Respectfully, this is utter rubbish. I'm an atheist and me and my kin have the same respect for human life any theist does, and are so DESPITE the rather bleak view described. This speaks volumes about our independence of opinion, that we can respect human life for what we see and measure, rather than relying on our parents and priests to tell us when to ascribe divine significance to something.
And who's more dignified, the one who arrogantly insists they are special from birth, or the one who humbly and gracefully accepts the insignificance of one's self.
Respectfully, most atheists do not have the same respect for life that most people of faith have, so right there, you and I have a difference of opinion, if in fact, that is the point you are trying to make. If you and yours do have a similar respect for life as a Christian does, then that's great, but please don't fool yourself into thinking that you and yours are a reflection of the majority of atheists, because you are not.
[This speaks volumes about our independence of opinion, that we can respect human life for what we see and measure, rather than relying on our parents and priests to tell us when to ascribe divine significance to something.]
Who said that Christians rely on parents or priests for their belief? Your logic is flawed, based upon your assupmption. I applaud you "and your kin" that you have the repsect for life that you claim, DESPITE the "rather bleak view described". The point is, do you buy into the "bleak view described"? You think that your view "speaks volumes" about your inedependence of thought, but really, do you think that your thoughts are really all that special? You seem to contradict yourself. On the one hand, you value your views and independence of opinion, but on the other, insist on your own insignificance of self. Too funny.
Your quote: [And who's more dignified, the one who arrogantly insists they are special from birth, or the one who humbly and gracefully accepts the insignificance of one's self]
Again, some contradicion here, but whatever. Humility is one of the traditional virtues of the Christian faith. In Christianity, it is not an either or, but nuance of thought and duality, people are complicated, as is much of life. Everyone is special from birth, an individual unique unto God, but also, understand their own limited humanity and sinful nature. Actually, from your responses, I think you understand more than you think about duality and the pardoxical nature of life, lol.