You broke it, you bought it
I have been inspired and haunted by a quote I read this morning.
“Having leveled my palace, don’t erect a hovel and complacently admire your own charity in giving me that for a home.”
– Emily Bronte (1818-1848)
As President Bush was contemplating the invasion of Iraq, Colin Powell said to him, “If you break it, you bought it.” Powell was implying that we could not simply destroy the infrastructure of Iraq and walk away. We would be responsible for the lives of the Iraqi citizens, and would be obligated to help them rebuild.
I don’t want to get in a political debate, but I think the same analogy can be used for the atheist community. As more and more “new atheists” come into our midst, and we help them destroy their palaces of religious superstition, it is important that we also help them rebuild. So far, we have been great at demolition. Nevertheless, we have only provided hovels as replacements for their communities.
New atheists are losing relationships with friends and family members. They are being ostracized from their communities. How dare we feel proud and complacent with destruction alone? The successful nontheistic groups of the future will be those who adapt to meet the needs of individuals and families that were once met by churches, mosques and synagogues.
Now I want to be clear; it is very important that we continue to level the palaces of supernatural. However, if we are not careful, the demolition and construction crews will see each other as the enemy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Demolition must occur before a new structure can be built, but new construction must follow. We must work hand-in-hand to improve our world. If we do this right, we can build not only new palaces, but regal communities with houses built upon foundations of reality, with pillars of reason, and rooms that are filled with the joys of family, friendship and an ambiance of inspiration.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f52b0a01-f071-4f17-a5f1-88f880300073)
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
I'm not sure what you mean here. I can't give them rituals and superstitions to replace the ones they are leaving behind, that's pointless. There is a rich internet community of atheists they are more than welcome to join, and most cities of any size and most colleges have atheist groups to join.
You probably have to be more familiar with my writings to understand where I am coming from. I agree with you that we need develop new superstitions and rituals. However, we can provide structure that has inspirational ceremonies. Primarily, I am talking about community. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, the available groups do a poor job of replacing religious community. This is especially true for young families with children. Here in the South, I know atheist families who still attend church simply for what it provides for their kids.
Develop new superstitions & rituals? Provide structure in a community? Like I said earlier people, this is exactly how Jim Jones (Guyana), David Koresh (Waco), Charles Manson (LA) got started. Next, he'll want your money, don't be dumb. Do your online research, I gave you names & places. You are not worth being called Brother. DON'T DRINK THE KOOL-AID!
Dearest Lois, you obviously cannot read very clearly. I think there should be no superstition, and no rituals. As I responded to your other comments, the idiots you name claimed to be gods. They were very religious. community is important for everyone. C B.hurches have provided many great things for people. This does not make them right or wrong. I am happy that they continue to exist as long as they don't impose upon me and my family. You should be fine with us doing the same.
I can read you because I have wisdom & discernment & Thank God I would never allow anyone like you to convince me of being tossed to & fro with every wind of doctrine that comes along. The bible is very clear, if you don't serve God you are serving Satan, Prince of darkness. And your picture is scary, kind of like a klansman.
P.F.:
I think what B.R. is getting at is that books, internet groups, lectures all celebrating the absence of superstition, etc. does not take the place of community organizations such as churches. People do have a need for ritual when life changes occur (death, birth, marriage, etc.) and it behooves us, the adult atheists of the world to be good members of society and contribute to new institutions that will bind us all together. The basis for the new entities will be different, yes. but the role they fill for many former-theists will be much like those of their church.
That's my take on what he is saying, he may have had an entirely different meaning.
Damn, Brother….nothing for weeks but static due to hackers and you come back with this jewel. Of course, this fits in well with the efforts of AIR, Recovering from Religion, and existing groups like North Texas COT.
You MUST have been one hell of a preacher.
"The successful nontheistic groups of the future …." whatever they will be called. It is about fulfilling a role in people's lives, not about appearing to be a particular something to theists or the rest of "mainstream" society. It is not about the composition or name for an organization but instead about welcoming all who want and need to be a part of it.
I think the point here is that when you destroy someone's world it's unfair to then cast them out, floating, into the void. People need support, and it's unkind to expect people to find support on their own if you've been the one doing the demolishing. I think an atheist "church" could be an awesome thing as long as it was based on logic and not silly tradition.
