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  Topic: selling atheism? selling humanism?, repackaging the product?< Next Oldest | Next Newest >  
stevestory



Posts: 13407
Joined: Oct. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 29 2005,08:09   

One thing I'm going to be doing in the new year is thinking about how the "product" of atheism or secularism doesn't compete as well as religion does, in America and many other parts of the world. I have some vague ideas about why that is. Religions are social institutions, where people get real or percieved social benefits by going to church functions. Can atheism do something like that? When I've gone to local meetings of atheist or intelligence groups, it's usually a small group with an unfortunately high percentage of dysfunctional people. Is atheism a small percentage of people because we lack enticing social benefits? Is atheism too simple a philosophy to create such a social club, and we'll have to use humanism to do it? Thinking about these questions will be the first part of my new year.

   
Sheikh Mahandi



Posts: 47
Joined: May 2005

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 30 2005,01:56   

Quote
One thing I'm going to be doing in the new year is thinking about how the "product" of atheism or secularism doesn't compete as well as religion does, in America and many other parts of the world.


Actually it probably IS more of a "problem" in an American context, perceived social benefits of church membership are a minor factor in a European context, where many other organisations or groups compete to provide such social benefits.

Examples:
Britain - Miners Clubs, British Legion, local soccer supporters clubs, Ramblers Associations, Bingo, etc, etc.
France - The French habit of promenading, going for a walk stopping in at a Cafe Tabac for coffee or a glass of wine, is still common, each library has lists of organisations with contact information etc.

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"Love is in the air, everywhere I look around,.....Love is in the air, every sight and every sound,......"

  
MidnightVoice



Posts: 380
Joined: Aug. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 30 2005,03:12   

I have always said that Churches in the US perform the same functions as Pubs and Clubs in the UK.  :)

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If I fly the coop some time
And take nothing but a grip
With the few good books that really count
It's a necessary trip

I'll be gone with the girl in the gold silk jacket
The girl with the pearl-driller's hands

  
Sheikh Mahandi



Posts: 47
Joined: May 2005

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 30 2005,07:00   

There you go - start up a couple of licensed working mens clubs, start selling proper beer, have live band / comedian performances......
:)

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"Love is in the air, everywhere I look around,.....Love is in the air, every sight and every sound,......"

  
  3 replies since Dec. 29 2005,08:09 < Next Oldest | Next Newest >  

    


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