The MSS with David Silverman - Part 7 - I am an anti theist

[Domzdream]

At plus/minus 09:54)

Yea. I have to agree with him on that. It has to be this way because of politics.

LIke with atheists who argue that agnosticism is the true atheistic view point, versus the hard atheist who says that they KNOW that there's no god.

When confronted with many people, you have to hold that position of agnosticism. But in reality, you either know theres a god or you dont know. Agnosticism is valid on paper (in theory), but in practice it's needless and moot.

[katherine83g]

hi, bb i hete you... 

[ampoules1]

You should enlarge the screen for individual panelists more often.

[Wolfau5]

Before this I wasn't sure what to think of Silverman, I was concerned that his abrasive language was because he was being pig headed. This interview has definitely raised my opinion of him even though I share some of the concerns of the callers and panelists that his language and tactics may be counterproductive.

I think that questions about what atheism means is important, but agree that we shouldn't let such questions divide us.

[mzyzer19]

someone should start a fund to buy thunderfoot a new cam and mic

[MrOttopants]

One time, when I was asking an audience of mine to make a promise to not do dangerous things, I saw this group of Jewish kids. One of them actually stopped the others from taking the "vow," for religious purposes.

[Domzdream]

THUMBS UP FROM ME ALSO!

Let's finally get rid of bigotry, and share the same podium equally without bias.

Good luck, Silverman, and my fellow atheist.

[NefariousVirtuoso88]

xavier lumens ? ... lol

[xESOTERlC]

The ONLY thing that Silverman cares about is the same as the mouths for christian organizations: MONEY.... He's monetizing a new religion(atheism) and needs followers.

[quaternio]

@xESOTERlC I think he is more concerned with lobbying if he is talking about money. Religious groups are very good at pooling money for lobbyists, which allows them to completely pulverize the interests of rationalism and atheism. If atheists were better about rallying together, we truly would be a political force with which to be reckoned, because atheists are actually a rather large minority.

[xESOTERlC]

@quaternio That's kind of my point.. Seems silly to have active atheism.. Instead need promoters of science, knowledge, logic and reason.. With the permeation of such things, reliance on religion would deteriorate, as it has been(not fast enough to see it in a generation, say, but active atheism won't achieve that either). In fact, active atheism just gives irrational opposition and perpetuates the problem.

[CotyKelly]

@xESOTERlC without active atheism, like David said, they would have the cross set as a secular symbol. That wouldn't be challenged by logic and reason, it's not only about informing everyone more efficiently as much as it is to uphold constitutional rights.

[xESOTERlC]

@CotyKelly You're right.. it wouldn't be challenged by logic and reason because anyone with logic and reason would just say: "who gives a fk".. o.O Who CARES if the cross holds as some secular symbol? 1) As pointed out by Aronra or someone, that would just diminish its own clout as a RELIGIOUS symbol. 2) If you continue with logic and reason, the degradation of religion would negate any import of any established symbolism.

(contd)

[xESOTERlC]

@CotyKelly (contd) All you're doing with your "active atheism" is substantiating the arguments of the religious by relegating yourselves to the same sector of reason. You're making your own arguments less credible by asserting them as a matter of "beliefs" as opposed to purely secular, empirical assertions of reality.

[CotyKelly]

@xESOTERlC I misspoke and misunderstood your post. I'm totally in agreement for the use of logic and reasoning over what David does which can seem like a belief in its self. Telling someone they're wrong and they secretly know it, in my opinion, only furthers their convictions in it, if not to continue that belief out of spite.

[susodino]

great show! it's good to have all these guys on our side!

[viicISrotcib]

these videos deserve more views.

[rictusgate]

Regarding the atheist pastors worrying about getting a job if came out as atheist - I think the skills and knowledge they possess could be added to and they could possibly become therapists, or comparative religion teachers, or even teachers at a university with a secular theological program . . . it's not really the end of the world . . . fucking scary, yes, but not the end.

[Dragon3784]

Great job guys. It's refreshing to see an atheist panel openly featuring conflicting views within the movement. David offers us a strong reminder to not pedantically fret the differences between philosophies; the ultimate goal is still equality for atheists in America and around the world with an emphasis on perpetuating free-thought.