Why Atheists Don't Ban Religion

Do all conservative Christian magazines genuinely believe that the rest of us are as petty, vindictive, intolerant, and mean as they do? The answer is a resounding no, at least not for actual atheists. If you need comfort and a crutch, more power to you. Religion provides a balm for the tough questions in life, just like exercise or alcohol does. But let's be clear: atheism doesn't demand the closing of churches; it opposes the constant harassment and exploitation.

Rethinking Atheism and Church Closure

Atheists don't seek to 'forcibly close' any churches. In fact, the phenomenon of church closures is happening all by itself, driven by the simple fact that people are no longer attending in the same numbers as before. Comprehensive data shows a significant decline in church attendance across many regions, leading to a natural decline in these institutions. Rather than outlawing religion, we advocate for respect and mutual understanding.

Religion and Society

There are a few things I would change with regard to religion, but not by force. For one, paying taxes for religious services that benefit society at large should be a requirement. The concept of tax-exempt religious institutions is also revolting. They receive the benefit of a wide array of services, from education to infrastructure, and should contribute to these expenses.

As for proselytizing, I believe this activity should be quashed. If someone is interested in learning more, they can seek out the information voluntarily. However, pushing others into belief and reinforcing what is essentially a set of superstitions and myths is unacceptable. This should come with substantial fines and even prison time to curb such behavior.

Secondly, religion should be kept out of education, government, and the law. Each institution has its own domain, and religion belongs in places of worship, not in corridors of power or classrooms. This keeps our society rational, intelligent, and grounded in reality.

Historical Perspective

Decades of attempts to impose atheism as a mandatory state religion in Eastern Europe showed that the resistance came from the very people who were being persecuted—sober, educated atheists. They saw the value in people's freedom to believe, even if they themselves did not. Over time, as the communist regime faltered and eventually collapsed, former atheist activists often found themselves championing the very people they once sought to eradicate.

Being an atheist doesn't mean hating or opposing religion. It means recognizing the right of individuals to believe what they want and fighting for that right. Tolerance is just the starting point; acceptance follows naturally. Throughout my life, I have always supported the freedom of faith, whether it was standing alongside religious people during times of persecution or respecting their beliefs, even without sharing them.

Conclusion

So, in a nutshell, we don't need to 'forcibly close' churches. Churches are closing at a staggering rate due to lack of attendance. This is a natural outcome of changing societal values and less engagement with traditional religious practices. We respect the historical and cultural significance of these buildings and will not consider their destruction. We fight for the freedom of all to believe or not believe, and we strive for a society where everyone can live in peace, regardless of their religious inclinations.