I have indeed studied eastern philosophy. For a few years, I considered myself a Buddhist. The unfortunate cultural accretion of the supernatural that clings to that tradition is what ultimately drove me away. I still do not consider it a religion, however. There are aspects of the western godhead that I consider essential to my personal definition of religion. Buddhism does not meet the criteria. I know very little about the Jains but I do admire the behaviors they often exhibit, while I do disagree with aspect of their philosophy.

I too, am a vegetarian. And I consider this to be very consistent with my atheism. If there is no supernatural and no afterlife, then taking the life of another creature is an affront to their one and only (provable) existence. I am not willing to do that. However, I would gladly eat cloned meat. Except pork, it’s just too greasy, I never liked the stuff.

The hypothetical situation you propose confuses me. I don’t see how viciousness can be reconciled with “good”. To kill from necessity or the protection of others can be justified, but to be vicious implies enjoyment of this killing. Actually, the situation you propose sounds somewhat like the TV show Dexter. I enjoy the show, but I don’t think I could condone his actions in real life.

But yes, far too many people are killed in the name of gods. This continues today, in ways both big and small. Wars and terrorist attacks and genocidal campaigns are only the most obvious examples. Surely the parents who refuse (implying medical care is available) to vaccinate their child or to treat them when they fall ill, all due to their religious convictions, has killed their child. The virus of irrational thinking infects many areas of life and requires constant vigilance.

Yet, aside from that more humans have been killed in the name of God.

What isthey clowned animals and only ate the clowns?

I have a situation for you. How is it possible that a nice kid who did not like hunting or fishing or killing of any kind end up being a vicious killer. What transformation has to take place? He ended up handling his guilt by doing good.

The answer liesin the history and develoment of an animal we call “human”.
Good night and the best to you.

And I agree that is one shitty remark by Wal-Mart.

At first, your comment made me laugh out loud. But upon further reflection, I’ve become a little sad over it. It’s depressing to see somebody so obviously devoted to outmoded Bronze Age thinking that they are willing to sacrifice the joys of their only true life (such as learning about all the marvels of nature) for the lie of an eternal afterlife. And not only mistaken, but proud of your delusion and/or ignorance. Yes, I do know where I will go. I will go to the crematorium or a suitable place of burial. That is all there is to the end, so I choose to live my life as best I can. I certainly do make mistakes, and will make more before I’m done, but what is sad is that you don’t realize you will be in the same predicament. Your meat will burn or rot the same as mine. Will your life be lived or will it be cast aside into the metaphorical pit of delusion?