A short, but mostly hopeful post for today. A recent article in the Augusta Chronicle (link here) provides encouraging news. The number of people describing themselves has having no religious affiliation rose from 8.2% in 1990, to 15% in 2008 according to The American Religious Institution Survey. The number of atheists and agnostics remained fairly stable, perhaps because, in American society, making the final transition, as it were, to atheism, is still not quite socially acceptable. The best news, however, is that the article cited, is written by, and refers to, the voice of young atheists and freethinkers. As a group of people, we are most certainly out there and not alone. It's very pleasing to see such a voice in mainstream media.
Alex Shaw, a senior at Augusta Prep School writes this of his experience of the Church he grew up in for 16 years -
"It was fine, we always had an awesome youth program. I liked church as a community I just never believed in what the community was based on."
This appears to me to be a sorry state of affairs; atheists and freethinkers, searching for a sense of community, can find no other place except religious institutions. Individual religious groups certainly do provide a strong sense of community for their members, but I see no reason why a Humanist, or philosophical, or scientific, or freethinking, or even atheistic society cannot fulfil this same human need.
In more local matters, this blog reached 1000 hits today, and I've been astounded and grateful for the reaction it's been getting. Of course, at the moment, it is myself and my colleagues doing all the posting, but we really don't want this to be the case! So get your articles in to youngfreethought@googlemail.com and we'll be sure to read them. We want to hear from you!
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Hits & U.S Teen Atheists
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5 comments:
"Individual religious groups certainly do provide a strong sense of community for their members, but I see no reason why a Humanist, or philosophical, or scientific, or freethinking, or even atheistic society cannot fulfil this same human need."
Ah, I see you haven't read Lord of the Flies. This is a must read for boys. Please read it asap and report back on your findings. Spark Notes will work, too
"Ah, I see you haven't read Lord of the Flies. This is a must read for boys. Please read it asap and report back on your findings. Spark Notes will work, too"
What do you mean will work? Are you incinuating the quote you raise is invalid. I have read lord of the flies, and it shows how a breakdown in society can occur. But to suggest this was due to lack of a religious element shows the ignorance on your behalf, and arrogance as your posting is so condesending.
I liked the article, very informative.
To Anonymous -
Maybe you'd like to set out your argument a little more clearly than simply recommending the book. As far as I can tell, it is a tale of irrational, instinctive tribalism, versus a rational way of organising society. To me, if anything, this only confirms my statement in the article.
From what I've read Lord of The Flies seems to be a tale or irrational tribalism vs. thoughtful systems of organising society. I think this merely confirms my point.
I am not an atheist but have many friends and aquaintences who are...I believe there should be programs and community fellowship(for lack of a better word)..that can promote humanistic thought and support for non believers...I'm certainly all for anyting that can keep young peole or old people out of trouble and encourage them to be who they are with pride
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