Richard Dawkins says in this interview (at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR6Mu5JULBo ), “Neither I nor any other atheist I know, ever threatened violence; we never threatened to fly planes into skyscrapers; we never threatened suicide bombs [sic], we’re very gentle people.”

Joseph Stalin, an atheist, is responsible for the most deaths in the shortest period of time,

Dawkins intertwines current affairs with his arguments to make a case for atheism and Dawkins blames religion for many of the world’s problems so he should discuss the role of his government (that provides him security and wealth) in the atrocities and chaos it has brought to other countries.

There is a growing grass roots movement (many non-Muslim ) questioning the official 9/11 investigation. As someone who likes science, why isn’t Dawkins discussing the problems with the media and government’s explanation of 9/11?

If we do not get the truth, this phony war on terror will continue and a countless number of people will suffer from it.

It is analogous to arguing,

1. global warming is important to me
2. X, the economist, argued against my Y economic position.
3. Thus, X is mistaken because he is not concerned by Z, which relates him to global warming.

I hope you would agree this argument is absurd.

Fariborz, I am not sure what you are trying to do, quoting lines and random excrepts from my statement to attempt to show you somehow manage rebuke my argument. I indeed started of with my conclusion, that you are commiting a mistake, which later on I argued for. Simply put your argument is,

- from what I have studied, religion was enemy of people, science and knowledge.
Thus, all religion is bad/ mistaken (etc)

Now that’s just bad philosophy, simply bad bad induction. Bit of logic 101 for you.

Your more explicit argument tend to cite instances where actions by people where a “product” of religion, and those actions were bad. Now, as I said religion is more than just these practises, which are more influenced by people than any other part, if it does indeed have any reality.

So far bad philosophy, then you get personal, but contradict yourself, by proving that I am actually right in assuming “[Y]our environment has nurtured you such that you became disillusioned with religion”.

So, what your ending up with is no more than an opinion, that is your whole position, no more. Then to proceed with your generalized conclusion as if it is indeed a matter of fact and attempt to attack religions without qualification is indeed a worse mistake. This is what makes you on par with the same people you criticize, the only difference it so happens that in Iran they have the power, not you, which is unfortunate no doubt. You wish people to succumb to your “opinion” like self proclaimed men of religion in Iran use the force they have in hand to achieve a similar, yet opposite end.

I am not sure if I am a “rationalist”, as I am not sure what that implies. I believe, however, one should hold a logically consistent position with regards to his beliefs. I am definately not a rationalist about morality, as that has clear and distinct connotations.

I strongly believe that we all should be skeptical of anyone who brands himself a man of religion.

If so, what is your opinion about prophets? if you’re skeptical of prophets, so tell me more about it.

It appears I am mistaken.

Yes, you’re mistaken and your argument is irrational and ever bigger mistake where that you equal me to extremist religious people.

Having glanced through a few posts by Fariborz, I recognize that he is on an equal standing with those who fiercely defend and advocate religion.

What are your reasons? give me an example? instead of baseless accusations.

and do you call yourself rationalist?

Fariborz, and I mean no disrespect.

Its disrespect when you call yourself rationalist but you don’t provide any reason to support your argument.

your treatment of religion is philosophically naive,

How did I treat it?

religion is not necessarily equal to a fixed set of practices

I am sure, it’s not! Duh?!!

it is meant to be a deeper metaphysical thesis that provides with answers for certain metaphysical and moral question.

Moral sciences answer to moral questions. Back then in past 1400 years ago and before, you’re right! People needed religion not just for metaphysical and moral behaviors but also as a common ground for society.

We should study and discuss all productions of religion since it started! If even humankind needs religion for their own needs (or false-needs) we should have something that adopt to current technology and knowledge.

We are not living in the past.

I am in no way defending religion, and as a matter of fact I completely understand where you come from. Your environment has nurtured you such that you became disillusioned with religion and everything it stands for.

I am not sure we share same experiences and knowledge but I could say; so far I didn’t find any reason for religion and from what I have studied, religion was enemy of people, science and knowledge.

In fact, I do think that a lot of these religious practices are mistaken, unjust, immoral and totalitarian, as you rightly state. However, to move from that to an anti-theistic thesis is an unsound move.

If religious practices are mistaken, unjust, immoral and totalitarian and the religion is representing God, and the whole religion thing is an idealogy so God is just an idea which can be false idea!

Worse even is when you try project that opinion,

why does it make Worse in your opinion?

and it is no more than that, on the world around you, and criticize those who disagree. It is then that you would be on the same par as the religious police and other “religious authorities” you criticize.

