A freethinker is a person who forms opinions and beliefs on the basis of reason, independent of tradition, authority, or established belief (Barker). Freethinkers love to learn new ideas and are not satisfied with what is already known. Thus, all members must be free from the conformity of a bible, creed, or messiah. They must be allowed to think for themselves, rather than blindly follow tradition or "cosmic absolutes."

Freethinkers believe the truth and choose not to follow the lies and superstitions that are, inevitably, part of religion. Common mythological themes are saturated through out the bible, from the creation and flood myth to virgin birth and hero resurrection (Edelen, "The Sin"). Unlike conventional religions, Freethinkers' beliefs are based

Freethinkers do not believe that all religious people are harmful or violent. Many religious people are good people and perform many good deeds, but they would be good anyway. Being a good person has nothing to do with your relationship with god but rather personal feelings toward yourself, others, and the world in general. According to Barker, people free from religion have made most modern social and moral progress.

---. "The Ten Commandments (2000)." Internet Infidels, 2000. 26 May 2000.

Freethinkers also believe that religion is not only useless but also harmful. Historically, religion has always produced violence (Edelen "Religion"). From Moses to the Crusades, Henry VIII, Salem, Hitler, Kosovo. Edelen writes, "it is the countries with out religion that are the least violent" ("Religion"). He also stated in the same article that, "America is the most 'religious' of all industrialized nations, and yet is the most violent nation in the world." Many of the world's most gruesome leaders believed they were performing god's work. Hitler himself wrote, "I am completely convinced that I am acting as the agent of god. I am now a Catholic and will always remain so," in Mein Kampf (qtd in Edelen, "Religion").

because the complexity of such a creature would be subject to the same scrutiny itself (Barker).

Edelen, William. "Religion is the Cause if Violence (1999)." Internet Infidels. 1999. 2

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)