I think the theme here is freedom. That was a great part of Braveheart, Survivor. After all, we all live in free countries, it was ironic that we were not free, but subjected ourselves to authoritarian people.
Flip said
I eventually learned to try and recognize how not to give respect and support to those who undeservedly assumed the role of authority figure.
That takes some time. I wasn't raised as a dub, but was a Catholic and maybe that paved the way for an even more total-control religion. Religions assume, imo, an illegitimate authority over people. The can only claim what you let them get away with. But it takes time and practice to overthrow that, as you said.
Ozzie says
he thinks I feel that "anything goes", which is not true.
I've heard this from dubs too. They just don't get it, do they? It's like they have a veil over their eyes, but, then, that's what the scriptures say will be the case.
The idea of "anything goes" is pretty preposterous due to the harm that comes to the individual and the community. Being an atheist for now does not make me want to go out and risk STDs, lung cancer, and other harms. Nor does it make me want to steal (as evidenced by my finding a purse recently and immediately turning it in). I've always been a pretty-much safe and ethical person, in or out of the influence of religion. In fact, it's more real now because it's really my choice, not some imposed choice from religion.
But I do cuss now and then , just because I can, damn it!
There's another thread up about the "morality" of atheists. I think "ethics" is a far better word, because of necessity for atheists, religion is removed from the picture. There's a disproportionately smaller percentage of atheists in prisons (That was on the board one time and I don't know the veracity of that, so forget it.)
However, I do think it's correct that people tend to bring their own ethics to their religion so it matters not when they become atheists or were always such. If anything, atheists may realize the futility of waiting on a divinity to correct matters or waiting to get thru this life so as to get to paradise or heaven. Besides, the fear of divine punishment has never been demonstrated to make for better people, has it?
Edited by - Patio34 on 8 September 2002 13:19:55