The Glade 4.0

However, atheist are certainly overtly vocal about freedom from religion as a means to suppress any expression, rather than the constitutional freedom of religion.

Yes, many atheists are vocal about the separation of church and state. That is a seprarate topic IMHO.

Any time an atheist that I've seen has stated their views, it's been when specifically engaged by someone of faith into a religious conversation

really dislike people assuming that I need to be saved and bothering me.

I suspect that one difference may be part of the country. Up here in the Midwest, religion is typically a more private affair than it is down South. At least that was my experience when I lived in Dallas. Up here, it's pretty rare for someone to bring up church or religion at work or in normal socializing conversation. Down in Dallas it was quite common for it to come up both at work and in social activites. In over 35 years of living in the Midwest, I have never had an athiest come up to me to prosthetize either in public or door to door.

Yes, many atheists are vocal about the separation of church and state. That is a seprarate topic IMHO.

I haven't ever had an atheist come up to me out of the blue to prostelytize. What I have experienced is atheists who once they know you as a passing acquaintance feel perfectly free to start expounding on the evils of religion in front of you and relying on your unwillingness to start an argument on a sensitive topic to ensure you'll allow them to have the floor unchallanged.

In theory it's a separate topic. However, as a practical matter it's almost impossible to discuss it separately, especially when you have people like Monty that claim atheism isn't a religion. Constitutionally speaking, it's a religion or it isn't entitled to any protection as one, regardless of whether it's a religion in any other sense. Many atheists, however, seem to feel that "discussing separation of church and state" means "explaining why atheism should be the state religion, especially since it's right anyhow."

I was in class a couple weeks ago and some chick said that "religion [was] f'ing brainwash." I've heard other jabs at specific religions too while in school. I just sit patiently and accept that I will hear things I don't like. Atheists will make comments like this. Religions will proselytize. I can't help but think Atheists do it because they want to insult. Religions do it because they are actually trying to save somebody's soul.

Not when my comment was in response to these made posts by you and the implications of those posts...





As if the intrusions by one group are for some reason less annoying than the intrusions of the other.

Again, I think we're talking about 2 different things.

someone is trying to promote a certain religious agenda to the detriment of the country. In those situations, I feel it is any citizens moral duty to speak up on their views.

I would agree, but atheists do not limit themselves to countering religious based agendas, but pursue an agenda of complete freedom from religion, as if the public display that someone else practices a believe is offensive.

Atheism isn't a religion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism

Vindicarre, I believe your understanding what what actually comprises a religion needs some improvement.

re·li·gion   [ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
–noun
1.a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8.Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
—Idiom
9.get religion, Informal.
a.to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
b.to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME religioun (< OF religion) < L religiōn- (s. of religiō) conscientiousness, piety, equiv. to relig(āre) to tie, fasten (re- re- + ligāre to bind, tie; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely

I think most of this discussion is ridiculous, as I'm finding myself leaning toward existential nihilism lately...

Vindicarre, I believe your understanding what what actually comprises a religion needs some improvement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion

Atheism doesn't in any way attempt to explain the cause, nature and purpose of the universe.

Then I guess you'd see the pointlessness inherent in your even presenting your opinion on the subject.

Gee, I guess you should look over your definition again. Since atheism fits quite nicely in many of the forms you cited:



I can understand your reluctance to use the definition in its entirety, as that would tend to undermine your whole premise.

In comic strips the person on the left always speaks first. - George Carlin

Not per se. I do however value my privacy, and really dislike people assuming that I need to be saved and bothering me. Interestingly, there are these big buildings, usually with signs that let me know both where to go, and what times to show up if I'm interested in finding Jesus.

Except as Ladas pointed out we're talking about a lack of belief. Are non-easter bunny believers their own religion? How about people who are convinced that Tarot card readings are true. Widji boards?

Lack of belief, uncertainty, apathy, along with a few other things, would fall under agnostic. Active belief in the non-existence of a god is Atheism.