20 amazing quotes from atheists that prove religion isn’t necessary for a meaningful life

[cbayer]

http://www.salon.com/2014/02/11/20_amazing_quotes_from_atheists_that_prove_religion_isnt_necessary_for_a_meaningful_life_partner/

TUESDAY, FEB 11, 2014 10:36 AM CST

Because belief in God isn't a prerequisite for finding joy and beauty in the world

VALERIE TARICO, ALTERNET


(Credit: Estremo via Shutterstock)

This article originally appeared on AlterNet.

Recently an “educational” pamphlet designed for Christian children made its way around Facebook. It warned God’s little lambs to avoid sour unhappy people called “atheists.” A private school curriculum called Accelerated Christian Education includes cartoons in which the atheist characters are rude, mean and drunk; and bad things happen to them.

Stereotypes like these get echoed sometimes even in Christian books and lectures that are targeted at adults. I once attended a successful megachurch on the Sunday before Easter. The pastor wanted his audience to be clear that the resurrection of Jesus wasn’t merely some spiritual metaphor. “If the resurrection didn’t literally happen,” he shouted, “there is no reason for us to be here! If the resurrection didn’t literally happen—there are parties to be had! There are women to be had! There are guns to shoot! There are people to shoot!”

You caught the subtext? Atheists (and even liberal Christians) have no basis for morality. Nothing—and I mean nothing!—stands between a godless person and debauchery or lechery or even violence.

Population demographics suggest otherwise, of course. Atheism is far more common among elite scientists and some of the most peaceful and equitable societies on earth are also the least religious. But believers persist in fearing that godless people are amoral, that unfettered by religion the world would descend into the anarchy and bloodbath depicted in the Left Behind movies.

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[RedstDem]

1. in my travels, i've found the overtly religious

to be sour pusses..not all, but a lot.
the more even keeled ones are the happiest, in my opinion.

[cbayer]

2. I have such a variety of experiences.

I'm in Mexico right now.

The people here tend to be very religious, but it's personal. They are not evangelists, but you see it everywhere.

They are generally happy, content, friendly and appear to be free of much anxiety.

But I've also lived in places with almost no religious people and had very similar experiences.

In the end, I don't think it matters whether you are religious or not, it's how you live your life (and let others live theirs).

[trotsky]

3. I appreciate you posting nice things about atheism, cbayer.

It is a welcome change.

[rug]

4. Beautiful sentiments.

I note "You're deluded if you believe in a Bronze Age sky daddy" is not among them.

[cbayer]

5. Aren't they great. And so inclusive.

They can speak to, about or for just about anyone.