BookTalk.org

This topic began in last Thursday's chat, and I'd like to discuss it a little further. I am definitely prejudiced against religion. Prejudice is sometimes used as a short form of "racial prejudice", or more generally, "irrational prejudice", and I think we all agree that those are bad things. My dislike of religion is not the result of emotional conditioning against a group of people, however. Theists are a diverse lot. Rational contemplation and study have brought me to the conclusion that religion, in general, is not a good thing for my species.What is the basis for a non-believer to say, "you shouldn't be prejudiced against religion"? I'd guess most of us are prejudiced against schizophrenia... not against schizophrenics, necessarily, but wouldn't we like to see the disorder eliminated? Are we prejudiced against the physical parasites that prey on us? Are we beholden to give staphylococcus a fair shake?So, what about the theists themselves? Many

I agree."Rational contemplation and study have brought me to the conclusion that religion, in general, is not a good thing for my species."This is the core of your idea I believe. Do you have any examples?

JeremyExcellent post. I'm in agreement with every word.Quote:"...most of us are prejudiced against schizophrenia... not against schizophrenics, necessarily, but wouldn't we like to see the disorder eliminated?"Faith is like an illness that we should strive to cure. Believing in something without a sound reason is a horrible waste of a brain.Chris "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandella

>The dark agesBurned "witches"Praying for health instead of learning medicine

Hehe, thanks. Good examples BTW.

Prejudice, as I see it in this context, involves pre-judging the issues before examining them; or purposefully choosing not to carefully explore the issue from multiple perspectives, employing various lenses, and keeping a critical yet open mind to the outcome.