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From: Stephen
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: The King is dead (God), Long live the King (Internet)
Date: Tuesday, November 09, 1999 3:38 AM

Hi,

I stumbled across your site, which is unfortunate, as it should be ranking high on search engine stats as far as I am concerned.

For most of my adult life I have walked around in spectacular amazement that people still actually believe in a "God"-like entity.

Having a special and intense interest in Psychology I set about looking for reasons why intelligent people, with seemingly strong characters could believe in something external to themselves that is in control of their destiny.

The enormity of this task has taken many years and a determined effort to accomplish. Indeed, I may never finish this task in it's entirety, due to the sheer number of people, all with their own uniqueness, that actually have a faith of one description or another.

I digress. My findings clearly indicate that people whom have strong religious beliefs, carry on this pseudo existence for several profound, sometimes linked, sometimes not, reasons. Here is a brief list:

1. Acute lack of self-belief.
2. A desperate need to feel part of something.
3. A need for self righteous power over others.
4. A way of legitimizing their character flaws.
5. A distinct inability to take responsibility for their lives.
6. Gives a feeling of superiority.
7. Induces a "drug" effect that cancels out the pain of reality.
8. Lends false power to individuals whom have no substance.
9. Allows a few to control the masses
10. Gives a few unearned power and comfort

I can cite many more examples, but let's not get to involved.

One thing that I have found is that pure science proves the non-existence of gods, and that believers re-interpret scientific findings for their own uses. Indeed, most religious sciences are spurious at best and down right criminally fraudulent at worst.

We, as non believers do not try to impose our beliefs on others with the threat of eternal damnation or even more distressing occurrences such as fatwas. No, we seek the truth through pure scientific research. It is the religious fanatics and their master whom support the practice of force and imposition of penalties to those who do not conform, or challenge their doctrines.

Indeed, these people often resort to criminal actions when their religions are challenged. In other words, "Believe what we believe, or die". I ask you, is that the really freedom? a big fat juicy NO !

I don't consider myself any more than any other man for my beliefs. In fact, I gain pleasure from aiding others. I don't steal, I don't hurt people, I don't kill, I don't force,, I don't coerce, I don't commit adultery, I don't drink, I don't covet fine buildings, golden candlesticks, silk robes, land, choir boys.

No, I live my life in harmony with nature wherever possible. In describing the above atrocities, one can easily find example of such actions by many clergy types, and those in prison suddenly turn to religion as a way of promising good behavior in the future.

I am not here to tell people what to believe. Believe what you will. But don't hurt others in the process, is that not against your beliefs.

Be happy

Stephen

From: Positive Atheism <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To:
Subject: Re: The King is dead (God), Long live the King (Internet)
Date: Tuesday, November 09, 1999 4:46 AM

One thing that I have found is that pure science proves the non-existence of gods, and that believers re-interpret scientific findings for their own uses. Indeed, most religious sciences are spurious at best and down-right criminally fraudulent at worst.

To me, scientific method leaves all claims -- including claims for the nonexistence of gods -- open to criticism and possible overthrow. If we do this, we prevent ourselves from becoming fundamentalist atheists. I, for one, have an open challenge: if any theist can bring forth a convincing argument for the existence of a god, I will convert. I usually stipulate that if the theist cannot do this, the he or she agrees to renounce his or her faith. Any theist who agrees to this is guaranteed my full, undivided atttention (though no theist has yet agreed to this stipulation). This usually prevents me from having to engage with people who seek only the jollies of participating in a Franklinesque "It is so!" It is not so!" dispute.

Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine

Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.