Matthew Chapman on religion and its power

To my atheist friends on YouTube. I think Matthew Chapman nailed it, when he said, 'If atheism is to flourish, it will only happen, if people feel protected by a rational system in which they have involvement.'

Given that most creationists stand for elections in school districts with lots of religious folks, and given that they tend to get voted out in those same districts as well, I see merit in what he says.

Yes there are the fundamentalists, but what gives them power is the failure of secular establishments to address the real needs of the populous.

One thing I would add though. In a country like the US with people of diverse social and ethnic background and an emphasis on the individual pursuing happiness as he/she sees fit, I think what is required is a rational system in which people can improve the quality of their own lives. Religious fundamentalism has no room in such a system because religious fundamentalism requires people to force their beliefs on others. Science on the other hand will play a major role in such a society because science obtains its evidence from nature, not authority. And we all conform to the laws of nature whether we like it or not, whether we know it or not.

So what are our options? Communism does not work. Socialism is very un American. Nihilism is a big no no. Liberalism and conservatism have proved ineffective. In fact any form of state intervention does not seem to work in the US. How about libertarianism? The kind that is coupled with strict constitutionalism?

I feel it is the most hopeful candidate ideology, in helping people address their real concerns effectively. You can voice your opinions.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Matthew
• Chapman
• Atheism
• Religion
• Success
• Rational
• system

[paularenas26]

Matthew (Chapman), just because you are the great-great grandson of Charles Darwin does not mean you have to follow in his footsteps. There is evidence for the historical Jesus Christ, including his life, death, and resurrection. I would recommend reading “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel for an initial overview of the evidence.

[82abhilash]

@paularenas26 He is not following in his footsteps. Darwin was a biologist. Matthew Chapman directs movies. Stop being silly.

[paularenas26]

Matthew Chapman’s “The Ledge” should not be considered a landmark movie for the atheist movement in any way. Actually, I do not think there will ever be a landmark atheist movie. This is simply because the common public understands that belief in a god ultimately is not the product of dramatic theological persuasion but of authentic faith. Trying to sway people towards atheism with a one-sided script, such as in “The Ledge”, is contrived and comes across as ridiculous to the audience.

[82abhilash]

@paularenas26 Good luck with getting all the people in the world to agree with you on what is and what is not a landmark movie.

[paularenas26]

Matthew Chapman’s 2011 movie “The Ledge” was just a relatively pricey attempt to make authentic Christians look foolish and atheists wise and compassionate.

[82abhilash]

@paularenas26 And why not? Ever since religion has been around there has been pricey and cheap attempts to make atheists look foolish and christians wise and compassionate. It can also work the other way round.

[Cotdail]

To hell with yucky poor people. Property rights reign supreme!!

[fulfilled123]

I cant wait to see The Ledge. His new film. look it up on line.

[monkeyrocketsurgeon]

there are so many edits, i'm afraid i can't even begin to think i heard this man's point of view.

[guardman12345]

why does notes below the video say that socialism doesn't work? how can it not?