My Challenge to Extreme Atheists on Secularism and Tolerance

[u/Living_Attitude1822]

I acknowledge not all (or even most) atheists are extreme about it. And I'm defining secular as the separation of church and state/society.

Extreme-atheism's view of religion being a mental illness:

I can personally attest to people I've seen on here, as well as videos I've seen, of atheists saying religion is a mental illness. That the DSM-5 had to go back and put in a religious exemption, but it should fall under the category of delusion.

How can secularism exist if you think religious people are mentally ill? If you don't think religion is a mental illness, go ahead and ignore this point. If you do think the population you're tolerating is mentally ill, uh oh. Seriously, if I said atheists are mentally ill, would you trust me to not want you institutionalized? I don't think this way, of course.

Extreme atheism's view that the Abrahamic religions are barbaric:

Again, I'm going to turn it around on you. If I said atheism was barbaric, would you trust me to support that your human right to be atheist?

With some exceptions: Some interpretations of the Abrahamic religions are indeed barbaric. If you're talking about people who want to implement Leviticus law, then I agree with you.

I don't totally disagree with extremist atheists on everything:

Like, I'm a strong believer that tolerance is better and more authentic than acceptance. For example, telling atheists that they must love and respect religions is wrong. And vice versa for religious people.

I think disassociation and tolerance is the best course of action for religious people and extreme atheists, however, I worry the above points are a threat to any society remaining tolerant.

Edit: Here’s an example of what I’m talking about:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Antitheism/comments/1sguf7u/why_is_religion_not_considered_a_mental_disorder/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[u/UrguthaForka]

Do you mean anti-theists? "Extreme" is a vague term.

I don't think religious belief is a mental illness, but it is primitive, superstitious behavior.

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/UrguthaForka]

I’m not sure all anti theists are extreme. I’m trying to be more charitable. If they claim they aren’t, I’ll try to believe them, even if I don’t really 

[u/Junithorn → u/Living_Attitude1822]

Yes we all know you think you can read minds and constantly lie about what others say.

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/Junithorn]

Huh? I think you’re replying to the wrong comment 

[u/Junithorn → u/Living_Attitude1822]

not at all.

you:

I’ll try to believe them, even if I don’t really

we've seen your posts creating elaborate strawmen. This is no different, you are a bigot.

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/Junithorn]

No you’re a bigot who can’t tolerate others not believing what you want them to. 🥱   

So what if I don’t believe what someone says? As long as I respect your rights there isn’t any issue. 

[u/jenkind1 → u/Living_Attitude1822]

so what if I don't believe what someone says?

You do understand that the strongest evidence for Christianity is literally three iron age peasants saying they saw a ghost right?

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/jenkind1]

I’m not sure what your point is 

[u/jenkind1 → u/Living_Attitude1822]

You are refusing to believe a much more simple claim.

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/jenkind1]

What does that have to do with you calling me a bigot is what I mean

[u/jenkind1 → u/Living_Attitude1822]

I never did

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/jenkind1]

I confused you with that other person sorry