atheist's are much better at the golden rule than religious types.

You will never be labeled unkindly by me.

btw the Reds are doing better this year, don't you think? ):P

[TZ]

13. Johnny Gomes says hi from DC!

;)
And yeah, always have tried to live my life by the Golden Rule.

[CrawlingChaos]

14. Did you see this article?

Chris Hedges does an excellent job of outlining why "new atheism" is dangerous. This does not apply to atheists in general of course, just those who march to the Dawkins/Hitchens/Harris drumbeat. Nowhere does he call for any sort of censorship though.

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/fundamentalism_kills_20110726/

[TZ]

15. Yes its a total PIECE OF SHIT

Chris Hedges is a moron and has about as many neurons as any Tea Bagger. People like that prove that the right has no monopoly on stupid arrogant narrowminded bigots. ALL of his points lack logic and reason. But hey, that ONE atheist in Congress certainly has lots and lots of political power. HOW THE FUCK CAN A GROUP BE DANGEROUS WHEN ITS ILLEGAL FOR THEM TO EVEN HOLD JOBS IN CERTAIN STATES.
Thats what my whole rant was about. People on the right aren't calling for "censorship" of muslims either, for the most part. Just that they need to be watched. Same difference. I also would like you to show me where any new atheist advocates suppression of belief. Or writing laws to ban it. NONE of them say that. They say we would be better off without it, but go no farther.

I believe neither you nor Hedges has actually read ONE WORD of what any of them say, thats the only way you can spout such errant stupidity.

[edhopper]

16. Yes, you are dangerous

You refute the ideas of people who need to hold on to their worldview, no matter how little sense it makes.
Like Galileo or Darwin or Jefferson, you threaten the beliefs of people who shun the truth.