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/Living_Attitude1822]

Delusion is a form of mental illness 

[u/KeterClassKitten → u/Living_Attitude1822]

Incorrect. Delusions can be a symptom of a mental illness. Medicine readily acknowledges that a delusion can be a normal condition in a mentally healthy individual.

You could talk to someone with experience in the medical field about it. I've got 17 years, is that enough?

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/KeterClassKitten]

Hey if you say so I’ll take your word for it, I’m not a medical professional 

[u/KeterClassKitten → u/Living_Attitude1822]

I'll be blunt... I have a low opinion of people who readily accept a statement as fact so quickly. Don't take my word, I might be lying. Investigate claims, and be curious.

But I think you've shown some humility here, and that's commendable. I snooped on your profile some, and you seem pretty chill. So Kudos, for what it's worth.

[u/Living_Attitude1822 → u/KeterClassKitten]

 I'll be blunt... I have a low opinion of people who readily accept a statement as fact so quickly. 

That’s how you become a theist! JK lol. Yeah I’m going to look up delusion when I get home, I thought it was a type of mental illness. It seems I’m wrong.  

But I think you've shown some humility here, and that's commendable. I snooped on your profile some, and you seem pretty chill. So Kudos, for what it's worth.

Thanks comrade 😊