Is Atheism Only for the Upper Class? Socioeconomic Differences Among the Religiously Unaffiliated

[BainsBane]

28. given the way you've represented my prior posts

in saying that my views had something to do with the circumstances of Amina's life, I don't have a lot of confidence that you read those posts clearly. While I don't remember a specific conversation with you, I know very what my views are. Animosity toward entire religious and/or ethnic groups is bigotry. Being right or wrong about Amina's life has nothing to do with whether I consider a point of view bigoted. I myself never claimed to know her circumstances in Tunisia. I pointed out that there were thousands of Tunisian women engaged in political activism before Amina came into the public spotlight, and they continue to do so.

This is the first time today I've seen you say all Muslims are not abusive. You attributed human rights atrocities to Islam itself, not to fundamentalist extremism or certain individuals. I don't think it is possible to claim respect for Muslims, or some Muslims, while hating Islam. Muslim is a religious and ethnic identify. Islam is key to how they see themselves. So how is it possible to claim respect for a people when you despise part of their core identity?

There is no question that human beings have engaged in all kinds of horrendous acts in the world in the name of religion. As I said in a prior post, I see that as a justification like any other. Does the fact we waged war in Iraq in the name of democracy mean that system of government is inherently bad? I don't think so. Moreover, the world cannot be rid of religion. While I fully respect your right to be an atheist, I see no point to working for or wishing for the end to religion. It's never going to happen. I prefer to focus on particular abuses-- homophobia, rape, domestic violence, slavery, violence against women, unequal opportunity--wherever they occur and work toward carrying out solutions.

So if you want to make me your enemy, that is your choice. My views are what they are, and they have nothing to do with you personally.