In the last two years I have become a deconvert (my husband crossed that bridge years ago). I have 2 small kids that I want to belong to an active community that promotes strong morals and is active with the community at large. Right now the only groups that can provide this are churches. We decided to belong to a Universalist Unitarian. While this has been a very positive experience, I would like something that is more centered around my beliefs and non-beliefs. We need traditions and ceremonies of our own. We have left the Mormon church, but my husband's family is still very active. When my son turns 8 at the end of next year, he will be expected to get baptized. He went to his cousin's baptism recently and decided he wanted to do this. Our kids (and adults) need to feel part of a group that will support them.
you too are ignorant. a child of 8 is not at the age of accountability, nor has he stockpiled a whole lot of sins that an adult has. Baptism is for an adult who has recognized he wants to be fully rid of all the sin he's been carrying around in his life & believes that Jesus Christ, not Joseph Smith has forgiven him of all those sins.
I never said anything about going through with it. You are assuming way too much. We are non believers and do no intend to saddle my kids with superstition. I was merely pointing out that milestones an important part of our lives. Also, you seem to be ignorant about what Mormons believe. Might I suggest you learn more before you continue to sound even more ignorant.
I just read about Brigham Young (Mormon founder) giving the order, "Brethren do your duty" which was in regard to the 1857 Mountain Meadows massacre of innocent pioneers. Now go & research the difference between beliefs & superstitions because you obviously do not know. God the Father loves children so much and mostly wants parents to send their children off each day with blessings & not cursing, as they go about their busy day just being kids.
Richard, your readers may like to know about the strong atheist community we are forming here on Australia's Sunshine Coast (Queensland). We started an atheists' meetup group just over 12 months ago and meet monthly for dinner at a local pub. Our membership is steadily increasing – as are our friendships. It is amazing to see the community building. There is no sense, whatsoever, of 'church' or 'ritual' in our meetings. We just get together and laugh, chat and support each other. We stay in touch between meetings and, if someone needs help – either privately or with their business – the others 'pitch in' to help. I have never met such intelligent, funny, 'switched on' and caring people. Just one example of the 'community spirit': one of our members, K, recently had a baby but is also self-employed. Another member stepped in to provide babysitting services (free) three days a week so K can help her husband with their business. The baby will grow up with an amazing network of honorary aunts and uncles who dote on her. We are building a caring, supportive community and we are so proud of what we've achieved in such a short time. What's more, as new people come to us (we have a cult survivor coming tonight) we can provide them with a strong network of care and support.
Wow Richard! I absolutely agree with you about everything you've said in this perfectly worded piece. As an atheist that has strong roots in Christianity, I desperately seek a replacement backed by logic and reason; for my children as well as myself. I think there can be so much good to be found in a people that band together using rational thought as a foundation instead of superstition.
and what flavor of KOOL-AID do you & your children like Stephanie?
A well though-out and accurate posting Bro Richard, I fully agree. I have vastly improved my lifestyle and the relationship with my wife and daughter thanks to Atheist Nexus and meeting fellow rational thinkers in my area.
Why (to cynically borrow and paraphrase "Footprints") Why were you not around when I was struggling the most?
Once someone finally breaks the bonds of superstition they may well indeed feel they have been transported to an island in which only shark infested waters abound. Can we not send a lifeboat or two? Or perhaps lure the sharks away?
My wife was (past tense, hooray!) only going to church to socialize. We need not to feed people 'souls' but we could at least feed their minds.
I am surprised on weekly basis that some of my customers are not religious…one even started to say " I do not know what you believe so I do not want to offend you." I quickly said, " I am an agnostic (or atheist depending upon how we define such terms) no offense possible. Then he told me how he feels sad that his mother and brother are so fundamentally religious and fail to see the contradictions in their 'great' philosophy. That conversation reassured us both, I am sure.
I do not intentionally harm people, but I also will not stand by a conversation about biblical, spiritual, or metaphysical 'truths' without adding the information I have come across. Some people just nod their head and are obviously ignoring me, but others have thanked me for informing them of potential dangers some 'wonders' are suppose to have. If I only helped one person and pissed off nine, at least the nine have something to complain to their friends about,right?
I suggest you seek Psychological help Lois.
I will be banned? not surprised. Read between the lines people. Anyone who wants to establish their own commune have a hidden agenda. They want your wives, daughters, retirement checks & anything else they can get from you. Remember the dead at Guyana and Waco, etc.
you are right BS Richard, I am wasting my time, no more comments. I'll be watching the headlines & newspapers to read about some calamity that happened with your shady operation.
Lois, thanks so much. I hope you enjoy San Antonio.
You certainly do inspire love and charity, B.R.
Another analogy for this, other that destroying one's home, is that of a surgeon removing a cancer. One doesn't ask the surgeon 'what did you replace the cancer with?' It's enough to have removed it.