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Regarding priesthood, I must say it shows where religion fails. See my message
below on atheism. It was sent to a national newsgroup thread.
===
Re: Promoting atheism
From:
Roy S Schestowitz
<roy-dot-schestowitz-at-isbe-dot-man-dot-ac-dot-uk@use-address-before-at.com>
Date:
Saturday 17 July 2004 03:42:25
Groups:
uk.philosophy.atheism
References: 1 2 3
Jeffrey Goldberg wrote:
> Roy S Schestowitz wrote:
>
>> Can somebody explain to me why people want to promote atheism?
>
> Because, on the whole, religion is dangerous. Religion opposes
> scientific and rational thought. Religion is the primary hook on which
> people hang ancient vendettas. Selling religion is tax-exempt.
>
> Think of it is promoting rationality.
>
> Now given our cultural taboos, attacking religion is just impossible.
> Douglas Adams made a speech in which he said something like,
>
> If you say taxes are too high and should be lowered, I can argue with
> you if I disagree. If you say taxes should be raised, I can argue
> with you if I disagree. But if you say that you can't turn on a light
> switch on Saturday, all I'm allowed to say is "I respect that."
>
> Most ideas that people hold are subject to scrutiny. We can argue about
> them if we wish. We can criticise them and even ridicule them. But
> there is one class of ideas that we are forbidden to publicly attack.
> I can argue politics with the parents of my daughter's best friend; I
> can argue economics with them. But God forbid that I do anything other
> than respect their religious beliefs.
>
> I admire the people who have the courage to break this taboo. Richard
> Dawkins is a prime example. I do not share his courage, and so I
> acquiesce to our norms, and remain respectful except in the case where
> debate is specifically invited.
Excellent answer.
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