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Is Atheism just another cult, with their own dogma, like religious cults?
Is Atheism just another cult, like a religious cult, with people who believe there is no god, and in most cases also that what is presented by science is the absolute truth? Do people of an Agnostic persuasion believe, atheists have a blind faith in science, believing what they show, and measure is the last word about reality; believing that this Science supports their side of the debate while excluding the Religious view.
Those in the middle of the God/No God debate (Agnostics) have stated that such a claim is delusional and is indicative of cult mentality on par with religious cultism. It requires blind belief God does not exist which is dogmatic because there is no proof (currently) that is acceptably to the Agnostic crowd that God is or is not. Agnostics see the gaps in Scientific knowledge and try to keep an open mind pertaining to spiritual ideas and their connection to the real world. They have sometimes been accused of creating the Scientific idea of Creationism which has gathered steam in the last decade or so. Being in the middle, They are attacked by both sides of the debate, as will be demonstrated in this debate question.
Biting and Kicking is allowed by the Author and leaves it to TED to tell us where the limits lie.
Closing Statement from John Moonstroller
"Is Atheism just another cult, with their own dogma, like religious cults?"
“The word cult in current popular usage usually refers to a new religious movement or other group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre.[1] The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices. The word was first used in the early 17th century denoting homage paid to a divinity and derived from the French culte or Latin cultus, ‘worship’, from cult-, ‘inhabited, cultivated, worshipped,’ from the verb colere, 'care, cultivation'.” ~ Wikipedia
“Dogma is the official system of belief or doctrine held by a religion, or a particular group or organization” ~ Wikipedia.
Organizations of atheists ritually denounce the existence of God. They have become an organization, dedicated to the activity of removing all relic’s of Theism from public places. Their dogma is based entirely on their notion or belief that God does not exist. These organizations work tirelessly towards this effort.
It is no longer possible for an individual to simply state they are an atheist, by reason of personal belief, and not be affiliated, by membership or indirect alignment with these organizations.
These organizations have an official system of belief and their doctrine is to end the belief of theism on this planet.
They are exclusive, ritualistic, and have a belief system which generates activity within and beyond the boundaries of the organization. They are a Cult.
Not everyone agrees with this interpretation but the meaning of words evolve over time. To be an Atheist is to believe in a dogma and be a member of a club or organization. In the least, an individual is indirectly aligned with these clubs or organizations by belief or personal assertion they are an atheist.
John Moonstroller
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Stephen Torres
John Moonstroller 30+
Stephen you can Google and see the number of atheist organizations that have grown since the 60's. It's a large number and the internet has only allowed them to grow stronger. They have a political agenda that is set off from their philosophical views and belief system.
They aim to destroy all religious beliefs and set the world straight. They are just as powerful as a mob organization (criminal) and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. If you are religious, they want you off the planet. All you need do to discover this information is join up and move through the system to the inside circle. I suggest you don't get caught.
These atheist organizations have their tools to stimulate hate, confusion, and conflict. It's strange but sometimes they are allied with christian hate organization. The recent film that has set the Muslim world on fire today is an example of such collaboration. I could say more but I won't. (a hint to the wise.)
You can get more information from this site.
http://www.splcenter.org/?ref=blog
You have to email them to find specific information about such groups as Atheist organizations. These Atheist organizations have their own lawyers.
The world is not the calm peaceful place we here in the US wake up to when we sit on our decks and drink our coffee in the morning. It's aflame.
Jimmy Strobl 30+
I must say that I really enjoy seeing mankind transform into a more enlightened species.
Anyway John, I easily tire of these debates so I'm just going to leave my thoughts and never return to this conversation, enjoy!
First of all science is basically the opposite of dogma, religious people don't really seem to get that...
You really don't get science at all! There would be few things cooler for a scientist then proving that everything we knew was wrong! There is no truth in science, only probability. So you see, the being dogmatic argument goes away quite fast.
I think that religious people "attack" agnostics way more then atheists perhaps do. I as an atheist would only ask an agnostic what kind of odds he/she thinks there is for (a) "God". Most people here seem to be Teapot-Agnostic/Atheist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russells_teapot
And to answer your question: No, we're not in a cult, it's the other way around!!! I'm really not kidding you, snap out of it man!
(no offence)
Stephen Torres
John Moonstroller 30+
Later.
Obey No1kinobe 50+
If I might make a suggestion. Your heading states is atheism just another cult.
That is bundling up all those who don't believe in gods, all those who consider themselves atheists as part of a cult.
Hopefully this is obviously clearly false. As discussed not believing in gods does not mean you automatically belong to any cult. It is a position on one question.
Atheists can join any cult or group they like, but atheism isn't a cult. It is a position on one question.
Now I get your point about some atheists organising for whatever reason. Some might consider religion harmful. Some might even cross lines I consider reasonable. Still I suggest you might consider most of these political or philosophical organisations rather than cults.
You may be doing a disservice to your argument by bunching all atheists together as a cult.
If there are atheists trying to force others to give up religion or other impingements on the rights of others that should be resisted.
Others might like to see an end to religious type superstition or at least the negative impacts, but would not force people to be atheist.
Stephen Torres
John Moonstroller 30+
That could be a valid point Obey. I could reword the topic but would that be fair at this juncture of the conversation?
Atheism is accepted within some religious and spiritual belief systems, including Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Neopagan movements[17] such as Wicca,[18] and nontheistic religions. Jainism and some forms of Buddhism do not advocate belief in gods,[19] whereas Hinduism holds atheism to be valid, but some schools view the path of an atheist to be difficult to follow in matters of spirituality.[20] ~wikipedia
It appears that in some religions, Atheism is a religious notion and as such can be called a cult.
Obey No1kinobe 50+
It is similar I guess. I support freedom of religion even though I argue against it in many regards. Mainly because it is so powerful and can be used to excuse many bad things. But I'm okay with religion if it doesn't harm people or isn't forced on others. Even then I will debate if people are willing. I will protest if religion is trying to undermine secular institutions like chaplains and scripture classes in state schools etc.
It's a funny position, like supporting freedom of speech, within limits, even if you use it to disagree with me.
But there is something about religion that is really hard to have reasoned discussion. How do you argue with " because god said so".
Obey No1kinobe 50+
Just suggesting that while atheists can join cults or be superstitious or not, atheism is not a cult.
Some atheists may be part of something cultish. But atheism is not a religion or a cult.
I suggest cults do exist. Often led by charismatic individuals. Usually very closed. Jim jones etc. there is a continuum and some groups might easily be classed a cult but others may share some cultish aspects. Remember the om supreme truth sect. Classic cult. Then you have particular immans or preachers under the umbrella of a larger tradition that may influence small groups in a cultish manner, but may not meet all the trappings of a cult.
John Moonstroller 30+
Note religious affiliations.
Your western minded world mindset is just a part of the whole world viewpoint Obey.