I think that this is a common statement today that reflects a more secular culture in the United States, but it also lacks facts. For instance,

Adolph Hitler - 12 million deaths attributed to him and his policies.

Joseph Stalin - 20 million deaths.

Mao Zedong - between 40-70 million deaths.

Their religion? Atheism.

Agreed, although the total "godless" death count in the 20th century as doled out by governments worldwide is a lot closer to 200M.

Also keep in mind that everyone almost always thinks what they do is righteous, or at the very least somehow acceptable. The term "collateral damage" is used by those who employ western campaigns from "surgical strikes" to extremely large scale scorched earth decisions to "fundamentalists" narrow focus targeting and broad based strikes alike. In all cases many children were the end result, even if not deliberately targeted.

In any case its a nutty world out there. Be careful and be vigilant.

On a different subject, looks like the "Distinguished Warfare Medal" is history. It surpassed the Bronze Star (an award for heroism in combat) and and was supposed to be the medal for drone pilots and cyber warriors.

Seems like the right decision to remove it.

Pentagon cancels medal for Cyber Ops, Drone Strikes

But that is only a small portion of world history. I choose to avoid cults whether religious or atheist. I see your point Elvis, not casting any stones, just always curious why people choose to follow instead of think for themselves. We all need to think for ourselves! I assume we may be skirting on TOS areas here so I look forward to a new topic.. All the Best!

Fiig

I agree, a different discussion for a different forum.

The picture was in response to 1067 wondering how "she" (who is known to be a little boy) finished the marathon in 4 hours and asked if they were given a head start... I had to go "really??" at that one!

In reality, the little boy ran out to greet his father who was finishing and then scurried back to the sideline where the bomb subsequently went off. I have no words for how horrible this is.

Facts are only useful when used in a logical format. Elvis, time for an education. Atheism is not a religion. Atheists don't go to atheist churches and pray, they don't sing atheist hymns. None of the people you mentioned, ever stated "I fight in the name of my Atheist religion."

Atheists have done more for society than is given credit. They didn't do it in the name of Atheism. They did it for the sake of humanity. Here's a spiffy 2 minute video with links to get yourself educated.
Imagine If All Atheists Left America - YouTube

Please present facts regarding how many people Christians (or Jews for that matter) have killed over the years as I have with specific Atheists, the definition being a person who denies the existence of a supreme being.

Nazi Germany, Stalinist Russia, and Communist China are prime examples of secular atheistic cultures that led to millions of deaths.

If you are an atheist, on what basis do you define right and wrong?

If you want to watch a serious debate, may I suggest:

Lennox Vs. Dawkins Debate - Has Science Buried God? - YouTube

Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist, emeritus fellow at New College, Oxford, and the world's most outspoken atheist. Dr. John Lennox is a British mathematician and philosopher of science at Oxford University.

Are you guys really going to have this discussion as a round about response to the bombing? Really?

I bet people of all religions and non religions were coming to the aid of each other about this time yesterday.

It seems to me that peoples response to the bombing might be a better reason to not have the discussion you guys are starting. I heard there was a lot of volunteers doing all types of extraordinary things in Boston. They probably aren't asking the people they are helping what their religious beliefs are.

Whoever did this is responsible for it as an individual. Not his religion, or lack of religion.

We are all in the same boat. Whether you believe or don't believe.