polydaidaloi.com

According to sociologist Gary Bouma atheists are fuelling sectarian conflict. According to Bouma’s logic, if atheists just would shut up, religions would hold hands, sing ‘Kumbaya” and there would be no more sad histories like 911, the Irish troubles, the mess in Iraq etc.

What Bouma is actually trying to do is deny atheists the right of a voice. What atheists (well most of us anyway) want is a right to be heard and for the privilege religion has in society to be critically examined and questioned. This is confronting to some as they prefer atheists to be quiet and confine their discussions behind closed doors.

Too bad and too late. Religious freedom and freedom of speech are not just for the devout.

Elsewhere: Russell Blackford takes down Bouma.

Earlier today jason_a_w on Twitter made an interesting comment:

Can this event be explained except as an expression of a craving for ritual? http://is.gd/9m5lf

We had the following exchange (in this order I think. Apologies to Jason if I have it wrong):

@jason_a_w Just a chance to hear two interesting fellows speak. I don’t think anyone is being asked to join in singing hymns about them.

@shaunc But why gather en masse to confirm one’s lack of belief. Surely as soon as it’s asserted, that’s the end of the matter?

@jason_a_w Because people like community, even atheists, which I suggest is different from ritual.

@shaunc Anyway it does look interesting enough, but I do get puzzled by the phenomenon of large atheist gatherings.

@shaunc I’m not sure communities are formed any other way, and I think it’s possible to have secular rituals (e.g. going to the footy!)…

@jason_a_w atheist gatherings are the result of atheist being more comfortable in “out.” Not such an issue in Oz but very important in US.

@shaunc Anyway, maybe I’m just puzzled because it’s new. It does seem to be operating on an industrial level, now!

@jason_a_w Yes, there is money to be made from atheism. But also discourse that often doesn’t get heard when religion is privileged.

There are some atheists of course that go, “Well, there is no god. Better get on with something useful” and don’t worry much more than that. But as atheists feel the freedom to come out, you can be sure that atheists are going to gather together.
More »