Atheist Memes

As many of you are aware, a "meme" is kind of like a gene for social constructs like religion. Memes work in the same way as genes in a living creature. Each meme may control a different part of the construct and yet, in collection with all the other memes, it gives us a picture of the resulting social construct. CASE does not agree with the study or use of memes generally, because it makes it too obvious what religion is, accordingly theists can become very upset at realising how simply their beliefs have been generated and evolved over time. Then again, CASE doesn't care.

CASE has been asked by Oz Atheist to take part in an Atheist Meme project (in which we are examining our own beliefs, potentially for problems or better solutions to certain problems) As well as being a general study of atheism. The meme project was started off by Nullfidian.

CASE has caused all of its 37,500 members to take the memes test and the average results are shown below:-

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?

The natural state of human reason.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?

Theologically liberal, Presbyterian school. Religious Education classes for 12 years. A whole lot of nothing interesting - and some very annoyed teachers.

One member's Uncle was a priest - he quit to become an undertaker.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

Lol

Q4. What scientific endeavour really excites you?

Building computers and computer models that can carry out calculations that are as complex as nature (probably another 20-30 years away). Hopefully, one day a computer will be built that can understand CASE's yearly tax returns.

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

CASE wishes the atheist community would donate more to CASE activitie$$.

Second preference would be to see atheists make a greater impact on moral decisions across society.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

"Do you want to be an undertaker too? Look at Uncle XXX's career."

If the child continues to argue - "that's it, you're off to military school."

If they are really keen to become a priest, "I hate you and so does your mother".

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

Argument from First Cause when used by a Christian.

I usually take the following steps:-

1. But the argument was first used to prove the existence of Allah
2. So, I can insert anything as the [first cause] including Pink Unicorns, Flying Spaghetti Monsters, Random Probability or this donut and it still works.
3. Ok, what proof do you have that your God is the one that is the first cause?

Thats where the Christians usually start Bible bashing (CASE refers to this behavious as the 'Big Foot Stamp'). Although completely illogical, theists are usually satisfied at winning the argument using a 'Big Foot Stamp'.

These disproofs are also good - Time is not constant, Time is not unidirectional, M Theory, Where did God come from? Have you got any evidence for that?

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

Would the enforced sterilization of people shown to have theistic proclivities be considered "controversial"?

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

Hitchens because he suggested the enforced sterilization of people shown to have theistic proclivities.

Plus he is the only one that has a useful profession (Punditerati) as compared to Dawkins (Science? who cares), Dennett (Philosophy? Get a job) and Harris (What is it that Harris does again?).

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

No-one, CASE would prefer to destroy all theists than attempt to "persuade" them. It is easier, cheaper and less likely to result in false conversions.


CASE would seek to forward this onto other bloggers, but CASE considers the tallying of 37,500 members answers is enough work.