Mike has been very interested in the Evangelical/Anti-theist movement occuring in the west. And it has piqued my interest as well. I am not a religious person, I vehemently disagree with everything theism represents and am in full support of all the anti-theists who are now speaking out against the oppression that is religion. Now don't get me wrong, I do not deny anyones decision to follow religion as that is their own choice.
What I do disagree with is the tyrranical nature of religion trying to force beliefs on others, forcing Creationist theory into our public schools and teaching it as "science". Which it is NOT! Arrogantly dismissing all other possibilities or beliefs as false without any consideration, and the purposeful manipulation to suppress all independent and logical thought from their followers. Religion has ever and will always be a form of control.
I was raised a Christian. I did the church thing on sunday, read the bible and was taught the stories and beliefs of the faith. But not once did I ever truly accept those beliefs. I have heard it said many times, that religion teaches us morals. That may be true, but you do not need to believe in God to have a good moral center. In fact, I find religion can often get in the way of someone being a genuinely good person, by promoting racial and sexual discrimination. And by trying to deny people their right to free choice. (ie: Interracial Marriage, Same sex marriage, Homosexuality and Abortion.)
Religion has been a dominating factor in many societies for far too long. It's time to relegate the dated and often superstitious beliefs of religion to their respective houses of worship and the minds of their followers where it belongs. Keep religion out of our public schools, keep it out of our politics and government, our doctors offices and the law. Give people the freedom to make their own choices and follow their own beliefs without fear of societal backlash. Let people have their Same sex unions and relationships, let women have an abortion if they so desire and let people have their relationships without having to think of something as petty and insignificant as the colour of their skin. Voice your opinion if you must, most of us have freedom of speech after all, but that is the end of your interference. Because, just as you have the right to follow your beliefs, so to does everyone else.
