Religion And Atheists

[Soundbear]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/08/op...n.html?_r=1&hp

[The Voice]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/08/op...n.html?_r=1&hp

I'm an agnostic/atheist who does admire certain aspects of religion. For example, I think us non-believers have yet to find a way to replicate the social activism/charity work and social support that religious groups often provide. Too much attention is devoted to the intellectual arguments for or against religion rather than these other aspects that are more important both as reason people join/remain in religions and for exerting a positive influence on the world.

All of that said, the famous atheists who are detractors of religions make good points and their targets are not just straw men. There are many people, both in the US and abroad, for whom religion is a vehicle for harmful ideas (particularly regarding to the status of women, homosexuals, and those not sharing their religion) and enforce rigid behavior codes that cause a great deal of suffering even among those who share their faith (e.g., honor killings).

I would feel a lot better about the positive views of atheists/agnostics towards religion (which I share) if I felt the sentiments were returned. Yet, they clearly aren't in the US. Research consistently shows that atheists are an exception to the historical increase in social tolerance over the past 60 years. When asked "I would be unhappy if my son/daughter were marrying a (blank)" or "(blank) doesn't share my values", or "I would not vote for a (blank) of my political party" atheist is the top answer even now (beating "Muslim" and "homosexual").

I betting you didn't read this comment.

I find this Opinion piece an afront to my Ideals.

[Soundbear]

I agree with all you say, but still don't understand what your ideals would be.

I suspect, from the above, that mine are very similar.

Wanna specify??