Dear Belly,

Sorry, but you keep attributing to me things I have not said, then accusing me of saying them.

You claim that I asked you to beg God (existent or otherwise) while I wrote nothing like it.

You keep referring to God as a deity, a creator and as one who causes fear in children and the death of loved ones, then address it to me despite me saying the opposite.

Either you don't care to read what I write or am unable to differentiate between my words and those of others (probably Christians) that you read or hear around you.

I put much effort into choosing my words here and making my statements as accurate as possible. If you want to have a meaningful discussion, then please try to concentrate and do the same.

In my discussion with Pericles, I found it important to understand your definition of the word "religion" as you introduced the title:

"Religion do we need it?"

Would you be kind enough to provide us with your own understanding of the word "religion" in the context of this title?

Thank you.

Shockadelic "Suseonline, the question was put to you that there's no "organised set up" by atheists for social problems, like atheist counseling, atheist food kitchens, atheist homeless hostels. Where are they?"

And I asked how do you know all the people who work or volunteer in these "organized set ups" believe in a God?

Atheists don't believe there is a God, any God.

Why on on earth would a group of atheists set up a help organization and label it "atheist"? They are not trying to get out there and spread the word about their God and use their good works as an advertisement for a religion are they?
Maybe they just quietly get out there and get things done without the need to advertise their beliefs or non-beliefs?

Why can't we just have help organizations that are secularly named, rather than feeling the need to advertise their religion at the same time ?

Belly “Sorry shock a, not buying that.”
Not buying what?

“would you care to give us your views on all the other religions?”

I consider Islam more than a religion. It is societal totalitarianism.
I actually admire the Eastern religions (Buddhism, Taoism), but none of them are part of our history.

579 “Shokerdelic Liberty, privacy, individual sovereignty.
Some how this is tied to religion.”

Ah, yes, very much so. And to your proposed prohibition.
These concepts also permit your own atheism.
If you want to live somewhere you are told what you can think, please leave. I won't be joining you.

“When religion has rules that effect the rest of the nation, that means it effects me, being a non religious person.”

Atheists are guilty of the same interference (e.g. getting public displays of Christianity removed from schools, courts).

Everyone affects everyone, that's just part of living *communally*.
Don't like it, find yourself a desert island where you can live alone.

“If you want your church you pay for it.”

Agreed. But you stated before "outlaw" it.

“When you are dead you are on your way to compost.”

Your physical body is. Our social customs and laws even honour the dead (You can't defile a corpse, vandalise graves).
Do you propose we cease showing such respect for “compost”?

Suseonline “rather than feeling the need to advertise their religion at the same time?”

The religious ones are doing what they do *because* of their beliefs. Why shouldn't they state so?

“And I asked how do you know all the people who work or volunteer in these "organized set ups" believe in a God?”

Because the sign above the door says so. Why would an atheist join?

“Why on earth set up a help organization and label it "atheist"? They are not trying to get out there and spread the word...”

Why not? Maybe then you wouldn't be accused of doing nothing!
Maybe you could get to those lost youth's impressionable minds before the bible bashers do.

Don't tell me you don't want to spread your message. Just look at this thread!

I've never heard of atheists "...getting public displays of Christianity removed from schools, courts." Shockadelic?
I do agree that publicly funded secular schools should not favour one religion over another, or be seen to promote religion at all. If one wants their children taught about religion, then send them to a religious school.

Atheists don't promote anything Shockadelic, they merely don't believe in unicorns, vampires, Gods, aliens or any other fairy tales.
I agree though, that no one should knock what others believe or don't believe, as long as those beliefs are not forced on unwilling people or do not affect governments decisions.

In the final analysis, only 3 words matter in this topic ....

(1) No

(2) deities

(3) exist

They are the 3 most profound, and accurate, words so far in this topic.

Y you fish in a dry water hole.
My reference was to all who follow a God, you must have known that but used it to?
Lets be honest, who is uncertain about what I meant by religion?
Not referring to butchers or bakers was I.
A negative this morning can be found about religion, it could have been any one.
Once we let our fantasy's get involved in law making we suffer.
It was about the young Christian girl, set up by an aged and bigoted Muslim teacher, in the name of his version of the one God.
How blind are we? letting a primitive by nature religion , parts of its followers, threaten the worlds very peace, in the name of?
As is the case with every God,a phantasy's of our forefathers making.
WE DO think Gods of ancient Greece and Egypt never existed,we would most of us, say they are inventions.
Trace some of them back to Sun worship, but stall at opening our eyes to those we cling to.