Botton is an idiot and his idea to build atheist temples is stupid.

However, the author of TFA is also an idiot. For example: 'atheist philosopher' is an oxymoron. One can be either an atheist or a philosopher, not both.

Which he then defends with a "No True Scotsman" fallacy. And, there is a lot more stupid in the article. :-/

/atheist

Perhaps they tacitly agree with me, though they'll never admit this, that 'atheist philosopher' is an oxymoron.

wow, that smells like total farking bullshiat.

he'll find temples to atheism aplenty. They are the eyesores that disfigure our cities' skylines, the pickled animals in our art museums, the nasty warrens of our council estates, the gangs of empty-eyed youths harassing our neighbourhoods

Yeah, well obviously back in earlier centuries in Europe where religion was basically universal, there certainly was absolutely no poverty or crime. There are in fact way more poor per capita now then there were then, and they commit significantly more crime, when they aren't dying of starvation or spreading disease. Indeed, this is indisputable.

This is a horrible idea. Mostly since I don't believe atheists should take their cues from other religions. What's next, going door to door, handing out blank sheets of paper? Seriously, I don't think atheists need a building to go to once a week to compare clothes.

I think the idea that you have to go to any building to worship a God is retarded anyway. If God is everywhere, can't I worship anywhere? Or does looking up at a hypocrite telling me what not to do while he does it make the religious experience more devout?

/Not atheist
//Also not religious

Wow--rarely does one come across an entire opinion piece so expertly blending 3 major fallacies: 1) "No True Scotsman" 2) "Begging the Question" and 3) "Poisoning the Well." Bravo to the Daily Fail. Bravo indeed.

RedPhoenix122: If God is everywhere, can't I worship anywhere?

A lot of religious people can and do worship anywhere and everywhere: Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans, Jews, Christians, Hindus and others too. People aren't usually prohibited from praying or worshipping outside a temple. Usually this is encouraged.

Somacandra: A lot of religious people can and do worship anywhere and everywhere: Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans, Jews, Christians, Hindus and others too. People aren't usually prohibited from praying or worshipping outside a temple. Usually this is encouraged.

But why would it matter? What's the significance of the building? And why does it need stained glass? Seriously, that shiat is EXPENSIVE.

I'm on a mobile or I'd link, but click on author's name for a link to his other articles. He's a lesser known version of some guy that raped and murdered a girl back in 1990.

Perhaps they tacitly agree with me, though they'll never admit this, that 'atheist philosopher' is an oxymoron. One can be either an atheist or a philosopher, not both.


This dude's been putting more than just incense in his censer.

It's time atheists had their own versions of the great churches and cathedrals. ~ Alain de Botton

Hence, Huxley saw the need to found his own church, and evolution was the ideal cornerstone. It offered a story of origins, one that (thanks to progress) puts humans at the center and top and that could even provide moral messages. The philosopher Herbert Spencer was a great help here. He was ever ready to urge his fellow Victorians that the way to true virtue lies through progress, which comes from promoting a struggle in society as well as in biology--a laissez-faire socioeconomic philosophy. Thus, evolution had its commandments no less than did Christianity. And so Huxley preached evolution-as-world-view at working men's clubs, from the podia during presidential addresses, and in debates with clerics--notably Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of Oxford. He even aided the founding of new cathedrals of evolution, stuffed with displays of dinosaurs newly discovered in the American West. Except, of course, these halls of worship were better known as natural history museums. ~ Michael Ruse

Finally people who do not collect stamps will have a building to hold weekly meetings.

**wtfamireading?.jpg

Guy in the article is an idiot, but holy shiat the Daily Mail can continue choking on all dicks past future and present for all eternity:

I suggest Mr de Botton do the same just about anywhere in the West -- he'll find temples to atheism aplenty. They are the eyesores that disfigure our cities' skylines, the pickled animals in our art museums, the nasty warrens of our council estates, the gangs of empty-eyed youths harassing our neighbourhoods.

untaken_name: Go to the temple, preach the doctrine, and heap scorn on the nonbeliever...but atheism isn't a religion, no, no.

Nope. And that dog still only has four legs, too.

Don't forget the author's Eurocentrism!

Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals are the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings in the world, Mr Botton, because they were animated by the most beautiful and awe-inspiring idea.

Also, since I don't see anyone decrying the UK spending money on this, I assume Mr. Bottom is spending his own money or money he has raised. So why does the author think he has a say?

farkingismybusiness: I found a Daily Mail stock photo of an atheist.

What an inaccurate representation! No true atheist would ever eat a baby that is still wearing its diaper.

/slow roasted in honey-barbecue is the way to go
//teriyaki is also acceptable

By this time tomorrow, this thread will have turned derpy and have 500 comments.

My religion said so!

rubi_con_man: Actually, As a Confirmed, Practicing Catholic, I really have to disagree with you.

And, as a secular humanist, I have to disagree with you. There are far better things that could be done with the money required to build this temple... things that could greatly enrich the community, promote fellowship, and bring meaningful changes to many people's lives. The proposed temple to Atheism that Button wants to build doesn't do any such thing.

Now, it's his money and he can do as he pleases. I'm not trying to stop him. I'm just opining that it is a stupid idea. ;)

logruszed: Now a more accurate example of a either/or scenario is: One can either be right or they can be you.

Is you post directed at me or at the article's author? The words you highlighted suggests the latter, but the full quoting of the post suggests the former.

/in case you didn't notice, those were the author's words and I called him an idiot for saying them

rubi_con_man: mamoru: Botton is an idiot and his idea to build atheist temples is stupid.

Actually, As a Confirmed, Practicing Catholic, I really have to disagree with you.

As long as atheism is a personal belief system (or disbelief system) it will be something to be scorned or ridiculed. If you want to put your faith in Man or in the Universe, That's okay. Build your own temples, make your own songs. Glory in what one of y'all called "the greatest show on earth" and be part of it.

a previous poster mentioned fellowship - which is important no matter what it's based on. The ability and setting in which you can build community and pass on traditions and feel 'at home' and 'shelter from the storm'.

Frankly, the dissent about all this shows that for some many atheists, their atheism isn't anything positive. It's not a discovery of the 'reality' of our world without mysticism or theology - It's a way to be mean to other fellow human beings, call them names and generally feel superior.

And who the fark wants to build a temple to 'being an arsehole' ?

5/10. You'll get some bites, mostly from people who haven't been around here long.