Greater body Count: Religion or Atheism?

Which is responsible for a greater loss of human life? Is it even possible to point the finger at either one of these? I hope this will be an interesting debate. :)Stumpt25

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]Which is responsible for a greater loss of human life? Is it even possible to point the finger at either one of these? I hope this will be an interesting debate. :)SlasherZed

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

I don't think you can quantify in the ways your suggesting. Humanity as a whole is responsible for any one loss of life, not a certain cultural or religious belief. You can't find reason for one man killing another and blaming on it on something so definite as cultural or religious influence.

I don't think you can quantify in the ways your suggesting. Humanity as a whole is responsible for any one loss of life, not a certain cultural or religious belief. You can't find reason for one man killing another and blaming on it on something so definite as cultural or religious influence.

tomo90

Which is responsible for a greater loss of human life? Is it even possible to point the finger at either one of these? I hope this will be an interesting debate. :)Stumpt25

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

I don't think you can quantify in the ways your suggesting. Humanity as a whole is responsible for any one loss of life, not a certain cultural or religious belief. You can't find reason for one man killing another and blaming on it on something so definite as cultural or religious influence.

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="SlasherZed"]

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

tomo90

I don't think you can quantify in the ways your suggesting. Humanity as a whole is responsible for any one loss of life, not a certain cultural or religious belief. You can't find reason for one man killing another and blaming on it on something so definite as cultural or religious influence.

[QUOTE="tomo90"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

I don't think the lack of belief in God has ever killed anyone besides maybe the person (Back in the day people probably didn't like atheists). As for Religion, well there were a bunch of Religious wars and other cases where people wanted to force their religions up on others, but I don't blame religion directly, only the stupidity of mankind. As for atheism, I can't really remember any atheists trying to force atheism on other people and waging wars across the lands about it, but maybe I'm missing something, history isn't my greatest subject. WhiteSnake5000

[QUOTE="SlasherZed"]

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]Which is responsible for a greater loss of human life? Is it even possible to point the finger at either one of these? I hope this will be an interesting debate. :)Stumpt25

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]

[QUOTE="tomo90"] Hitler was raised Roman Catholic and was a Christian and liked the Muslim Militaristic elements. markop2003

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="SlasherZed"]

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

markop2003

[QUOTE="markop2003"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]

[QUOTE="markop2003"] Athiests and atheism are different things ;)markop2003

[QUOTE="markop2003"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]

[QUOTE="markop2003"] Athiests and atheism are different things ;)blue_hazy_basic

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"] A true fact. Would you say the same would be true of religion and religious people?

[QUOTE="tomo90"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"] Except many things have been done directly in the name of religion (the crusades, conquistadorsand inquisition for example), can the same be said of atheism?

blue_hazy_basic

Glad to hear it :)

Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.
Pol Pot's setting the year back to zero in order to mark a new era liberated from religion - his systematic destruction of anyone who was religious.
Stalin persecuting of religious people - his subscription to communist ideals which felt that Religion was destructive on society.

the list could go on, but there's a few.

I often get asked: How can people kill for a 'belief' that isn't a belief; it's the precise opposite, a lack of belief.

My answer would be: you only need to look to the lyrics of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' to see how. 'Imagine there's no religion'. It's a good thing that he stopped at imagining. But what if someone took it further? What if someone would fight for no religion, or kill for no religion, or die for no religion? I have a hunch that many of these evil people did.

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]

[QUOTE="tomo90"] Hitler was raised Roman Catholic and was a Christian and liked the Muslim Militaristic elements. Darkknight313

Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

EDIT: when I read that it sounded wierd.

First of all Hitler was Roman Catholic.

Second, I suggest you watch this. It's somewhere in the middle.

[QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] If you have any historical knowledge, arguably yes.Stumpt25

Glad to hear it :)

Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.
Pol Pot's setting the year back to zero in order to mark a new era liberated from religion - his systematic destruction of anyone who was religious.
Stalin persecuting of religious people - his subscription to communist ideals which felt that Religion was destructive on society.

the list could go on, but there's a few.

I often get asked: How can people kill for a 'belief' that isn't a belief; it's the precise opposite, a lack of belief.

My answer would be: you only need to look to the lyrics of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' to see how. 'Imagine there's no religion'. It's a good thing that he stopped at imagining. But what if someone took it further? What if someone would fight for no religion, or kill for no religion, or die for no religion? I have a hunch that many of these evil people did.

