Does secularism make people more ethical?

[Skybird]

Due to the lack of any heterogenous belief concept in atheism and secular thinking (atheism is no belief in itself, but the lack of believing in theistic concepts), one could argue that a secular society seems to be an inevitable precondtion for functioning multi-cultural societies, at least is better suited to maybe deliver on that promise than any society embracing institutionalised or dogmatic religious conceptions.

[MH]

Originally Posted by Skybird

..........one could argue that a secular society seems to be an inevitable precondtion for functioning multi-cultural societies, at least is better suited to maybe deliver on that promise than any society embracing institutionalised or dogmatic religious conceptions.

That i agree with.
Which means separation of religion from government and basic rights protected by constitution more or less like USA.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by MH

That i agree with.
Which means separation of religion from government and basic rights protected by constitution more or less like USA.

Not really, because in reality there are plenty of laws and rules on federal state levbel that discmrinate non-bveolievers, there is a strong evangelical trend in the armed forces, and in local places communities are extremely hostile and supressive againmst non-theists/atheists/secularists.

There seems to be a big difference between the intentions expressed in the nation's founding papers, and the practical reality in place. In some states for example you are even banned from candidacy for pulbic offices if you do not believe in theistic deities, and campaigns by orthodox religious groups have led to the change of the formerly "neutral" writings on coins and notes ("in God wer trust" is relatively new a formula), and the chnage in formulation of the pledge of allegiance (one nation "under God" also is new").

However. Just to put the US example on secularism a bit back into relation. In Europe, most people and media associate it stronger with religious dogmatic rule than any other Wetsern nation, even before Poland, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain. The European mean value of secularists in the population also is far ahead of that in the US (article linked in first post in this thread).

[Growler]

I can't speak for others, because I know only myself, but I would say that, as my indoctrination into the Catholic faith waned, my own introspection and even open-mindedness increased greatly.

As I became more aware that what I was observing wasn't reconcilable with what I had been taught, my curiosity increased, and with it, my ability to actually learn from others who believe differently than I do. I don't need a deity to believe in to recognize that this world, for all the hype given its troubles, is still a beautiful and amazing place to live right now, and that I'm remarkably lucky not only to be of sufficeint health and welfare to see that, but also to be able to share that wth others.

I'm also increasngly aware that, of all the species on the planet, we humans seem to be the only ones plagued with an interminable existential debate that influences and in some cases, prescribes our actions in how we treat not only each other, but other species on the planet as well.

[MH]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Not really, because in reality there are plenty of laws and rules on federal state levbel that discmrinate non-bveolievers, there is a strong evangelical trend in the armed forces, and in local places communities are extremely hostile and supressive againmst non-theists/atheists/secularists.

There seems to be a big difference between the intentions expressed in the nation's founding papers, and the practical reality in place. In some states for example you are even banned from candidacy for pulbic offices if you do not believe in theistic deities, and campaigns by orthodox religious groups have led to the change of the formerly "neutral" writings on coins and notes ("in God wer trust" is relatively new a formula), and the chnage in formulation of the pledge of allegiance (one nation "under God" also is new").

However. Just to put the US example on secularism a bit back into relation. In Europe, most people and media associate it stronger with religious dogmatic rule than any other Wetsern nation, even before Poland, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain. The European mean value of secularists in the population also is far ahead of that in the US (article linked in first post in this thread).

Well...that's true but that's because of overall flavor of USA is of faith oriented values while the constitution defends basic rights for all.
If President of USA has to put on show that he is man of faith to get elected ,its a power of democracy...probably majority think its the right thing at the moment.
Its something unavoidable.
You want Germany your way Americans want it their way...Israelis aren't sure yet lol.
Still as country which is build mostly on emigration and many different views and religions it RELATIVLY successfully copes with its issues and diversity.
Its not perfect but best i can see.