Okay, Hello,
To begin, I am an atheist. The atheist movement came with the modern discovery of how science works, and how it contradicted church doctrine. Now there are countries like Sweden who boast a population of 80% plus, being atheist. I was born into a Christian family and had a Christian-ish upbringing (That being said, when i reached a certain age, church became optional). Now i live in Orillia, a city that has more churches per capita than is likely healthy for a society that is having a university set up campus in. Throughout my years here I have been indoctrinated and had Christian ideals shoved in my face by locals throughout the whole city. But one may ask what is the purpose of writing this blog, simply put, i am going to try to critique the society i live in from a standpoint to promote the coexistence of atheists and the other religious sects in the city. I came to atheism from years of general unfounded non-belief, years later I now realize that the existence of god comes down to a question of logical proof, and that in logic you will never be called upon to prove a negative. In this blog I will endeavour to look at issues that come up in my life and I will talk about them from an atheistic point of view, I'm open to discussion and criticism.
Thanks
Nice shawn, I'm looking foward to reading your insightful observations on the co-existence of religious values and secular values, and how they match or don't.
ReplyDeleteI totally feel your Orillia pain. I don't have much faith either and I think it's nutty that they're building ANOTHER church in Orillia. It's cool for the little old ladies and those who do believe, but i don't feel we need as many as we have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with alot of what you said even though personally I believe in God. Churches are so obesssed about making rules and enforcing them and changing because they want to adapt to modern times or want to stay old school and strict. And that's why I think churches are loosing so many people. I was wondering if you have any theories though, on how the world was started and all of those evolution questions! PS good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, ok Danica. In terms of the beginning of the universe and evolution, I am in open support of the Big Bang, and Darwin's theory on evolution. Although in this blog, for the sake of avoiding a large arguement, I am going to do what i can to avoid talking about any my ideology in great detail, I am trying to see if coexistence is possible and if tolerance works. That being said if anyone has any questions about my ideas I am open to answer them.
ReplyDeletewell written :) your vocabulary is, like, incredible. lol
ReplyDeletecant wait to read the rest of your blogs :) should be interesting!
Faith and belief in god is an extremely personal issue for most people who believe. It's an emotionall thing more than an intellectual thing. It's kind of like the closeness you might have to a family member. And so we all have to remember to respect those deep personal emotional beliefs. And I think we can co-exist, and tolerate each others' beliefs and even learn from each other. Be open to learn... Nice work so far here. Proofread, Shawn.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, Mr. Johnston. We're coming into an age where your religious affiliation is something that, on a secular or social level, you do not broadcast or brandish quite as much. In the global community we are forming, the notion of religion is a recognised explanation for conflicts individuals may have, but to the same extent it is not an excuse or rationalisation for conflict. People in certain positions in the modern age (for example political leaders) are being urged to try and avoid making any decisions based off of religious ideology, and in all reality, act only in the interest of the ideology of their constituents. What you're saying is true, but we are seeing a decrease in real intimacy with religion, and an increase in contempt. But, is it for the better?
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting theme you’ve chosen Shawn, and I can geniunely say I look forward to reading it. I am in a stage of my life where non-belief prevails over any particular religion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Johnston, that faith and belief in god is a personal issue for those who believe and I respect the rights of others to have their own beliefs. I have noticed that those who do not have a strong faith or who are athiest, tend to be less public about their beliefs and less forceful in terms of informing others of it.
I think that religion can be something which helps some people through hard times, and facilitates their strive for success, but simillarly I’d like to believe that I am a good person not because I feel limited by expectations of “god”, but because I have been raised to treat others with care and respect (without the presence of religion).
Well it's definately a controversial issue ! Creationism vs. Atheism. The topic of religion that for sure is brought up almost everyday in our society and implimented in every institution in some degree(various religous bosses, teachers etc.). As you describe your childhood, I am in the same boat and I'm on the fence. Although there are many flaws to both, it is hard to side with one, as there are many pressures on teenagers to still want their parents to be proud but to also be want to independent and think on their own. I believe that one of the root causes of human inequality, war etc. is the issue of religion and people's opinions ruining the state of mankind. As you can see through history, religious conflict, wars based on religious ideals. anyways I can go on and on, but I won't.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read the rest of your blogs!
you smart a$s ;)