by Bob Butler » Sun Aug 20, 2023 11:49 pm
Total atheists will work for what they understand as good: setting up sanctuary cities, helping to secure a right to vote, providing health care for women, protecting those with less traditional sexual preferences, etc…. It is not only Christians that love their neighbors. In fact some so called Christians try to oppress their neighbors.
Religions usually involve the myth of supernatural forces often paired with a system of morality. Political parties usually do without the myths but keep the unifying morality.
It is possible to define good as securing rights, as allowing all to chase life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That is American. I am sure other cultures can define good in other ways without invoking the ancient myths. Just because you think in a particular way does not mean everyone thinks the same way.
And, yes, it was once part of US culture to enslave blacks, steal native lands, prevent asian women from immigrating, denying Irish jobs, etc. Hating those who are different is unfortunately a human instinct, one which Generational Dynamics is built around, which many here advocate. More and more, oppressing minorities has been overcome by those who love their neighbors. That too is a cost effective and universal human instinct. I can only hope that as the crises proceed, the culture continues to advocate loving your neighbor more, helping those in need, and not oppressing minorities, women and those with unusual sexual preference.
That I prefer to advocate love over hate does not mean I have not seen hate or understand it. Love your neighbor. You should try it.
Total atheists will work for what they understand as good: setting up sanctuary cities, helping to secure a right to vote, providing health care for women, protecting those with less traditional sexual preferences, etc…. It is not only Christians that love their neighbors. In fact some so called Christians try to oppress their neighbors.
Religions usually involve the myth of supernatural forces often paired with a system of morality. Political parties usually do without the myths but keep the unifying morality.
It is possible to define good as securing rights, as allowing all to chase life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That is American. I am sure other cultures can define good in other ways without invoking the ancient myths. Just because you think in a particular way does not mean everyone thinks the same way.
And, yes, it was once part of US culture to enslave blacks, steal native lands, prevent asian women from immigrating, denying Irish jobs, etc. Hating those who are different is unfortunately a human instinct, one which Generational Dynamics is built around, which many here advocate. More and more, oppressing minorities has been overcome by those who love their neighbors. That too is a cost effective and universal human instinct. I can only hope that as the crises proceed, the culture continues to advocate loving your neighbor more, helping those in need, and not oppressing minorities, women and those with unusual sexual preference.
That I prefer to advocate love over hate does not mean I have not seen hate or understand it. Love your neighbor. You should try it.