The Nazi's were not an atheist doctrine in any shape way or form. Indeed, they ranged from Catholics and Protestants to strange cultist and norse beliefs. Nazism was largely about the power of the state and the Furher. When religion was seen as being in the way they simply brushed it aside, there was no dogmatic attempt to remove it, in fact the exact opposite was true, they tried to use it to motivate people.

Pol Pot launched a war on learning in general. Teachers, lecturers, hell even doctors, anyone seen as threatening his vision of the country's future (and more insidiously its past) were exterminated in a deliberate attempt to remove the "learned" from society. Likewise his war on religion was an attempt to remove any source of opposition and dissent.

Same for Stalin. His purges of his party, army, intelligentsia and religious organisations are about absolute control by a megalomanic. Marx called religion the "opiate of the masses" and acknowledged its importance in a social aspect while railing against it as a source of control of the working cla-ss

Throughout history dictators have sought to supress religion not because they hated it and wanted the masses to be free from its yoke, but because it posed a threat to their own authority or ego. Its important notto confuse atheism with a megalomaniac bent on domination.

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]

[QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"]I have alot of historical knowledge lol Give some examples.blue_hazy_basic

Glad to hear it :)

Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.
Pol Pot's setting the year back to zero in order to mark a new era liberated from religion - his systematic destruction of anyone who was religious.
Stalin persecuting of religious people - his subscription to communist ideals which felt that Religion was destructive on society.

the list could go on, but there's a few.

I often get asked: How can people kill for a 'belief' that isn't a belief; it's the precise opposite, a lack of belief.

My answer would be: you only need to look to the lyrics of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' to see how. 'Imagine there's no religion'. It's a good thing that he stopped at imagining. But what if someone took it further? What if someone would fight for no religion, or kill for no religion, or die for no religion? I have a hunch that many of these evil people did.

The Nazi's were not an atheist doctrine in any shape way or form. Indeed, they ranged from Catholics and Protestants to strange cultist and norse beliefs. Nazism was largely about the power of the state and the Furher. When religion was seen as being in the way they simply brushed it aside, there was no dogmatic attempt to remove it, in fact the exact opposite was true, they tried to use it to motivate people.

Pol Pot launched a war on learning in general. Teachers, lectures, hell even doctors, anyone seen as threatening his vision of the country's future (and more insidiously its past) were exterminated in a deliberate attempt to remove the "learned" from society. Likewise his war on religion was an attempt to remove any source of opposition and dissent.

Same for Stalin. His purges of his party, army, intelligentsia and religious organisations are about absolute control by a megalomanic. Marx called religion the "opiate of the masses" and acknowledged its importance in a social aspect while railing against it as a source of control of the working cla-ss

Throughout history dictators have sought to supress religion not because they hated it and wanted the masses to be free from its yoke, but because it posed a threat to their own authority or ego. Its important to confuse atheism with a megalomaniac bent on domination.

religion kills more by FAR especially Christianity.Dr_Brocoli

[QUOTE="SlasherZed"]

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]Which is responsible for a greater loss of human life? Is it even possible to point the finger at either one of these? I hope this will be an interesting debate. :)Stumpt25

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

[QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"]

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]

Glad to hear it :)

Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.
Pol Pot's setting the year back to zero in order to mark a new era liberated from religion - his systematic destruction of anyone who was religious.
Stalin persecuting of religious people - his subscription to communist ideals which felt that Religion was destructive on society.

the list could go on, but there's a few.

I often get asked: How can people kill for a 'belief' that isn't a belief; it's the precise opposite, a lack of belief.

My answer would be: you only need to look to the lyrics of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' to see how. 'Imagine there's no religion'. It's a good thing that he stopped at imagining. But what if someone took it further? What if someone would fight for no religion, or kill for no religion, or die for no religion? I have a hunch that many of these evil people did.

Stumpt25

The Nazi's were not an atheist doctrine in any shape way or form. Indeed, they ranged from Catholics and Protestants to strange cultist and norse beliefs. Nazism was largely about the power of the state and the Furher. When religion was seen as being in the way they simply brushed it aside, there was no dogmatic attempt to remove it, in fact the exact opposite was true, they tried to use it to motivate people.

Pol Pot launched a war on learning in general. Teachers, lectures, hell even doctors, anyone seen as threatening his vision of the country's future (and more insidiously its past) were exterminated in a deliberate attempt to remove the "learned" from society. Likewise his war on religion was an attempt to remove any source of opposition and dissent.

Same for Stalin. His purges of his party, army, intelligentsia and religious organisations are about absolute control by a megalomanic. Marx called religion the "opiate of the masses" and acknowledged its importance in a social aspect while railing against it as a source of control of the working cla-ss

Throughout history dictators have sought to supress religion not because they hated it and wanted the masses to be free from its yoke, but because it posed a threat to their own authority or ego. Its important to confuse atheism with a megalomaniac bent on domination.

