Is Atheism unethical?

[Kwan Yu]

Personal Religion
is standard of ethical conduct
that one must practice regularly
Not one day on
one day off.

Of course
you are then mocked
for your religious practice

[nickelfire]

murex said:

I think a unique personal belief is better than a religion. A person is more refined and more real that way.

I'm inclined to agree, it may not provide a hell of a lot of enlightenment, and a united belief will be impossible, but if we all practice the logical basics of respecting human rights, cause and effect, and the like, then the world will be far better off.

kwanyu said:

Personal Religion
is standard of ethical conduct
that one must practice regularly
Not one day on
one day off.

Of course
you are then mocked
for your religious practice

This is certainly a good distinction, the personal religion as opposed to the classical organized religion... I certainly see where you're coming from and I think it's an infallible argument that anyone with a measure of faith can, if presented correctly, pose to those who are disparate to religion as we know it.
Some kind of "religious" activity, (in the context you described) is necessary to keep the psyche focused on whatever it's eventual goal is, whether it be an ethical life or a moral achievement... Alas! I have an ounce more respect for the word "religion".

[piper]

Well I think I see some light at the end of the tunnel on this argument. For me it has been a good one to explore because I just take for granted that I have religous belief. This has made me examine in a deeper way what that means.

Probably like most structures they reach a critical mass and we arrive at that place where we say right we have to rely on ourselves because the machine is too big. So in that way I can see that organized religion could be a detriment. That having been said tho I believe that some sort of practice discipline or whatever is nnecessary to purify the mind and keep us wholesome.

[Kwan Yu]

Religious practice
is public acknowledgment
of invisible spirit

Interpretation of unseen
is foolish dogma
necessary for some
but not the discerning mind

Discernment holds danger

Dismissal of religion
because of disgust with dogma
is dismissal of spirit

Spiritless existence
is zombie life