Atheist takeover...

[Falvlun]

People can believe whatever they want, unless their beliefs start trampling the rights of others. Although, I think that it would be pretty hard to maintain belief that God exists if there is some incontrovertible proof that he doesn't.

Religion wouldn't die though. There are godless religions now. It would just shift focus from God to either personal development or a oneness sort of philosophy.

 

[imaginaryme]

Although, I think that it would be pretty hard to maintain belief that God exists if there is some incontrovertible proof that he doesn't.

Simultaneity covers that.

 

[Acim]

Except that it's hardly limited to atheists. It's a low opinion of people, which some people validate.

No, it is more a low opinion of atheists, which some people validate. I don't even know if those people are actually atheist. My low opinion is a prejudice, though is not the only thing I believe about atheists. I have high opinions as well, which contradict the low opinions.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

No, it is more a low opinion of atheists, which some people validate.

So you don't think there are many theists who would not protect the differing beliefs of others?

 

[Erebus]

To be fair, state enforced atheism would be a hell of a lot easier to avoid than state enforced theism. I'd be able to practice my beliefs without people ever cottoning on that I was a theist.

I'm honestly not sure if I'd shelter people or not, it's one of those situations you just don't know how you'll react to unless it happens.

 

[Acim]

So you don't think there are many theists who would not protect the differing beliefs of others?

Your question had no relation to my response.

Touche.

 

[Acim]

I'm honestly not sure if I'd shelter people or not, it's one of those situations you just don't know how you'll react to unless it happens.

I appreciate your honesty and agree with what you're saying.

Hypothetically speaking, do you think you would or would want to?

 

[El_Majusi]

I will continue to make the religious duties I can make alone, but would leave the practices which need to be made with a gathering of believers. I'll be discreet but try to speak out and tell to the government their ways are wrong, or too aggressive, too harsh.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Touche.

Quoting my responses out of order, and out of context, will do little to clear up your confusion.

 

[Koldo]

That whatever is my "lowest opinion of atheists" and is being made for discussion on this thread, that there are some atheists among us who will, how you say, validate that lowest opinion.

What are you talking about?
Is this an answer to my question?

I have no idea about on you are talking about.
It seems completely out of context...

 

[Erebus]

I appreciate your honesty and agree with what you're saying.

Hypothetically speaking, do you think you would or would want to?

I'd certainly want to as I'd be utterly opposed to such a government. Whether I could or would is more difficult to answer. I wouldn't know who to trust or what to do for people. I could provide a room and some food, but how do I know if I'm sheltering a victim of persecution or if I'm sheltering a robber, rapist or government agent looking to see who would shelter theists?

I have a general distrust of people that would be extremely difficult to overcome despite wanting to oppose such a government. I'd be more inclined to work against the government rather than work for the victims if that makes sense?

 

[Acim]

What are you talking about?
Is this an answer to my question?

I have no idea about on you are talking about.
It seems completely out of context...

It was in response to your question.
It is within context of your inquiry "what is your point" in relation to me saying, "I'm pretty sure if we keep this thread going for 100 pages, I could provide another 50 variations on this theme."

Like Kilgore Trout, explaining this to you is more challenging than simple dialogue I was asking for earlier.

But press on, we shall.
Seek all the clarification that is desired.

 

[Acim]

I'd certainly want to as I'd be utterly opposed to such a government. Whether I could or would is more difficult to answer. I wouldn't know who to trust or what to do for people. I could provide a room and some food, but how do I know if I'm sheltering a victim of persecution or if I'm sheltering a robber, rapist or government agent looking to see who would shelter theists?

I have a general distrust of people that would be extremely difficult to overcome despite wanting to oppose such a government. I'd be more inclined to work against the government rather than work for the victims if that makes sense?

Makes much sense to me.

Thanks you for your direct, and thoughtful response, to the hypothetical questioned posed in OP.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Like Kilgore Trout, explaining this to you is more challenging than simple dialogue I was asking for earlier.

True, it is very challenging explaining something simple to you.

 

[Erebus]

Makes much sense to me.

Thanks you for your direct, and thoughtful response, to the hypothetical questioned posed in OP.

No problem

 

[crocusj]

Talk is cheap, as they say. I know what I would like to do- help. But we do not have a very good track record historically in this regard. When faced with a totalitarian onslaught of whatever hue people tend to batten down the hatches and try to survive. That generally means looking after their own and ethics tend to go out the window. There are always hardy and brave souls willing to help but how could I say I was one of them until faced with a life or death dilemma. Sadly, of course, regimes like this are common. They can only be this way with compliance through either support or fear. Only knowing this fear would enable an honest answer.

 

[jarofthoughts]

For atheists: would you actively resist this in any fashion?

Yes. Politically if possible. Violently if not.

Essentially saying persons have right to practice their beliefs in private way?

Yes. As long as they don't harm anyone else, of course.

Would you even go as far as provide safety zone (housing, or whatever) for believers in your area?

Yes.

Or, would you go along with TPTB (authority) and help round-up the wrong-doers to be elminated?

Nope.

 

[Caladan]

I'd like to think that an 'atheist take over' would be through the understanding that secular education in North America is not all that bad. and a secular reading of the scripture is a great benefit for public rest. having lived through 5 wars and participating in one I'd probably stare at the eyes of the personnel that face me, usually when they understand I am a veteran I get a huge break and we end up drinking tea and have some small talk.
really though, after having physical discussions with people who in reality should be considered my rivals, you always understand that you can have a discussion with just about anyone. I had discussions with immigration officers who seem to sympathise with me for being Israeli, had discussions with Iranians, Palestinians, Egyptians, Lebanese, at the end of the day, you realise you are all in the same situation.
its a strange world we live in, when your real allies are those who understand you might as well lower your guard. I had an Austrian guy tell me at a pub in Tel Aviv a few days ago in proper Hebrew: 'There are way too many Germans here. looking at two young German women, I thought 'well it actually makes me relaxed'.

 

[Koldo]

It was in response to your question.
It is within context of your inquiry "what is your point" in relation to me saying, "I'm pretty sure if we keep this thread going for 100 pages, I could provide another 50 variations on this theme."

Like Kilgore Trout, explaining this to you is more challenging than simple dialogue I was asking for earlier.

But press on, we shall.
Seek all the clarification that is desired.

You don't make much sense.
I am still trying to figure out what is the connection between presenting '50 possible hyphotetical situations' and your search for an atheist that fits in your "low standards". Do you think that someone will eventually fit in them if you keep presenting those imaginary scenarios or something? Is this what you are looking for?

 

[Falvlun]

Simultaneity covers that.

You mean the belief that god can both exist and not exist at the same time?

I don't see that catching on any time soon, but best of luck.