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religion
One of the great strengths of the United States, is ... we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. (President Obama)
This is why I love President Obama. Finally, someone willing to say that out loud and not be ashamed of it.
We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.
Not sure I agree with this point. Also undecided about whether I wish I could agree with this point.
I just finished The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. Would be interested in thoughts of other people who have read his books. I don't have huge amounts to say because I'm still pondering, but the interesting points made in the book that stick in my head for further ponderment are:
- The "there must be a creator because things couldn't have randomly evolved" argument: nothing "randomly" evolved. It wasn't random. Or simple. Interesting point.
- Atheists are not necessarily nihilists. Thank you. True.
- Why is religion a topic we are not allowed to call out? You can slam a political party all you want, but call out any particular religion for what it is and you're not respecting people's religious freedom.
- Agnosticism is a cop-out. Had never really thought about that concept. I'm leaning toward agreeing.
- Religion is a negative, not positive, and not even neutral, force in society. I have felt this way since the moment I took time to think about it. I'm in the minority in my social circles for sure. I usually keep my mouth shut.
- The need for religion may be a byproduct of another evolutionary process. Interesting. Too complicated for my feeble brain. Still thinking.
Am now off to get more of his books and to finally read Origin of the Species.
