atheist politics

[harm]

There is something beyond politics. Religion. We all know this. When an atheist is out casted from a political forum, what would he do different as a political power? what would his objectives be as a president or an or an authoritarian?

[Syron]

eh? Could you please restate that?

[harm]

in the US it is impossible for an atheist to win presidency. If one could win, what would his objectives be? Be it authoritarian government, what would he force upon the people?

[Syron]

:hmmm: erm well that would depend soley on who it is!

The only thing that unites atheists is a lack of belief in a supreme deity, other than that you can't say anything for certain.

Tbh i sincerly doubt their policies would be based around their atheism.

[Tom Paine]

:hmmm: erm well that would depend soley on who it is!

The only thing that unites atheists is a lack of belief in a supreme deity, other than that you can't say anything for certain.

Tbh i sincerly doubt their policies would be based around their atheism.

Given the lack of a coherent universal atheistic belief system, it'd pretty much neccessitate the actions being based upon the method of personal belief precluding atheism; whereas the religious include their religion in their decisions, the atheist has no such religion to include and may therefore apply a secular morality (such as utilitarianism) or no morality and purely such matters as logic.

[SickBoy13]

I think it would be hard for him to get support, but I don't think atheism really has politics. I believe in a strong separation of Church and State.

[DariusEG]

This is an interesting question. I never thought about it myself.

From the top of my head there will be no difference. No one can run a state on their own beliefs, I mean, what is he going to do? Ban religion? No politician is that stupid.

The atheist will be a politician like any other politician.

A president is to serve the people, despite if you believe in God or not. President Bush, for example, is a terrible politician. He mixed God with politics. God has nothing to do with this silly war.

Anyways, to say religion is beyond/running politics is rubbish. They are two separate powers, can't have both but one can be greater than the other. A smart politician knows this. Plus, presidency is a job. To do a good job, you do it with rationality and wise thinking. Not all presidents do a good job.

So, an atheist would make no difference.

I can't have an atheist president, to be honest. It can be non-assuring. I don't care about the beliefs, **** that. It's the psychological effect religion can have even on the most authoritative man, in theory. A religious man will throughout his life will always have someone above him, someone to fear. If he's truly religious it'll keep him in line, such as, doing bad things = hell and good things = heaven. It's important to note, however, this does not mean he will use religion as an agenda. I believe all American presidents were religious but they did not put for any agenda according to their religion, that'll be stupid, or even mentioning God as part of your reasoning like Bush. I believe only two presidents were catholic, others protestant I guess.

IMO

[mischief]

yeah, but Darius, i think you don't take into effect the effect of religion on a true believer. Someone believes beyond all doubt that they are the hammer of god, or things like that... just don't assume religion has the same effect on everyone.

Be it authoritarian government, what would he force upon the people?

Mate, you have heard of the divine right of kings, yeah? religion and freedom and democracy are seldom easy bedfellows.

[DariusEG]

yeah, but Darius, i think you don't take into effect the effect of religion on a true believer. Someone believes beyond all doubt that they are the hammer of god, or things like that... just don't assume religion has the same effect on everyone.

You missed my point.
How often do you see these types of people in office and do a good job? If they go on talking about "I'm doing the will of God" then he is a bad politician. A rotten apple if he has an authoritative position.

The individuals you are referring to occasionally gain office and when they do they don't stay for a very long time. If they do stay for a considerable amount of time the people (majority) will not like him and want to get rid of him.

[carl-the-conqueror]

I can't have an atheist president, to be honest. It can be non-assuring. I don't care about the beliefs, **** that. It's the psychological effect religion can have even on the most authoritative man, in theory. A religious man will throughout his life will always have someone above him, someone to fear. If he's truly religious it'll keep him in line, such as, doing bad things = hell and good things = heaven. It's important to note, however, this does not mean he will use religion as an agenda. I believe all American presidents were religious but they did not put for any agenda according to their religion, that'll be stupid, or even mentioning God as part of your reasoning like Bush. I believe only two presidents were catholic, others protestant I guess.
IMO

i fell the opposite, his religion would get in the way of what needs to be done, most european countries get on fine, even though WWII, ruined europe.

[DariusEG]

i fell the opposite, his religion would get in the way of what needs to be done, most european countries get on fine, even though WWII, ruined europe.

Get me an example of how it gets in the way of what needs to be done.

I don't know what you're talking about with the european countries.

[Real]

Christian or Atheist, Hitler is the same. That's all I have to say.

I hope you understand the right meaning of the sentence.

[harm]

right on Lord Sigilus. I hate jews too.

[Lord Bohemond]

The only thing that unites atheists is a lack of belief in a supreme deity, other than that you can't say anything for certain.

That is very true. That's why many atheists find something to attach their loyalty to - be it environmentalism or some form of socialism. Every man needs a God.

[Tom Paine]

That is very true. That's why many atheists find something to attach their loyalty to - be it environmentalism or some form of socialism. Every man needs a God.

Um... and we never had Christian socialists or environmentalists? No, not a god. A belief system. No need for a supreme being by any means.

[RusskiSoldat]

I'd say the piousness of most presidents is exaggerated.
Does no one remember the scandal (that somehow ended within two days) when an evangelical staff member at the white house complained administration members were making anti religious comments and mocking religion?
I have no doubt Bush was "born again" more or less solely to get into politics (as it would separate him from his alcoholic past).

[Hotspur]

I suppose the question come down to whether or not it is possible to be ethical and moral without being religious. As an atheist, I say yes, but I may be biased .

[Captain Blackadder]

Ethics and morality are not the exclusive rights of the relgious and athiest (such as myself) can easily be a morale person. The only thing you can say about an athiest president would be that he would be pro seperation of church and state and ant intellignet design.

[mischief]

well, since America has had a few deist presidents, i think their legacies would speak pretty clearly.

As for the UK, it's not generally an issue whether a politician has religious views.

[Lord Bohemond]

Good point. But a God doens't need to be a supreme being. It can be an inanimate object or an idea.

For example - a Communist worships the state. Some environmentalists worship nature.