God 
I love atheists because they don’t try to takeover the government to force their lack of beliefs on others.
Brian R. Sala 🍻@godpod
Apparently you have not heard of China?
Brendan OhUiginn@godpod @docbrianS China isn’t forcing atheism on its population. They officially recognize several religions including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam.
Their Constitution says a lot of things that aren't true. E.g.,
“Citizens of the People’s Republic of China shall enjoy freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, procession and demonstration” (Article 35).
@godpod @docbrianS
True, and Article 5 says that they shall be governed by the rule of law, but the government frequently breaks their own laws.
And yet religions like Taoism, Confucianism, and folk religions are a deep and significant part of culture in China. Chinese who claim to be atheism make up just under half the population. The rest believe in many forms of religion.
@BOhUiginn @godpod
Agreed that there are many believers. But not publicly so in the Party. Religiosity is highly suspect, no? And in some cases (e.g., Uyghurs), cause for oppression.
Agreed that there are many believers. But not publicly so in the Party. Religiosity is highly suspect, no? And in some cases (e.g., Uyghurs), cause for oppression.
@docbrianS @godpod Religiosity is public displayed by about half the population. While certain forms of public displays of belief are banned, religiosity is not. And many within the party see Chinese folk religions and the Chinese culture as inseparable. The Chinese government suppresses and oppresses devout believers not BECAUSE it’s atheist, but because it sees that belief as a threat to its absolute authority.