This is another false accusation! Where did I criticize people, those who disagree with me on God or religion thing?

I don’t criticize people but I do criticize ideas because here we are to talk and discuss and criticize to learn more, Philosopher!

I think it is too soon to find a clear answer and yet there has been too much pressure on Islam to adapt to modern life in the last few decades, transitions that took several hundred years in “the west”.

Islam is an idealogy with 1400 yeas old age so it is not too soon at all to find a clear answer what’s it all about.

That is how a democracy works, by speaking up about the wrongs of the government and finding a way top stop the government from committing war crimes.

Dawkins is worried about the inaccuracies in the Bible; he should be more concerned about the inaccuracies in the newspapers and other forms of media.

Many atheists like to blame religion for most of the violence in the world, but the matter of fact is most wars are fought over natural resources and controlling land.

It appears I am mistaken. Having glanced through a few posts by Fariborz, I recognize that he is on an equal standing with those who fiercely defend and advocate religion. Fariborz, and I mean no disrespect, your treatment of religion is philosophically naive, religion is not necessarily equal to a fixed set of practices, it is meant to be a deeper metaphysical thesis that provides with answers for certain metaphysical and moral question.

I am in no way defending religion, and as a matter of fact I completely understand where you come from. Your environment has nurtured you such that you became disillusioned with religion and everything it stands for. In fact, I do think that a lot of these religious practices are mistaken, unjust, immoral and totalitarian, as you rightly state. However, to move from that to an anti-theistic thesis is an unsound move. Worse even is when you try project that opinion, and it is no more than that, on the world around you, and criticize those who disagree. It is then that you would be on the same par as the religious police and other “religious authorities” you criticize.

As to the mighty defenders of Islam, I would like to invite you all to think of what Islam really is, because I, ladies and gentlemen, have no answer. Liberal muslims keep stating Islam is not this nor is it that, this does not represent us, nor does that, hell, I do it myself every once in a while.. the question then is: what is it or who really represents it? I think it is too soon to find a clear answer and yet there has been too much pressure on Islam to adapt to modern life in the last few decades, transitions that took several hundred years in “the west”.

I find several comments fairly amusing and irrelevant. I think Dawkins is a nutter, but to blame him for the British monarchy, or fault his position because he was not an outspoken opposer of the war in Iraq is simply absurd.

urm.. that is it for now.

If in the comments section, it is full of rants like “Muslims are thugs and death zombies,” then it is inspiring these kinds of reactions from readers. It is your responsibility as the author to prevent anti-Muslim hatred and abusive bigotry instead of supporting it, unless you approve of such behavior.

Why should I get blame for readers comments? Should I stay online 24*7 hours to check to see who writes something wrong?

As an author, it’s my responsibility to manage hatred comments and warn people to prevent hatred comments.

During closing the thread! I wasn’t there while your debate with readers. it was your tone and others that went out of hand! Instead of asking for constructive debate, things went emotional between you and them.
It happens between kids

Also prove me, when did I support hatred message?

Blaming human rights abuses on Islam, rather than on the religious police in Iran, who don’t represent us and our ideals at all.

This is what you like to read, it’s not reality!

Reality is, with Islamic laws, Moral Police is necessary to preserve Islamic values like Hijab.

This is an entirely different discussion on the QUALITY of your posts now, which are of course biased. We were biased in closing the thread, not biased in making sure that the content here is responsible and incites debate instead of sheer hatred.

It’s non-sense allegations toward my posts.

If the comments in your threads are hateful against Muslims, that is your own responsibility.

It’s obvious! But you should know I can’t stay online for days and get ready for readers’ comment and be protective. whenever I see those comments, I will delete them!

Instead of making it clear that you have nothing personal against Muslims, you say things like “you are correct, thanks” to those who have blindly blamed and accused us of being thugs and brainless fools, the biggest example being Serendip.

Prove it?! I can’t recall that Serendip have ever used these phrases and I approved them!

I guess, Serendip has a good knowledge about Islamic society and most of the time she puts lots of efforts in her comments.

If you suggest she addressed Muslims as thugs and brainless fools, let me know. I found her an enthusiastic person who appreciates good discussions. Why didn’t you change the tone and didn’t talk to her?

My articles doesn’t incite hatred and bias! if you or some others don’t like it, let it be.

If in the comments section, it is full of rants like “Muslims are thugs and death zombies,” then it is inspiring these kinds of reactions from readers. It is your responsibility as the author to prevent anti-Muslim hatred and abusive bigotry instead of supporting it, unless you approve of such behavior.

