Thread: Gallup Poll: 4 in 10 believe man created by God 10,000 years ago

Originally Posted by Glenn24

That is NOT what he is saying.

I invite you to please re-read the post. It is a hypothetical situation, trying to point out how an atheist CAN be a fundamentalist.

He said:

"And by that definition, yes there ARE fundamentalist atheists"

Looks like he's saying there are ones.

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

And NO, NYCshaver, I'm NOT getting into that discussion, I'm talking about fundamentalism as a state of mind, not about whether religions are or can be true.

What discussion? I didn't say anything about religion.

Why not just look at the definition of fundamentalism

Definition of FUNDAMENTALISM

1 a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching
b : the beliefs of this movement
c : adherence to such beliefs

2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles



Atheism doesn't meet any of those.

I see no reasoning behind your statements X, only accusations.

Originally Posted by NYCshaver

What discussion? I didn't say anything about religion.

Why not just look at the definition of fundamentalism

Definition of FUNDAMENTALISM

1 a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching
b : the beliefs of this movement
c : adherence to such beliefs

2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles



Atheism doesn't meet any of those.

If you look at meaning 2 that you so kindly provided. A set of basic principles can be anything. Yes, two religions are named as examples. But does that automatically mean that it's only religions that qualify? I see no reason why.

As for why I claimed you brought religion into it?

So you are saying there is good evidence for god and atheists are ignoring it?

Wouldn't that make every atheist a fundamentalist by your definition?

If you aren't saying there is good evidence for god then how can you make the claim that an atheist would ignore it?

Seem pretty obvious to me.

By all definitions I've seen a fundamentalist is someone who adheres or would adhere to the basics of his/her beliefs regardless of evidence.

That means anyone can be a fundamentalist, regardless of what he does or doesn't believe.

Xavier, I'm not being stubborn and rigid, I'm simply doing what you claim to be doing, sticking to what I believe untill someone proves otherwise. So far...no one could.

Originally Posted by NYCshaver

2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles

Atheism doesn't meet any of those.

It meets number 2 like LX points out, wiki carries the description of fundamentalism a little further: "The term has since been generalized to mean strong adherence to any set of beliefs in the face of criticism or unpopularity". Atheism definitely fits that, especially the in the face of unpopularity part since a very small percentage of people world wide believe in atheism, its very unpopular. I am not saying atheism is wrong, I dont KNOW one way or the other but popular it is not, and fundamentist it is.

You'll believe what you like.

I think we all are just turning circles here

I see fundamentalim more as an intolerance to accept and deal with those who think differently. Specially with religious matters.
And just like only small minority of Christians or Muslims are fundamentalists, incapable and unwilling to deal with those who do not share their religious beliefs. Maybe it happens with atheists too

As for Jason, atheism is no unpopular, at least here. More and more people are resigning from the Lutherian Church. Tens of thousands during the last year only, and it is a huge number here. While it is true that some, but not many, are taking back their ancient Scandinavian Gods, turn into Islam, Hindu, or any other God, their number is relatively small. Most do not look after any Gods but live happily there after.

I do not fall into any of these categories as i am an agnostic. Yet i've always been most interested in religious topics. I see them mostly as cultural issues or at least it depends on where you live.
I also think that the world has room enough for any kind of beliefs, or lack of them, as long as they treat each other with respect, and keep their beliefs just what they are: beliefs or the way to see the world.

Damn we've come far from the OP. Maybe it is a sign of good conversation

Originally Posted by Jasongreat

It meets number 2 like LX points out, wiki carries the description of fundamentalism a little further: "The term has since been generalized to mean strong adherence to any set of beliefs in the face of criticism or unpopularity". Atheism definitely fits that, especially the in the face of unpopularity part since a very small percentage of people world wide believe in atheism, its very unpopular. I am not saying atheism is wrong, I dont KNOW one way or the other but popular it is not, and fundamentist it is.

There you go. Not I'm not saying that an atheist is by definition a fundamentalist. Just that it's possible for an atheist to be one just like it's possible for anyone to be a fundamentalist regardless of what they believe in.

From the small bits i have read here i think this thread is breaking the No1 internet rule - do not discuss religion - its pointless each will stand his ground and never change his opinion no matter what.

I have many friends, who attended catholic church as part of their growing up and education, I'm right in saying that non of them attend church now and would only do so to appease their, in some cases, strict parents.
I too have been to church for family occasions but i refuse to say the prayers and bow my head but i do like to sing from time to time.

I'm quite happy and comforted by my atheism and, although i disagree, i dont make it my goal to antagonise, or even argue to the point of frustration, any believers. There is simply no point.

have a happy day all of you

ian

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