Brett Robson wrote:
> necoandjeff wrote:
>> Brett Robson wrote:
>>
>>> necoandjeff wrote:
>>>
>>>> Atheism isn't much more common in Japan than it is in the U.S. They
>>>> call themselves Buddhist and Shinto because they draw their
>>>> traditions from both. Most people are "spiritual" in the sense that
>>>> they believe in something more.
>>>
>>> Total crap. Japanese have some vague idea about people being
>>> spirits after they die, and that's it.
>>
>>
>> Sorry, what's the total crap part? Are people who believe that they
>> are spirits after they die atheists? Damn.
>
> What I said is clearly written above.

If you mean that the text renders clearly on my monitor you are right.

> I corrected your post:
>> I'm going to have to find a crowd to hang out with then.

Oooooh. I just hope you don't break out the sticks and stones.

>> Tell you what Brett, once you complete your survey
>> about how many Japanese know the meaning of the "na" in "Nara," why
>> don't you conduct one to see how many of them would consider
>> themselves an adherent of "mushinron."
>
> Make up your mind, mushinron or aetheist. I explained quite
> clearly what I meant "Japanese have some vague idea about people
> being
>>> spirits after they die, and that's it."

Hmmm. Shall be begin with what you think the difference is between
"mushinron" and "atheism?" Take your time Brett.

> Ask all your thousands of Japanese friends this little question:
>
> "What religion are you?"
> if they answer Buddhist ask
> Please tell the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism.
> What have you ever done to affirm that you are a Buddhist.

Ah, I see. In Brett-world,  people who don't practice religion in a
Brett-approved manner -- those who can't clearly articulate their dualism,
or haven't engaged in some ritualistic affirmation of it -- are by default
atheists. I'm beginning to see the problem here.

Jeff