Joined the Free Thought Radio Forum... (reject, hell, doctrine, church)

[jamesnash]

I'm one of the voices you can hear on www.freethoughtradio.com. I was raised a Catholic, notice I didn't say "reared." I came to me senses about a decade ago and was a closet atheist for quite a while, not knowing where to go to meet others who have come to the same conclusions.

I live in a suburb of Atlanta, GA with my "doesn't like religious labels" wife and 5 cats (all rescues). I try to be active with the local freethought society, www.atlantafreethought.org.

I am becoming more active in the political scene trying to make sure that our politicians are aware that there are people out there who still believe in the separation between religion and government.

Thanks and see you in the forums,

James Nash

[Scott1]

Hello and welcome to RF.

[michel]

QUOTE "I am becoming more active in the political scene trying to make sure that our politicians are aware that there are people out there who still believe in the separation between religion and government."

Hi again James,

I just love that statement of intent above; all I can say is that you're a brave guy; from what I have seen on this forum, that isn't going to be easy in the States- from here in England 'Your' political system is totally entrenched with Religion.

Who am I to criticise ? - it's not my country; all I can say is that if England was going the same way,I'd probably setting up a 'free thought station' of my own.......

[Mister Emu]

Welcome to the forums Mr. Nash.

I have a question that has been plagueing me for a while, I hope this is not bothering.

Why is a free thought society only for athiests? To me it seems to defeat the purpose of the "free" in free thought.

[jamesnash]

free thought
n. Thought that rejects authority and dogma, especially in religion.

dog·ma
n. A doctrine or a corpus of doctrines relating to faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by a church.

Freethought societies are not restricted to atheists alone. Secular humanists, agnostics, and any person who has come to the conclusion that all religions are man-made and without a supernatural source would fall into the definition of the term.

[michel]

That is amazingly commendable; I wish I lived in Atlanta; I would offer you some of my free time. Coincidentally, I have a son who gives up some of his spare time to help 'man' a local radio station devoted to ethnic minorities - mainly Asians, at :- http://www.unity24.org/ (just in cse you want to have a listen at what is a reasonably well presented radio station, considering the little funding they manager to drum up, through advertizing.

[Mister Emu]

Freethought societies are not restricted to atheists alone. Secular humanists, agnostics, and any person who has come to the conclusion that all religions are man-made and without a supernatural source would fall into the definition of the term.

Ahh, you have to reject religion to be considered a free thinker?

Thought that rejects authority and dogma, especially in religion

That is the whole point, I am sorry but it sounds remarkably restricted for freethought.

I guess it will continue to boggle my mind. Like saying you must conform to our non-conformist ways.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Mister Emu

Ahh, you have to reject religion to be considered a free thinker?

That is the whole point, I am sorry but it sounds remarkably restricted for freethought.

I guess it will continue to boggle my mind. Like saying you must conform to our non-conformist ways.

Mister Emu,

There is a great deal to learn from 'free' thinkers - morality without religion (IMO) is more 'worthy' than the same from within a religion; there is a lesson in there.

Also there is no harm whatsoever in having a 'devil's advocate'; he keeps people like you on your toes!

[Majikthise]

Welcome Jim!!! I think you will find this forum enjoyable.

[jamesnash]

Originally Posted by Mister Emu

Ahh, you have to reject religion to be considered a free thinker?

That is the whole point, I am sorry but it sounds remarkably restricted for freethought.

Every religion I have encountered requires the adherent to restrict their point of view to that particular religion in order for that person to be accepted into that religion.

The free thinker must truly take each tenet and decide for themselves which ones make sense in this world and which do not. That is one reason atheists are difficult to label. There are many aspects of some religions that do make sense but none of those require anything supernatural.

I for one, do not need the promise of a fantasy paradise or the threat of eternal torture in order for me to make good choices to live my life in a positive manner and to respect and treat everyone as equals.

I guess it boils down to the religion being the restrictive force that defines free thought.

Thanks,

James