Ok. It seems to me I have just about the perfect friend-set to have a serious conversation on this topic. I have a lot of friends who practice an organized religion of one type or another. I have many friends who are atheists, secular humanists, and the like. I respect and love you all. So, first, read the story. Then, Id appreciate your thoughts. I must confess my own struggle here. I personally see one of the most important tenets of a religion to be worship of a God or gods. However, Buddhists would certainly disagree. So, it is actually POSSIBLE to have a godless religion? A religion without Spirituality? My own initial take is, No. But I am open to being convinced otherwise, which is precisely why I am posting this...to get your opinions. Yes, it seems to me, atheists and humanists deserve constitutional protection. I would totally agree with the following sentence, taken from the story: “Nonreligious people are just one of the large groups in American society today,” Epstein said. “Increasingly, we need to be recognized not just for our non-belief, but also as a community, and this decision affirms that.” Yes...to the need for being recognized for your non-belief. I would even say, ahem, Amen to that. But as *religion?!* This is where I get tripped up. I ask this, knowing that the atheist/humanist community is *also* split on these issues, as well. Its not at all clear that all atheists and humanists would applaud this decision today. Heres where I get trapped....How can a group whose stated goals exclude the ideas of a God, god, or inherent spirituality beyond oneself, be considered a religion? OK, friends, keep it civil...have at it.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:41:42 +0000
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