Atheist and the nativity

Person_one

Soubrette wrote: »

I would say the average believer/non believer has quite a shallow knowledge of what they do or don't believe in and it's mainly based on how they were brought up.

It is extremely interesting to see people well versed in their religion or atheism having a proper debate on the subject.

I like the Greek and Roman Gods - spoiled selfish superpeople is a reasonable conclusion if you look around at the conflict and injustice of the natural world. Much more emotionally satisfying than god works in mysterious way imo.

Just one little point, you can't be well versed in atheism, there is nothing to be well versed in.

Soubrette

The_One_Who wrote: »

The OP seems to be more on anti-religion side of things, since the act of a school teaching children about the Nativity has sparked this thread. And they say they only mention religion when necessary. Learning about religion will not necessarily make someone religious.

Again, I am not religious, but I see no reason why others can't or shouldn't be if they want to. If you want to believe that a fairy lives in the garden that's up to you, if you want to believe that a god exists that is up to you, and if you want to believe that there is no divine being that is also up to you. Makes no difference to me.

I was under the impression that the OP did not want the nativity story presented as fact - surely in keeping with not brain washing a child?

I too believe that people should have the right to believe in what they wish - they should not have the right to special privileges based on those beliefs though.

Soubrette

Person_one wrote: »

Just one little point, you can't be well versed in atheism, there is nothing to be well versed in.

Tell that to Richard Dawkins

I meant more that naive atheists (like me, never felt the need to add in a god into the world, don't get annoyed if someone prays for me etc) have an idea of christianity which is perhaps a little simplistic at times.

pulliptears

To be honest having read the OP again she states that the child has just started school so she's what 3? 4? At this stage religion is just a story to her, she hasn't the scope to understand there is a world outside in full let alone the complexities of faith. At her age its a bit of fun. Mary had a baby and the annual fight for who gets to play Mary and who is lumbered with being sheep #3.

Let her enjoy it for now.

The_One_Who

Soubrette wrote: »

I was under the impression that the OP did not want the nativity story presented as fact - surely in keeping with not brain washing a child?

I too believe that people should have the right to believe in what they wish - they should not have the right to special privileges based on those beliefs though.

There was nothing in the post saying that the school were teaching religion as fact. I know that my classes never did that. It was always "the story of Christmas".

I also don't believe that religion should not put you above anyone else in terms of access to privileges, but it also should not be used to degrade or insult someone. Live and let live. Religion (or lack of) should not matter in day-to-day activities.

PenguinOfDeath

I went to a non-faith primary (neither of my parents are religious but never tried to sway me one way or the other afair). I distinctly remember being around 7 years old in class when we were reading some bible story or other and asking my mates 'you don't believe in this stuff do you, it clearly didn't happen!'. :rotfl:I'm sure they will end up thinking what they want to when the time is right

Person_one

Soubrette wrote: »

Tell that to Richard Dawkins

I meant more that naive atheists (like me, never felt the need to add in a god into the world, don't get annoyed if someone prays for me etc) have an idea of christianity which is perhaps a little simplistic at times.

Richard Dawkins is an example of a more vocal atheist, and more well versed in biology than most.

He's no more an atheist and no more well versed in atheism than you or me.

Atheism is a very very simple concept, if you don't believe in any god or religion you're an atheist. There are no degrees of atheism, no rules, you either are or you aren't, like being pregnant.

ilikewatch

Soubrette wrote: »

I too believe that people should have the right to believe in what they wish - they should not have the right to special privileges based on those beliefs though.

I'm sure that come the Rapture plenty of atheists faced with undergoing Tribulation will wish they had the "special privelege" of ascending to meet the lord, rather hanging round on Earth for 7 years of misery

Elle7

pulliptears wrote: »

To be honest having read the OP again she states that the child has just started school so she's what 3? 4? At this stage religion is just a story to her, she hasn't the scope to understand there is a world outside in full let alone the complexities of faith. At her age its a bit of fun. Mary had a baby and the annual fight for who gets to play Mary and who is lumbered with being sheep #3.

Let her enjoy it for now.

I agree. Throughout primary school and secondary school she will learn about all the different beliefs, at the right times, and either form her own beliefs or follow you in that they are all made-up and just stories she can believe.

She doesn't need to worry about that...enjoy her being excited about the nativity. There's plenty of time for beliefs and religious arguments later - for now shes enjoying a story with a baby, a donkey, a couple, stars, wisemen...its just like any other storybook to her.

Person_one

ilikewatch wrote: »

I'm sure that come the Rapture plenty of atheists faced with undergoing Tribulation will wish they had the "special privelege" of ascending to meet the lord, rather hanging round on Earth for 7 years of misery

The last rapture was pretty uneventful, I'll take my chances.