Modified Thu, Nov 19, 2009 04:51 PM
Respect for atheists
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close xIn the Nov. 5 "God Squad" column, Marc Gellman responded to a question about appropriate ways to interact with those of different faiths. He sensibly advocated sensitivity to the beliefs of others. Yet while accepting of some, he felt it quite OK to greet an atheist with, "May you be comforted in the cold and unforgiving bleakness of a cosmos with neither meaning, purpose, nor hope."
He is entitled, of course, to disagree with atheists, but it is inconsistent to be disagreeable with them. Since the existence of God is a matter of faith, by definition beyond proof, it is reasonable to be tolerant of those who see things another way.
Assuming all atheists believe life is without meaning, purpose or hope is untrue. Since he added, "Then, if the person is a very large atheist, run away," it's pretty clear he knew his remark was offensive.
Ah, but it is a joke, he may say. Have you no sense of humor? It seems rather as if the orthodox view is that atheists are one group it is still all right to insult publicly. This is intolerance, not humor.
Consistency requires consideration, not gratuitous ridicule.
Allen Spalt
Carrboro
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