Oh, this again.
The Beeb is once more mulling over the possibility of opening up “Thought For The Day” to non-theists; it has traditionally been a three-minute atheist-free zone in a little corner of the three-hour “Today” show. I first wrote about this three years ago, noting that
Excluding the atheists—sure, that’s ok—
So long as it’s only three minutes a day
Or judging your worth based on how much you weigh
So long as it’s only three minutes a day
Get out, if you’re black! Or you’re white! Or you’re gray!
So long as it’s only three minutes a day
And keep your mouth shut if you chance to be gay
So long as it’s only three minutes a day
(More at the link)
One of the utterly predictable, yet still annoying, reactions to the current mulling is Guy Stagg’s claim that the move “will expose the loneliness of atheism” (oh, the comments at that one!). Coming, as it does, so soon on the heels of the Reason Rally, I wondered what he might mean by that.
Mr. Stagg might well be lonely if he lost belief in god,
So he’ll keep believing, staunchly, till the end.
Cos let’s face it, he may only (though the concept does seem odd)
Have imaginary entities as friends.
Actually, Mr. Stagg claims no faith, himself, but doesn’t see atheism as offering a compelling alternative to religion. At Reason Rally, one of the t-shirts might have given him an idea: “Atheism isn’t a religion, it’s a personal relationship with reality.” That alternative certainly sounds compelling to me.
So… my atheist readers: are you lonely? My believing readers: are you?