[QUOTE="Dr_Brocoli"]religion kills more by FAR especially Christianity.Stumpt25

Cromwell in ireland EDITED 600,000 out of a population of 1.4 million

Conquistadors in Americas 100 millionish

Crusades and inquistition countless thousands

Congo -king Leopold's menreduced the population by 90% in some areas under the guise of bringing God and civilisation to the area

Some examples from different regions and time periods, how many more do you want?

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="SlasherZed"]

Ermmmmm

How has Atheism ever killed anyone?

Anarchy4hire82

Profanity = Moderation

And yes, the SOLDIERS had Gott mit Uns, because most Germans were CHRISTIAN. Germans did not = Nazis. The belt buckles were just a way of boosting morale.

Hitler on the other hand, was clearly not a practicing Christian.

[QUOTE="Anarchy4hire82"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

Profanity = Moderation

And yes, the SOLDIERS had Gott mit Uns, because most Germans were CHRISTIAN. Germans did not = Nazis. The belt buckles were just a way of boosting morale.

Hitler on the other hand, was clearly not a practicing Christian.

[QUOTE="Anarchy4hire82"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc.Stumpt25

Profanity = Moderation

And yes, the SOLDIERS had Gott mit Uns, because most Germans were CHRISTIAN. Germans did not = Nazis. The belt buckles were just a way of boosting morale.

Hitler on the other hand, was clearly not a practicing Christian.

Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.Stumpt25

:lol: Ok, I have to ask; Are you a Christian conservative?

I've only seen extreme right wingers use "social darwinism" when talking about Nazis. I'm surprised you haven't used the term "Liberal Fascism" yet

[QUOTE="markop2003"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] A true fact. Would you say the same would be true of religion and religious people?

Stumpt25

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="Dr_Brocoli"]religion kills more by FAR especially Christianity.blue_hazy_basic

Cromwell in ireland 1 million +

Conquistadors in Americas 100 millionish

Crusades and inquistition countless thousands

Congo -king Leopold's menreduced the population by 90% in some areas under the guise of bringing God and civilisation to the area

Some examples from different regions and time periods, how many more do you want?

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.LosDaddie

:lol: Ok, I have to ask; Are you a Christian conservative?

I've only seen extreme right wingers use "social darwinism" when talking about Nazis. I'm surprised you haven't used the term "Liberal Fascism" yet

care to substantiate that remark with evidence and/or numbers?Stumpt25

Cromwell in ireland 1 million +

Conquistadors in Americas 100 millionish

Crusades and inquistition countless thousands

Congo -king Leopold's menreduced the population by 90% in some areas under the guise of bringing God and civilisation to the area

Some examples from different regions and time periods, how many more do you want?

[QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"]Stump25 lets end this. Do you think that "Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc." killed all those millions of people primarily because they werer aethists or because they were crazy lunatic tyrants? Stumpt25

[QUOTE="LosDaddie"]

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"]Social Darwinism in Nazi Germany was largely an extreme atheistic doctrine.Stumpt25

:lol: Ok, I have to ask; Are you a Christian conservative?

I've only seen extreme right wingers use "social darwinism" when talking about Nazis. I'm surprised you haven't used the term "Liberal Fascism" yet

And? There's no direct link of social darwinism to nazism. I've only seen anti-evolution neo-cons try to link the two.

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"]Stump25 lets end this. Do you think that "Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler etc." killed all those millions of people primarily because they werer aethists or because they were crazy lunatic tyrants? blue_hazy_basic

[QUOTE="blue_hazy_basic"][QUOTE="Stumpt25"] You summarise my point exactly. I DON'T think that Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot and Hitler killed people because they were driven by atheist beliefs. I think that they killed people because they are crazy. However, i think that in the same way, you can't blame religion for the crimes of religious people. I don't believe either belief system are dangerous in themselves.Stumpt25

[QUOTE="Stumpt25"][QUOTE="LosDaddie"]

:lol: Ok, I have to ask; Are you a Christian conservative?

I've only seen extreme right wingers use "social darwinism" when talking about Nazis. I'm surprised you haven't used the term "Liberal Fascism" yet

LosDaddie

And? There's no direct link of social darwinism to nazism. I've only seen anti-evolution neo-cons try to link the two.

I never heard of any atheist exclusive wars...unless you're talking about world conflicts like WWI and WWII but each person had their own religious beliefs in that war.