Trust me, it’s hard being an atheist in North America.

Yup. I have religious friends who complain about condescension towards religious people from atheists, and I’m sympathetic to a point. However, here in the U.S., you’ll see politicians and other public figures pander to religious folk all the time, and make obviously ridiculous claims such as “morality is impossible without religion.” Comedians may make fun of religious people, but atheists are never pandered to by those in government (or seeking power in it). Consequently, a healthy respect for atheists is one of important hallmarks for freedom in a democracy.

This exchange made me laugh hard:

Hi! (staring at me from head to toes) You are not Chinese.

Indeed, I’m not. Glad we could agree on something — this is so rare these days.

I’m sure he thought he had a really excellent way to reach a Chinese person for Jesus, too, and was disappointed not to be able to use it.

Proselytization makes me absolutely crazy!
.-= CrackerLilo´s last blog ..Happy (not to have to celebrate) Easter! =-.

Love the post; look forward to reading more.

A quick semi-explanation of proselytizing — I believe its primary value to the faith is not in spreading it (really, anyone swayed by a couple of smiles and a pamphlet is likely not going to remain convinced for long) but in reinforcing those already on board.

We’re wired, psychologically, to mold our beliefs to fit our notions of who we are. We’ll even harm ourselves in order to avoid cognitive dissonance — someone who believes themselves to be an unattractive, undesirable mate is more likely to sabotage a relationship than change their belief, all without being conscious of what they are doing or why.

Some very basic beliefs, such as “I am rational” or “I act in accordance with my principles” have subtle and powerful ways of changing our beliefs, given certain actions. If I go door to door talking to people about my belief, but do not really believe it that strongly, I feel incredibly foolish. Since I *am* going door to door, it must be the case that I believe what I am telling these people, and believe it firmly. Because I am not a fool. Once a religion gets someone to take positive action, the rationalization kicks in and the believer more strongly internalizes the message he is spreading.

I think the same process takes place in cultures/groups which promote suicide bombings. Obviously the bomber needs no reinforcing, but those who knew the bomber, helped him, loved him — they must believe the cause is just, otherwise their lost friend/brother/son died for nothing. And that is unthinkable. The fact that there is so great a cost forces rationalization that there must be a justification for that cost. This is orders of magnitude more severe than saturday morning pamphleteering, but I think the same principle is involved.

Now I don’t believe this effect is the result of scheming — I’m not that cynical. Rather I think it is simply a property of religions that works, and therefore survives. (I dig memetics, and viewing religions as mutating replicators helps me understand a lot.)

That’s my view anyway, but of course we also have problems in N.Ireland, which takes religion to a whole new extreme.

Sorry for the tardy reply…things have been hectic (today I wanted to rest, but had to leave home to go vote for the European Elections) — ah Dieu!

Anyway, you wanted to know more about St Paul: his name was Saul before he was converted to Christianity. He used to be a pharisee (and a Roman citizen) who chased Christians, and one day Jesus (who had already resurrected) came to him and asked him why he was persecuting him; he turned blind and became a follower of Jesus (hence his named changed from Saul [a Jewish name] to Paul [as a symbol of change, I’d say]).

So, now Paul was the most fervent of all followers of Jesus (i.e. he became a radical Christian) and so he wrote a lot of epistles warning his brothers in faith that the word of Christ was to be spread, for he was God (although Jesus never called himself god nor God — and this is one of the issues I have with the Christian church) and reiterated that he was indeed the messiah that the Jewish people should have accepted (which is another issue I have with the Christian Church, because there are several points that do not add up) and some other radical stuff that Paul came up with (that had little to do with what Jesus taught).

This being said, Paul was the precursor of proselytism (for he really insisted that everybody was to convert or they would never see the kingdom of heavens).
Needless to say that I have a real issue with Paul lol lol…I do not believe that Jesus is the only way to God, and I don’t agree that his philosophy was inspired by God (he was no profet).

You said “I do believe religion can bring the best in people” in some people it can…in most it doesn’t. Religion should have a specific purpose (to help keep order in society) but instead, many times, it generates chaos. And when it decides to meddle in politics…mamma mia, what a disaster!!

“Thank you so much for your comment!” — girl, it was my pleasure !

Have a great Sunday!

Zhu, the video contains message of evangelism at the very end (just ignore that very part), what I wanna know is what is your view towards the main gist of the video, that is, the waning birthrates of the natives in the Western world which are far from the level that is required to replace the existing population, and that the overall population growth in the West is mainly due to Muslim immigration which multiply in just a few decades.

It mentions that in France, 25–30% of teens under the age of 20 are Muslims, and in the bigger cities, 45%. If the trend continues, it claims that France will become an Islamic republic (= Muslim majority) by 2037. The video also covered the trends in Canada, US, Uk etc.

I think you are logical and wise enough to watch this video with an open heart. A video with a bold claim is to spark discussions.

@Angela May — Hi Angela,

Sorry, I am not able to watch the video to comment, it is unavailable. I kind of get the point from the description though.

I believe Kyh posted it because we talked about Islam in Malaysia, but I don’t believe he meant anything else. That said, I understand your feeling. I’m going to try to watch it later.