....Anyone wanna say anything on debating pls feel free.
(I'm ex-Catholic). Debating is useful if one feels motivated to do it and engaged positively with contributors. I have done enough of that. Perhaps like me (and many others) you'll get bored with it after a while. I think a positive example is better and being clear about what religion is - essentially superstition. People often think there's more to religion than that, but take away belief in gods, prophets, afterlives and the supernatural and religious sects or congregations offer nothing more than many other groups. Volunteer groups offer opportunities for philanthropy. Meetup groups offer opportunities to learn through personal interaction. Sporting and hobby groups offer opportunities for exercise and artistic expression. Or just go down to the local pub and speak to someone you've never met. All these activities can lead to whole circles of friends or lead to feeling part of a community or group.
Some people say religion is about bringing people together and doing good. If it was primarily about that, religions wouldn't exclude those of other religious beliefs and non-believers by having a creed or superstitions based on a 'good book'.
What strikes me and what I find interesting about Muslims of today is how similar many of their attitudes are to those held by people in this country a hundred or more years ago. ("This country" being the UK, the land in which I was born). The misogyny (inferior position of women) and the tension between the different sects, (for example, Sunni & Shia tensions and animosities) seem reminiscent of old Catholic/Protestant sectarian conflicts. The idea that religion provides cohesion in society instead of sectarian division is outdated and absurd. Outdated, wrong-headed attitudes seem characteristic of places where Islam is currently entrenched and applauded, such as in Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Another thing that strikes me is how pervasive religion is in such emerging nations. When such attitudes prevailed in the West, religion was equally prevalent and as strongly valued. It seems that as the strength of religious beliefs decline, morality and inclusiveness increase in society. So do freedoms of speech and expression, in general.
Topic: London Ex Muslim - Want to debate!