How Ideas poison everything

[valkotukka]

Here's a small point I have been thinking about lately.

Sometimes the "new" atheists (C. Hitchens, Dawkins et al) are criticized because they fail to distinguish between violent fanatics and mainstream religious people. Their responses often go along the lines of: "moderates make the world safe for fundamentalists".

I think that is a pretty stupid

Comments

[emptybreaths]

Hahah, that's a great idea and you listed nice points. I've always seen those books considering I pretty much go in a couple book stores a week, and I always stop myself from picking them up.

It's just going to be regurgitated criticisms and supposed proofs of no god(s). I've heard it all, I know people think it's dumb, but whatever.

[valkotukka]

wow, you are a fast commenter. I was probably still editing the entry when you commented!

[emptybreaths]

Well I just happened to be checking my friends page :P

[msnowstorms]

I read part of god is not Great. It was so dense and fevered and obnoxious that I had to put it down. I gave up on reading it about 80 pages in, when I felt like my brain had been violated.

[valkotukka]

it used to be on your facebook favorite books..?

[valkotukka]

and ps that question mark is not indicating a real question

[ithepoet]

Richard Dawkins is incredibly long-winded and irritating.

I really like all of the points you made here.

[valkotukka]

thanks

[belvederest]

"living apart and at peace with myself, i came to realize more vividly the meaning of the doctrine of acceptance. to refrain from giving advice, to refrain from meddling in the affairs of others, to refrain, even though the motives be the highest, from tampering with another's way of life - so simple, yet so difficult for an active spirit. hands off!"

-henry miller

[valkotukka]

I am unsure who you are advising.

[belvederest]

boy, are you porky these days... i was not advising. i was sharing something that left me feeling a little lighter.

you are well on your path and need no advising from me, or anyone. you have a clear and active mind which serves you well. sending along the quote came about after reading your impressive book list - i had recently re-read henry miller's black spring, one of my all time favorite books.

i had meant to post the quote about living at peace at the end of your book list. i guess i understand your inquiry/admonishment since i mis-posted it after your idea essay.

it was fun to see that you read some mishima, how did you find him? i didn't think anyone read him any more. i loved confessions of a mask.