"Pray for an Atheist" on Facebook - Should Atheists Care If the Religious Want to Constantly Pray for Them?
The site authors apparently miss the fact that atheists don't follow any religions when the assume Christianity to be the only representative of the religious side of things, but that's not what really drew my attention.
One has to ask, just what is it that drives the religious to want to pray for non-believers, and should freethinkers be offended by such an action?
The religious, especially the more fundamentalist inclined, think they have a responsibility to convert - "save" as many as they can. Christians call it the "Great Commission." Two of the big three monotheistic religions thrive on the need to convert.
As for how freethinkers should react, it's really not a big matter, on the surface. The faithful constantly praying for us is no more or no less effective than a barking dog. But like a barking dog, there should be a measure of warning.
The fundamentalist can bite when met with resistance to conversion. Christianity, over the years, has demonstrated that more than any other religion, but recent history causes many to think Islam is the only religion causing fundamentalist adherents to sometimes kill the non-believer.
A facebook page calling for discussion may not see evidence of the paradigm which religion operates in that equates the non-believer as a lesser person. Still, the sentiment is part and parcel to strong religious belief. And if left unchallenged, it leads to theocratic thinking.
Something as seemingly tame (to some) as changing textbooks to portray America as a country founded on religion can grow to become persecution of anyone who begs to differ.
Christianity, and all religion, should be challenged by freethinkers whenever the chance to do so presents itself. For too long, freethinkers have been too silent, allowing religion to fester. It's time for people the world over to reject the false hope and empty promise of religion, and get down to the business of actually making our world better all by ourselves.
Published by Jeff Musall
Jeff Musall has a passion for writing, a knack for frank and informed expression, and a desire to engage the minds of readers. He is an avid sports fan across the board and loves good competitions. His work... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentChristians can pray to their mythological God for me until the cows come home. My Atheism is rock solid.
I think these things are funny. They can pray for me as much as they want. Better them wasting their time doing that than spending it in right-wing fringe politics :)
Religions are all too often used as excuses for hating others, and that hatred often leads to hateful actions. This happens all over the world, and among many many religions, not just the "big 3" monotheistic religions. In present day India, for example, the battle is between Hindus and Muslims.
Those new textbooks don't allow mention of that fine Biblical institution, slavery.
of course they thrive on the need to convert! if everyone left their club then what would they do?!?
Very well written. As an atheist, one who has read so much about ancient times (Zecharia Sitchin included), that what I believe God to be undermines all religions. However, I do believe that behind every religion is a moral code, call it The Ten Commandments or whatever, but we all ought to live by a moral code, whether religious or not. As to the events that happened in Biblical times, based on my readings I do believe these people existed and that the events took place, there is so much evidence of this. I am not one to believe so much in fantastic events and miracles, so I doubt I could be converted to becoming truly religious these days, no matter what persuasion.
Again - HUZZAH!