THIS is why atheists need to stand up and be accounted for. So that we're not plowed under by the likes of THESE! Every person where I work knows I'm an atheist. It's a title I wear with pride.
I didn't notice Zahn saying what she believed or didn't believe. Did I miss something? I have to admit, I'm not really very familiar with these news personalities.
'...by what standard can an atheist judge or be judged?'
By his own standard, of course. It's no different for a theist. Whatever moral authority a person clings to, it still comes down to the personal acceptance of that authority by the individual. Moral systems emerge from cultural dynamics. Some aspects are more or less universal due to universal human traits, while other aspects are determined by the unique particulars of any given culture.
When I judge these people, what I'm really saying is 'Listen to these people! The stupidity. The prejudice. These are the sort of personalities many look to for guidance,for better or worse, and look what they're getting!' Those who feel the same way share my 'moral' perspective in this area. Those who don't, don't.
To add a bit, and in case you don't know, I'm a hard determinist. That said, I don't believe these folks actually choose to be the way they are, nor do any of us. If I were raised in poverty in Afghanistan, and had my ears filled with that militaristic Islamic bullshit my whole life, I'd probably have a bomb strapped to my chest underneath my toga, even as we speak :)
My main problem is the lack of any Biblical perspective. They claim Christ as Lord, but their thoughts are framed in terms of culture wars and politics.
I believe the only foundation for equal rights is belief in God (this is something atheists, and secular America will struggle with).
That said, it is not our duty (as Christians) to "fight for our rights". Rather, we should overlook attacks on our rights, in the name of the Gospel.
That is my biggest grief with them. They claim to be Christians, they (should) believe atheists are going to eternal Hell. Do they care enough to set aside prayer in school to address the important issues?
Now that I think about it, it was pretty odd how all three interviewees were theists, and the two women were basically in lockstep concerning us evil atheists. And the guy, even though he was ostensibly opposing their viewpoints, was sure as hell bending over backwards to let everybody know that he also 'loved the Lord'. It felt more like was was watching 'The 700 Club' than CNN. You'd think they would've had an atheist on, wouldn't you?
Anyway, off to work, then bowling. I've a new excerpt to the series brewing in my head; might be up tonight. Be well.
Weird debate, where all four people are not atheists...
ReplyDeletenedbrek:
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice Zahn saying what she believed or didn't believe. Did I miss something? I have to admit, I'm not really very familiar with these news personalities.
Paula was very quiet. She was basically just egging the others on and sitting back to enjoy the show.
ReplyDeleteAs a Christian, I can judge these people who name Christ, and find them lacking (not that I am any better, sometimes).
The main question being, by what standard can an atheist judge or be judged? :)
nedbrek:
ReplyDelete'...by what standard can an atheist judge or be judged?'
By his own standard, of course. It's no different for a theist. Whatever moral authority a person clings to, it still comes down to the personal acceptance of that authority by the individual. Moral systems emerge from cultural dynamics. Some aspects are more or less universal due to universal human traits, while other aspects are determined by the unique particulars of any given culture.
When I judge these people, what I'm really saying is 'Listen to these people! The stupidity. The prejudice. These are the sort of personalities many look to for guidance,for better or worse, and look what they're getting!' Those who feel the same way share my 'moral' perspective in this area. Those who don't, don't.
To add a bit, and in case you don't know, I'm a hard determinist. That said, I don't believe these folks actually choose to be the way they are, nor do any of us. If I were raised in poverty in Afghanistan, and had my ears filled with that militaristic Islamic bullshit my whole life, I'd probably have a bomb strapped to my chest underneath my toga, even as we speak :)
A lot, to unpack there! :)
ReplyDeleteMy main problem is the lack of any Biblical perspective. They claim Christ as Lord, but their thoughts are framed in terms of culture wars and politics.
I believe the only foundation for equal rights is belief in God (this is something atheists, and secular America will struggle with).
That said, it is not our duty (as Christians) to "fight for our rights". Rather, we should overlook attacks on our rights, in the name of the Gospel.
That is my biggest grief with them. They claim to be Christians, they (should) believe atheists are going to eternal Hell. Do they care enough to set aside prayer in school to address the important issues?
nedbrek:
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, it was pretty odd how all three interviewees were theists, and the two women were basically in lockstep concerning us evil atheists. And the guy, even though he was ostensibly opposing their viewpoints, was sure as hell bending over backwards to let everybody know that he also 'loved the Lord'. It felt more like was was watching 'The 700 Club' than CNN. You'd think they would've had an atheist on, wouldn't you?
Anyway, off to work, then bowling. I've a new excerpt to the series brewing in my head; might be up tonight. Be well.
Eat the greasiest, tastiest food for me!
ReplyDeletenedbrek: I did! Their chili fries are awesome!
ReplyDelete