Atheist QOTD

“If we do have a predisposition towards religious belief, then it seems it is possible to overcome it by learning to think critically. It is no accident that a large percentage of the highest-achieving scientists are either atheists or claim a belief in Einstein's remote kind of God. The way that science is taught and practised emphasises a particular form of critical thinking, in an atmosphere where all claims are judged on the strength of the available evidence.”

James Richmond

“The more evenly divided a culture finds itself on the ultimate questions, the more likely politicians are to pursue 'strategic extremism' and mobilize one side against the other. Precisely this kind of polarization dominated European politics from the French Revolution until the middle of the 20th century, sparking regular clashes – Germany's Kulturkampf, France's Dreyfuss Affair, Spain's Civil War – between secular and religious ideologies. In other words, unless conservative religiosity goes into a steeper decline than is visible in the latest data the growth of 'Godless America' may only make the culture wars hotter over the short run.”

Ross Douthat

“[Gods'] powers surpassing human powers are projections of our own personal power fantasies.”

Jared Diamond

“Have no doubt that the Catholic Church has dropped all pretence of being a religious organization. Cathedrals are nothing but a gathering place for constituents to organize lobbying campaigns, support favoured candidates and influence state and federal legislation. The Catholic Church is now officially the third major political party in the United States.”

Jeff Shweitzer

“Humanity has the stars in its future, and that future is too important to be lost under the burden of juvenile folly and ignorant superstition.”

Isaac Asimov1920 – 1992