Yesterday I had a problem with my internet dropping offline. This is particularly problematic as I work from home. I called my provider and they sent a tech. He went into my office because they try to be polite but they want to know if your computer is on, plugged in and all the stupid stuff that people do that cause a problem. He noticed that on one of my monitors I have the Atheist Republic up. I forgot to take it down before he got here. I never leave it up when strangers are around because you never know what they will do when they see it. Well, one thing led to another and we went outside to check the connections. All of a sudden he said so you belong to the Atheist Republic. I said yes, I participate in the forum. he said I didn't know there was a forum, I just go on Facebook and chat there.
So my cable guy is an atheist.
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Slings and arrows of your enemies lurking large in your mind?
I've always been clear and concise with everyone who knows me that my stance on gods and religions is what it is. They may/may not respect me for it but they at least know not to talk god-smut around me without a point/counter-point debate they know better than to engage me in. The intent is to keep one's persuasions in all thing metaphysical to themselves. It's better that than to fall onto one's own sword.
I don't have a FB account. That's a sad seething pot of humanity that keeps the credibility of my reclusiveness well proven.
cool. so is my son
There are probably large numbers of atheists who think they're alone. What to do about it? I only discovered the Republic because I happened across Avram Navabi's book while browsing the internet. I read all of it, was deeply touched by his story, and straight away joined up. It was the first time I've ever had the chance to exchange views with other atheists even though I've been one all my life. And even though, at first, I was somewhat puzzled by what I saw on this website, I'm glad I joined.
That's awesome.
Hi California! How you doing? Are you glad you came?
I think Mykcob's policy of caution is probably sensible. He wants his computer fixed and needs it for his work, he doesn't need to discuss religion, politics or anything the techy might feel strongly about. On the other hand religionists should be adult and not need to be humoured. It is also important not to behave as if there might be something wrong or discreditable about not believing in god(s).
This forum has often debated US statistics and all agree that they need to be treated with caution, but there is some evidence that disbelief and strong doubts about god (especially the Abrahamic ones) are quite common in the USA...
https://psyarxiv.com/edzda
That is what so frightens religionists - that evidence and reason imply non-believers and sceptics are right. Arguably, it is no longer a Christian nation.
@ZeffD
That's encouraging. As you probably know, the UK, Norway and Sweden are largely secularist countries now. I think the reason for that, at least in the UK, is that we Brits are natural stoics. We have another way of expressing 'logic' - we call it common sense.
Ah yes, good old British common sense...
https://psyarxiv.com/edzda
From "Dumb (meaning stupid) Britain"...
Ben Shephard: Which London landmark houses Big Ben?
Contestant: Tower Bridge.
Shephard: The Dolomites are a branch of which major European mountain range?
Contestant: The Grand Canyon.
The Chase, ITV
Bradley Walsh: In which country is the mountain pass the Cumberland Gap?
Contestant: Holland.
Walsh: What is the most commonly used food energy unit around the world?
Contestant: Potato.
Of course when it comes to stupid, there is probably one international winner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-o9pwWUzz0
They seriously think that "the only answer to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." Common sense would suggest the only answer is effective gun control and a diminished gun culture.
Yes, ok. But you could probably find examples like that among all peoples everywhere. But I agree about the international winner - with this proviso: I've been to the States and the people I met there didn't strike me as any more dumb than anyone I've met in other countries. But their social history is different, and that's for sure.
On the subject of good news, quote,
"..the median age of white evangelical Protestants is now 55, and the median age of religiously unaffiliated [US]Americans is 37. While 26% of seniors (65 and older) are white evangelicals, only 8% of Americans younger than 30 claim this identity..."
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/09/06/fading-white-evangelic...
However, until the very religious die out, they are boosting Little Donnie's ego and engaging hypocrite hyperdrive:
"'We tried nice guys': conservative hardliners stay in a trance for Trump"
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/15/donald-trump-values-vote...