"...My only hope as a young atheist growing up was to find some group where I belonged that offered a significant degree of solidarity without intellectual and emotional disparagement. This is the hope of all humans to a greater or lesser degree. As an atheist, groups such as this one were, for a long time, something I hoped to find brotherhood and companionship in. Alas, no matter how “intellectual” and socially “sophisticated” atheists and academics claim to be, they are, in every instance, whiny, disagreeable and emotionally incompetent. I have, as I said, more or less withdrawn from all social circles as atheist groups are not the only groups, of course, to allow an emergent tribalism and exclusivity to dominate relations. This is also the very reason I ignore and dismiss political activism. I am 23 years old. I represent the new generation of atheists very well - indifferent, disillusioned and resentful. You atheist americans that came before me are a disgrace and have soiled the potential that atheism offers. Marvin (not his real name)" - Richard Walker

You claim to be well-educated and yet are uniquely cold and amoral for someone of your years. What a nasty dismissive and unsupportable little comment you ended with there. At the very least, you should support your argument that “You Atheist Americans that came before me are a disgrace and have soiled the potential that atheism offers.” On the other hand, please don’t. You’ve already managed to appall me and bore me at the same time. Sincerely, Richard P.S. Heaven have mercy on your soul! I certainly have no such obligation. - Richard Walker

http://pics.livejournal.com/twoflow... - Eddy63

Is it ever possible to pull off a complaint about whininess without coming off as whiny? There is intellectual superiority and exclusivity in some atheist groups, but if on one is willing to foster inclusiveness nothing is accomplished. If someone feels excluded, complaining about the other side and thereby attempt to exclude them will only increase the feeling. - Heather

I agree with you Heather. He doesn't go in to any specifics, and seems to be proud of his detachment from civic affairs. His claim of representing the "new generation" and self-labeling as "indifferent, disillusioned and resentful" is not justified in my mind. Perhaps he was looking for too much from the group, and while I can sympathize, he goes much too far in implying his "indifference to the suffering of others" is somehow a part of this package. I would much rather he reject Atheism than use it as an excuse for anti-social, anti-democratic attitudes. - Richard Walker

I'm not wild about the rant, but I think I have felt his pain so I sorta sympathize. Of course, the first thing I learned is to keep it to myself, which is why he feels like he's the only person on earth who feels this way. - Lo