Is there change in the air?

I just read this article in our newspaper. It is an important one as it shows that young people are now calling themselves atheists, humanists, freethinkers and agnostics.

It appears that atheists and agnostics are tiring of being tolerant of other religions pushing their beliefs on them unless they have the freedom to voice their opinions. Most atheists and agnostics tend toward a freethinking, humanistic philosophy and are tolerant of other's beliefs. Many atheists and agnostics do not wish to change anyone to their way of thinking anymore than a gay person would attempt to convince a heterosexual to become a homosexual. However, I do think that atheists would like to have others understand where and how they have come to be atheists, especially since they see they have come to this through science, logic, and reason.

Maybe with the younger generation, we will see more of them realizing that humans are spiritual beings, but that does not mean we have to have some organized religion with dogma and cult-like practices. (I know I am more sensitive to this kind of thing than most people as I grew up in a Pentecostal religion.)

Forget religion and educate is what I propose. If after educating a person and he/she still chooses some religion, then at least it was his choice. Religion does serve a purpose in that it creates community, but many other "works or good deeds" can do the same. If you are not a person who is drawn to religion, then find a passion or volunteer and you will find your community.