Blame you to what? Which accusations? Did you make up these things on your own?

Blaming human rights abuses on Islam, rather than on the religious police in Iran, who don’t represent us and our ideals at all.

So why biased accusations now?

A biased mistake in CLOSING A THREAD WHICH IS NOW RE-OPENED. Get over it! This is an entirely different discussion on the QUALITY of your posts now, which are of course biased. We were biased in closing the thread, not biased in making sure that the content here is responsible and incites debate instead of sheer hatred.

If the comments in your threads are hateful against Muslims, that is your own responsibility. Instead of making it clear that you have nothing personal against Muslims, you say things like “you are correct, thanks” to those who have blindly blamed and accused us of being thugs and brainless fools, the biggest example being Serendip.

Where is your objectivity?

Refrain from posting articles that have the exact same subject which incite bias and hatred to a particular group or race.

My articles doesn’t incite hatred and bias! if you or some others don’t like it, let it be.

Information of a biased and misleading nature

Why do you mislead people with your comments?
Your comments suggests that my article was misleading one! Which is not true. Maybe you don’t like it. It’s ok but you can’t call it biased!

Why should we worry? I’ll tell you why, when members often write “Islam sucks, Islam sucks, Islam sucks,” readers will associate this place with the idea that “Islam sucks.”

It’s your imagination because we do have lots of authors in MEY from different countries with different perspectives.

Also personally I didn’t write Islam sucks or things that imply Islam sucks! because Islam is just a religion like others.

Especially if people take the time to write comments, which are later dismissed as “reactions that show that they are afraid from the truth.”

It doesn’t matter what reactions shows, it does matter what is your logic and explanation to them.Every voice counts and every comments. Sometimes readers may attack you (like you attack me) but it shouldn’t change your mind and attitude.

Who do you think you are claiming that you know the absolute truth and that your opinions are “facts,” never generalizations?

I write my opinion and I stand to debate (healthy) with anyone, you name it. What does make you think that you know the absolute truth?
Nothing, I will discuss and debate with others and we will find out with reasoning and logic

As a Muslim, your posts certainly don’t represent me.

Yes, it should be this way and also it shouldn’t bother you and you shouldn’t take it personally.
Because my articles are not for you.

There are many Muslims in this website fighting for minority rights and free speech.

It’s great, well-done.

Who did all of these things? Muslims, some of whom are very religious and in love with their faith, in fact, like Dalia, the bravest activist I know.

You can find good and bad everywhere. why do you attach them to my articles? They are human at the first place, like yourself. Everybody can accept any ideology and live with it. so what? should it stop others to think about that ideology? why?

What did you achieve, Fariborz? Other than blaming us and accusing us, when we are risking our lives to fight for human rights,

The first question is personal, just I can’t reply here.
Blame you to what? Which accusations? Did you make up these things on your own?

only to come here and be described as ignorant, brutal, and gutless? Does that seem so “fair” to you?

Did I ever used these words for you? Show me

Should Mideast Youth tolerate propaganda and misinformation, or should it worry for its credibility and overall quality of content?

who’s accusing now? you’re accusing based on biased information. This is your propaganda!

At least you accepted in your public apology:

It was our responsibility and our clearly biased mistake. It won’t happen again.

So why biased accusations now?

Refrain from posting articles that have the exact same subject which incite bias and hatred to a particular group or race.

There’s no difference between the above description, and “propaganda,” whose meaning states:

Information of a biased and misleading nature

Why should we worry? I’ll tell you why, when members often write “Islam sucks, Islam sucks, Islam sucks,” readers will associate this place with the idea that “Islam sucks.” Especially if people take the time to write comments, which are later dismissed as “reactions that show that they are afraid from the truth.” Who do you think you are claiming that you know the absolute truth and that your opinions are “facts,” never generalizations? As a Muslim, your posts certainly don’t represent me. There are many Muslims in this website fighting for minority rights and free speech:

Free Kareem!
Arab Network for Kurdish Rights
Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights
Middle East Interfaith Blogger Network
Inter Iman
Free Haleh!

Who did all of these things? Muslims, some of whom are very religious and in love with their faith, in fact, like Dalia, the bravest activist I know.

What did you achieve, Fariborz? Other than blaming us and accusing us, when we are risking our lives to fight for human rights, only to come here and be described as ignorant, brutal, and gutless? Does that seem so “fair” to you?

Should Mideast Youth tolerate propaganda and misinformation, or should it worry for its credibility and overall quality of content?