This is obviously about [religious] absolutism and its negative effects. Interestingly, the first book recommended under these lyrics in the booklet is Chris Hedges' I Don't Believe In Atheists--a book by a moderately religious writer, which criticises what he perceives to be the equally absolutist mindsets of Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, et al. I know Propagandhi are atheists, so I was confused by this, especially when I then saw second and forth on the list are Dawkins' and Hitchens' books respectively! Presumably the band want the listener to keep an open mind. I would argue that atheists are in a better place to make arguments/claims, as they have empirical evidence (or the lack thereof) on their side, as opposed to religious fundamentalists, who have… really old books. If I'm not mistaken, the lesson is to not separate yourself from or write off people on the other side, as that only breeds animosity and conflict; instead, people need to focus on the real issues (compassion, science, etc.).
What I meant by "atheists are in a better place" is that I don't view the writers Hedges criticises as fundamentalists. Wouldn't they need scripture, and an ignorance (or even hatred) of science, for that to be the case? Instead they use logic and available evidence. Dawkins and Hitchens acknowledge that if the evidence rounded on them, they'd have to rethink their positions. That's the important difference.
What I meant by "atheists are in a better place" is that I don't view the writers Hedges criticises as fundamentalists. Wouldn't they need scripture, and an ignorance (or even hatred) of science, for that to be the case? Instead they use logic and available evidence. Dawkins and Hitchens acknowledge that if the evidence rounded on them, they'd have to rethink their positions. That's the important difference.
This is obviously about [religious] absolutism and its negative effects. Interestingly, the first book recommended under these lyrics in the booklet is Chris Hedges' I Don't Believe In Atheists--a book by a moderately religious writer, which criticises what he perceives to be the equally absolutist mindsets of Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, et al. I know Propagandhi are atheists, so I was confused by this, especially when I then saw second and forth on the list are Dawkins' and Hitchens' books respectively! Presumably the band want the listener to keep an open mind. I would argue that atheists are in a better place to make arguments/claims, as they have empirical evidence (or the lack thereof) on their side, as opposed to religious fundamentalists, who have… really old books. If I'm not mistaken, the lesson is to not separate yourself from or write off people on the other side, as that only breeds animosity and conflict; instead, people need to focus on the real issues (compassion, science, etc.).
What I meant by "atheists are in a better place" is that I don't view the writers Hedges criticises as fundamentalists. Wouldn't they need scripture, and an ignorance (or even hatred) of science, for that to be the case? Instead they use logic and available evidence. Dawkins and Hitchens acknowledge that if the evidence rounded on them, they'd have to rethink their positions. That's the important difference.
What I meant by "atheists are in a better place" is that I don't view the writers Hedges criticises as fundamentalists. Wouldn't they need scripture, and an ignorance (or even hatred) of science, for that to be the case? Instead they use logic and available evidence. Dawkins and Hitchens acknowledge that if the evidence rounded on them, they'd have to rethink their positions. That's the important difference.