It also noted that what is at stake is the potential of losing
the youth to cynicism, violence and even fanaticism.
These remarks suggest a prejudice against those without any
religious affiliation.
The last census in 2000 showed that roughly 15 per cent of
Singaporeans did not have any religious affiliation.
The article essentially suggested that this group, 'the
godless', are cynical and prone to violence.
As a society for non-believers, the Humanist Society (Singapore)
disagrees.
The reality in societies everywhere is that there is no
difference between non-believing youth and the religious youth in
their propensity towards violence. There are actually higher levels
of violence among those who identify themselves as 'religious' or
'faithful'.
As for cynicism, there is certainly no correlation between
non-belief and a cynical attitude. Many non-believers are involved
in the world around them, trying to make it a more humane,
compassionate place.
The two largest charitable donations in the history of the world
were by atheists: American investor Warren Buffett and his fellow
American Bill Gates of Microsoft donated US$30 billion (S$39
billion) and US$11 billion respectively to the Bill and Melinda
Gates foundation, a charitable organisation whose main goals are to
enhance health care and reduce poverty worldwide.
I know of many non-believers, people who identify themselves as
humanists, atheists and agnostics, who regularly donate to charity.
Many also do volunteer work for humanitarian causes.
One does not need to have a religion to lead a good, happy and
meaningful life and to have compassion for our fellow human
beings.