What do DU Atheists want of DU believers?

[AleksS]

103. Your post made me think a lot

Your post made me think a lot.

So first of all: Thanks!

But I think it actually highlights the trouble I have as an atheist even with democratic religion-minded folks.

At first I thought, yeah, you're right. We both want the same end result, so that's awesome!

But as I scrolled through more responses, I kept having the nagging feeling I was missing something, and it took a while for me to pinpoint it:

While it is definitely awesome that we both want the same end result, I would like religion minded folks of all stripes, to stop basing their support of policy on their religion. Yes, I want the same policy as you when it comes to civil rights, and equal protections, but I think it is essential and vital that those policies are based not on religion or faith, but on strong rational, scientific, human-rights based foundations.

Here's why: If two folks are advocating for opposing positions on a policy, and each one's justification is their faith, then there's no way to evaluate which position should be pursued. The data points are Faith(A) vs Faith(B). And if we start legislating based on Faith(A), then there's not a lot to distinguish from when other folks want to base policy on Faith(B). It turns into a "He said Jesus said/She said Jesus said" situation.

Now, of course I appreciate having religious allies on issues. There are amazing and dedicated and powerful progressive leaders whose motivation comes from their faith. But the OP asked what an atheist would want, and I guess in an ideal world, I'd want everyone to support policy based on data about what actually works best for the common good and the best interests of the people of the country, and not base policy on their personal religious feelings and beliefs. I don't see that world happening any time soon though, so no worries. I will work hand-in-hand gratefully and thankfully with you each and every day to make a progressive USA happen.

That was long, and not particularly clearly stated. But if I had to shorten it up, I guess I'd go with:

I wouldn't want you to change your beliefs, or lose your beliefs, or change your work one iota. I would hope you could add secular, non religious motivations and justifications to the list of reasons you support progressive civil rights and human rights policies.

Does that make sense at all?