Atheism is not an Institution [View all]

[Gelliebeans]

When religion and those that align themselves with a particular religion deal with atrocities committed in the name of said religion first and foremost then they are welcome to throw stones from that glass house.

Atheism is not a religion nor does it follow a doctrine and it isn't a political movement. Non-belief in a deity is what separates atheism from theism period.

I don't have a Dawkins shrine at my house (contrary to belief) lol...and I happen to think Harris is kind of an idiot after reading some of his books. These men don't speak for me, they aren't my appointed leaders. I don't look for their guidance in my everyday life. Do I agree with them on a debate about rational thought and secularism? Sure, but not because of who they are, but because I agree with their non-belief.

The very reason I am an atheist is because I am an individual thinker in my non-belief. I am skeptic. I do right by society because I have to live in this society.

Misogyny is still alive and well and so is homophobia and racism. It is practiced today because of a belief system based on doctrine. It is a long held celebrated belief system in some religions. Atheists don't institutionally condone any of those atrocities because atheism isn't an institution.

I am not condoning anyone's bad behavior nor am I responsible for what idiotic diatribe comes out of the mouth of an atheist. or whether some jackass pissed on the Alamo AND happens to be an atheist. Do I hold him accountable. Absolutely! But not because he is an atheist but because he is breaking civility and the law.

I'm more concerned that there is a percentage of people that want to run the USA like a theocracy and take away my rights because I don't believe in certain things. I am concerned that they have hijacked the constitution in the name of a deity.
I'm concerned that a very vocal group wants to take away the right to choose to have a legal procedure done, that is of no business to anyone except my doctor and I.
I am concerned about equal treatment for all people. Women should be paid equal to their male counterparts.
I believe the LGBT community needs equal rights NOW not when people feel "more comfortable" about the idea.

The false equivalence that somehow there is a concerted effort among atheists to promote misogyny or worse to ignore it, is ridiculous.
Especially when thousands of years worth of death, violence and mutilation has occurred and been encouraged by religions.
Should we address misogyny? YES of course!
But I have to impart, let's get some perspective here first. Religion is an institution. Atheism is NOT.