Secularists argue that Theists tend to appeal to authority rather than reason things out. They claim that godly people get a notion of something that God wants and they push it on everyone. This claim by secularists is valid in some circumstances and we all know a few meddlers. There are always those little tyrants in every religious association that make it their business to force others to obey what they perceive as God’s requirements. The poor souls who don’t share the same views end up being looked down upon due to a perceived air of superiority. After all, they know God far better than you can. But we always have the choice to disassociate.
Secularists, however, have their own tyrants. Since they believe morality consists of the things that are best for society, this notion becomes an appeal to authority and they end up manipulating people in a worse way. The words that every Despot has used throughout history to come to power is “the will of the people“. They claim to represent the needs of society and justify atrocities this way. After all, they know what society needs far better than you can. It is a worse kind of tyranny because need can be defined in unlimited ways causing them to make up infractions to justify oppressive acts toward those don’t share the same views or any who oppose them. We cannot disassociate ourselves from what our livelihood depends on so secular oppression is a much worse evil.
Freedom really means to be free from all meddlers. Free from the tyrants we all experience that appoint themselves as guardians to society and our lives. Individualists value freedom to make their own life choices. We believe in discussing options and views, but are very careful at giving enforcement authority. Those who come into authority seem to easily become autocrats who bribe society with perks to make themselves popular. As this is done, enough support is garnered to encroach further into our lives and finances, thus insuring their own wealth and causing a perpetual decline for everyone involved. We need both freedom of religion and freedom from giving others governing authority over all areas of our lives to remain a free society. We must be free in order to prosper.
Appeal to authority; To use authorities such as God, scientists or the polls as the winning point of an argument rather than discussing the merits of an issue. For example; “Polls say that people want free healthcare.” Does this mean it is affordable or a better product? There is no fact or argument on the issue in this statement but we are expected to accept free heathcare as a good idea because a supposed majority support it.
Despot; A person who uses limited authority to become a tyrant (or a jerk).
Autocrat; Someone who believes his authority cannot be disputed.
