I think a problem with Atheism is that religion has long been associated with being the source for morality, and Atheists havent realized that they currently are seen purely as a counter-culture which is not a self supporting system of its own equivilant to the religions. Since morality is so integral to religion, when a culture rejects religion it can be seen as rejecting those aspects of morality. While this might not be true individually as atheists sometimes argue morality exists within all humans as a choice, the problem is atheists are not associated with having a definition of morality. Some people might fear that in terms of measuring trust, and this could be amplified by terms used by some atheists to label all religious people as crazy, and not just the crazy religious people are crazy.

For me though, Atheism is a fine choice for some, but its like going to a theme park and not going on one the rides IMO.

Having said that I definatly dont prescribe to what I call liturgical suffrage and blind doctoral faith, but I do think that blind faith can be a tool, and the religious content can be the raw materials, together for accessing 'spirituality', whether that be higher human functions or metaphysical natures.

So for me most religions are better represented as models for metaprogramming of the brain to allow our minds to access, and be accessed by, the subconscious and through that, hopefully, the metaphysical realm. If the metaphysical realm does exist, then because the subconscious mind not only has access to the senses, but it has access to the full range of capabilities of the senses, it might be the pathway to it. The conscious mind only gets what the subconscious mind considers relevant to interaction and survival in our environment as a function of available brain capacity, apparantly.

So for me belief in an 'other' higher conscious plane of existance that is caged in terms of reference which our conscious minds can understand, such as personified God/s, creates a shared language that our conscious and subconscious minds can use to communicate, other then the hackneyed physical feelings and emotions. From that greater awareness hopefully we can achieve greater access to the Force.

So I sort of see atheists just as people who are not interested in trying to use metaprogramming to increase their spirituality - nothing wrong with that but on the other hand it makes all the effort by many athesists to attack beliefs seem pointless. Attacking religions on the other hand can be more meaningul sometimes, but these are human institutions run by humans and humans are definatly not perfect, especially when we are talking about things occuring over thousands of years.

I agree 99.99%. The only thing I don't agree with is attacking religions for it isn't just a "thing" out there but dear and close personal beliefs of people and people should all be treated with respect and so shall their ideas. I respect a Wiccan's religion even though there is some parts that don't make sense to me like dipping a knife into a cup of water somehow does something? Which I don't understand but I will respect that for it is their symbolism of something bigger of some sort. Other than that I say spot on.

As you will note below my icon to the left, I have the phrase “Fear is the lack of knowledge”. I believe, that in all things, the differences that arise among people are handled in a similar way. If there is a difference that the larger group does not understand or believe is the incorrect interpretation of social order, and if they do not try to understand the differences of the smaller group or individual, fear is born.

As fear grows, the divide between the groups widen. Alienation along with unrealistic and more often false accusations arises about each other’s group. Stories are told and become more and more outlandish. “FEAR those that do not think like us for they are the antichrist!” “Do not say prayers in the classroom or my child may become some religious fanatic!” Believe me, as a catholic and a PTA (parent-teacher association) past president, I have heard both of these things in many ways and from many people.

Could it be that a person that is spending so much time trying to remove prayer from everywhere, is thinking more about religion because he fears the unknown of the “here-after”? Could it be that the universal consciousness we call the Force is trying to reach out to that person and redirect their path?

Could it be that a person so wrapped up in their religious beliefs is actually having a crisis of faith and is overcompensating? Are they trying to talk themselves into faith because they don’t know what to actually believe?

What I am not saying is that people need a religion in one of the standard faiths, but in something. Morality has no religion because it is not religion based. It is humanity based. It is the idea that we are all here together and we all inherit an inalienable right to life. The fact is that people are inherently good and wish no harm upon another.

We learn to hate and that hatred is borne of our fears of the unknown.

The Force is no stronger in a Christian, Muslim, Hindi, or Buddhist than it is in an Atheist. The Force has no religion! The Force IS! We all must learn to tap into the Force, to understand the path we are on, and to follow that path to enlightenment. On our path, the journey to the end, we must remember that the total consciousness of The Force IS ALL OF US!

Fear leads to the Dark Side in which war is waged and senseless killing is committed against another one of US! Knowledge and Wisdom in all people are the ultimate weapons against war and hatred.

May the true nature of The Force find those that need to find their right path.

Uh, I'd like to point out when it comes to evangelism, atheists are far from being the worst. You don't see atheist adverts in hospitals, preachers in the streets, telling christians or whatnot they will eternally suffer for their evil ways. They dont knock at your door to give you the good news or whatever. Your atheist neighbours do not talk behind your back about how you failed to attend the weekly atheist meeting at that atheist place to do atheist things.

ETC