BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton

Subject: BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 04:06 PM

Interesting talk. I find a refreshing difference between him and the "North Oxford" crowd.

the talk.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 08:42 PM

In case anyone missed this over the weekend.

When he first started to describe his idea. I jokingly say to Carol. That sounds like Anglicanism. Like the ones I grew up with anyway. When I was growing up it seemed a lot of people went to Church even though they did not seem to believe.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton
From: Stringsinger
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 08:51 PM

The ritual is often more important than the belief system since it entails membership in a community. The belief system is often taken with a grain of salt.
This is why religious denominations are not in lockstep.

The problem with this view is that the religious system itself might be harmful and support for it questionable. I think this is a true atheist position.

I can see situations in which the religious system can be dealt with politely if it doesn't become proselytizing and tribal. But I choose personally not to support a religious system as credible although I can remain polite about it when dealing with believers. Most of the time, I choose to ignore any conversations about it because I don't think it merits that.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton
From: Stringsinger
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 08:52 PM

Perhaps with this exception on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 09:30 PM

"I can remain polite about it when dealing with believers. Most of the time, I choose to ignore any conversations about it because I don't think it merits that. "

That is de Botton's advice in the talk.

Subject: RE: BS: Atheism 2.0 Alain de Botton
From: Stringsinger
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:34 AM

Makes sense.