Right. So much stuff about us czechs being atheists. So what? I'm czech. Born and bred. Living in London at the moment. I'm an atheist. With regards to us czechs being atheists. We don't really care. It's never been an issue in the past. Not because of communism. Neither my family nor me are communists and we still don't believe in anything. Why bother? Czech republic should remain as much atheist as it's always's been. We rock.
"The biggest problem with atheists is not that they believe in nothing but that they tend to believe in everything."
And, please, speak for yourself. There are still many Czechs who are not atheists. And your apparent pride at being atheist is just laughable. How does this fact translate into the reality in the Czech Republic? I mean, the country does not seem to be at the peak of progress, humanity, development, wealth, morality, quality of life or whatever - despite being "atheist". So, what exactly are you so proud of?
Moreover, to describe oneself as "atheist" seems to be a fairly strong conviction. I would say most Czechs are agnostics, not atheists.
You're probably right. I'd just like to use this thread to apoligize for stating (in several other posts) that most of my czech friends are atheist. They simply tell me they don't belive in God so they could be atheists or agnostics. We haven't spoken about it in enough detail for me to know. Perhaps I just call them atheist to simpify the conversation. Anyway, just FYI!
Little bit out of discussion: Take a look at this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsV0Vbo-rcA I just love the song
I disagree. Theism is belief in the existence of deity. Atheism is absence of this belief. Gnosticism/agnosticism is an opinion on the provableness of truth (of the existence of deity, for example). The absence of belief in the existence of deity is typical for the majority of Czechs - i.e. the majority of Czechs are atheists. The question of provableness is out of concern of the majority - i.e. they are neither gnostics nor agnostics. And by the way, all combinations of these attitudes are possible and consistent. I met a lot of agnostic theists, for example.
That's kinda what I thought as well. They think something might be up there or might not, but who cares. That they think Buddhism might be right, Christianity might be right, who knows who is right so who cares. That's the way some of the Czechs I've spoken to believe. The other Czechs I know, we just haven't really talked about it.
I used to get aggrevated at people who would be stuborn in the notion that their way (religion) is right. It stems from having a not so good discussion with a Roman Catholic. WOW, before it was over, he kept repeating that I am going to hell. I wanted to knock his block off. But, I am, slowly, but surely getting over that. It doesn't upset me like it used to. I try to let everyone have their opinion just so long as you're not determining my life based on your religion. You be you and I'll be me. Imagine though, an existence without the pressures of religions. I'm sure I see it differently, but to me, it seems like it would be a lot of weight off one's shoulders. Not having to worry about who's right or wrong. Not feeling the pressures of sinning (we're born sinners?). The possible feeling of division amongst others because your belief system is one way and theirs is another. Not to say that you shouldn't feel guilty or bad if you do commit an act that is not socially acceptable.
Interesting discussion. I can´t decide, whether I am agnostic or atheist, but definatelly I do not believe in God. However, if somebody wishes to believe, I don´t have a problem with it (as long as he does not bother me with his religion). What does that make me? Easy-going atheist or simply just not caring agnostic? :shock: At least I am sure I am Czech!
I am with you, Karkulka. I find that really irritating when I get Jehova Witnesses or Mormons coming to my door to try to "save" me. I am happy with my own believes and don't need anyone else pushing theirs on me
At least we have no Mormons here in Czech rep., so we only have a half of trouble (just Jehova Witnesses). Btw. I do not believe in God, anyhow it is called.
According to the Jehovah's Witnesses' Information Center, there are about 16,000 active members in the Czech Republic, as of 2004, whereas lds.org cites about 2,000 Mormons, about 0.16% and 0.02% of the Czech population, respectively. adherents.com lists similar numbers, but outdated. So no, not many of each.
