Category: Let's talk
I know this should perhaps go in the Religion Topics board, but because some of what I might ask is controversial, that might not be the best place as it's part of the Safe Haven part of these boards.
OK, so that being said, the question is a two parter. Firstly, are you a blind person who is either an agnostic or an atheist or who just is not into organized religion at all. Second, as a skeptic or non-believer, do you feel you are being prevented from stating your beliefs either out of fear of upsetting the majority who seem to be religious folks, or because you actually tried to state your point of view and were persecuted, picked on, silenced, banned or otherwise prevented from expressing yourself?
Yes, I'm an agnostic. I haven't had a problem with talking about my beliefs or anything like that. While I've been in debates with people who did not agree with me, we managed to stay on topic and not have a screaming match. As we all know, that's not an easy thing to do, especially if the topic is something like religion or politics.
I'm not religious, and I'm not an atheist or agnostic. The reason I'm not an atheist is that I believe it is most probable that God doesn't exist but I haven't concluded that he doesn't. I'm not an agnostic, because I haven't concluded that I'm not sure whether or not God exists. The reason I haven't concluded in either direction is simply that I can't be bothered. It makes no difference to me whether God exists or not. I control as much of my life as posible, and make as many decisions as I'm legally able to make, based on my own personal thoughts, intentions, and desires. Some of my decisions may be influenced by information the opinions of others, or other factors, but the extent to which that happens or whether it happens is in my hands. I haven't been persecuted for this stance, nor will I be. For I live in a land where I am free to make my own decisions about what I think on any given subject, and where I am free to express the opinions I wish to express.
I agree largely with senior. I call myself a cross between an agnostic and atheist. I basically believe that some other beings, of higher power if you will, may be out there, but if they do exist, I'm not going to worship them, just as I wouldn't worship any other being. If they ever want to have a chat, they're welcome to come down here and do so, but otherwise I'm not really going to give them much thought. I don't get that many problems holding this belief, other than a bit from my very conservative christian parents.
As for religion, I do have a distrust for organized religion, in a collective form. Go through history, and you'll find too many people killing or doing horrible things to others "because my religion told me to." However, I don't usually distrust individuals in religions unless they give me reason. I have several friends in a few different religions, and we usually get along fine, as long as no one tries to force me to believe the way they think I should.
I am an agnostic, and I agree with the others, I've had no problems expressing my opinions. My best friend is a very strong Christian, and I've also got Buddhist and Wiccan friends. We just agree to disagree, and respect one another's beliefs, and we get along great. I like to think I'm a pretty tolerant person, and not being sure of exactly what I believe makes it harder to discredit what others believe, which also helps.
Well, I'm a freethinker, and, while this has not created many serious problems in my personal relationships, my rejection of conventional religion and my unfashionable political views were definitely an impediment to career advancement during my working years.