Ronin
29 Mar 2009, 04:29 PM
First, I'm a Red Sox fan, so it doesn't surprise me that a Cardinal would even think to come up with something like this (thanks DMB for the head's up (http://secularcafe.org/showpost.php?p=15377&postcount=6)):
Atheistic secularism diminishes us. It kills the human spirit under the pretence of liberating it. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/mar/24/catholicism.religion)
They've shut down the response thread, but big :thumbup: to those who were able to express themselves.
I've since composed and sent him the following email ~
Dear Mr. Murphy-O'Connor
I am deeply troubled by your demeaning attack on the straw man of "atheistic secularism" you've presented and burned at the stake for your flock in the public square.
You've managed to paint with far too broad a brush and simply mislead religious adherents into believing in an enemy that does not even exist. This is as dangerous as any other false ideology that leads to the hatred of others.
I am an atheist because there is no empirical evidence for the existence of any of the purported God(s)ess(es) as claimed by various religious adherents.
Just as you probably don't believe Mohammed was given new divine directives from the angel Gabriel or that Joseph Smith received even newer rules and regulations via the angel Moroni, I don't believe in burning bushes that don't burn or in a man who is a god who can be killed and live eternally.
I am also a secularist and a humanist who understands and lives the practicality of the basic moral standard of empathy and reciprocity. The simple truth is that I have a deep and abiding love of life, the wondrous universe and everything and I want for nothing more.
In short, my friends and family are loving folk who care for others, regardless of your flawed assertions.
No God(s)ess(es) required.
It would be nice if you could find it in your heart to recognize our value and not cast your maligning judgment upon us so that we can get on with the business of healing the troubles of the world in our own unique ways.
Most sincerely,
I'll let y'all know how this evolves.
Atheistic secularism diminishes us. It kills the human spirit under the pretence of liberating it. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/mar/24/catholicism.religion)
They've shut down the response thread, but big :thumbup: to those who were able to express themselves.
I've since composed and sent him the following email ~
Dear Mr. Murphy-O'Connor
I am deeply troubled by your demeaning attack on the straw man of "atheistic secularism" you've presented and burned at the stake for your flock in the public square.
You've managed to paint with far too broad a brush and simply mislead religious adherents into believing in an enemy that does not even exist. This is as dangerous as any other false ideology that leads to the hatred of others.
I am an atheist because there is no empirical evidence for the existence of any of the purported God(s)ess(es) as claimed by various religious adherents.
Just as you probably don't believe Mohammed was given new divine directives from the angel Gabriel or that Joseph Smith received even newer rules and regulations via the angel Moroni, I don't believe in burning bushes that don't burn or in a man who is a god who can be killed and live eternally.
I am also a secularist and a humanist who understands and lives the practicality of the basic moral standard of empathy and reciprocity. The simple truth is that I have a deep and abiding love of life, the wondrous universe and everything and I want for nothing more.
In short, my friends and family are loving folk who care for others, regardless of your flawed assertions.
No God(s)ess(es) required.
It would be nice if you could find it in your heart to recognize our value and not cast your maligning judgment upon us so that we can get on with the business of healing the troubles of the world in our own unique ways.
Most sincerely,
I'll let y'all know how this evolves.