[Antithesis]

Originally Posted by Cheese

I guess the answer to your response would be...as a teacher you would be teaching subjects to young people that have never had any understanding of a topic prior to your theories being espoused.
If you are suggesting however that I am not educated on this matter I would be more than happy to debate any theory you put forth.

My comment regarding frustration was more directed towards Claeren as he actually used the word "frustration", and when I wrote and posted, I knew it might cause confusion. I'm not speaking of a lack of understanding regarding religious belief systems or lack of knowledge regarding world religions. I was speaking more towards a lack of understanding regarding the "how" and to a lesser extent the "why" regarding faith on a personal level. I can't imagine, that as atheists (I would assume), yourself and Claeren would argue the notion that you don't understand how people arrive at spiritual belief. I'm not saying that to be insulting, I'm saying that I would assume that is a part of being an atheist.

Originally Posted by Cheese

As to the topic....I simply posted this to give theists an opportunity to answer the question put forth. I dont think I was being anything more than tongue in cheek.
As to whether my rhetoric is inflammatory, I guess that all depends on the angle you view it from. Theists certainly dont want anyone suggesting that there is no God, and they certainly dont want anyone suggesting what they believe in might not be more than a fairytale. But that doesnt make me angry. I would suggest quite the opposite based on some of the comments so far.

I don't think that seeking discussion regarding religion and having the position you seem to is indicative of anger, to answer your question. What I think is that use of terms like "fairy tale" are inflammatory, especially in a forum like this, where it is so hard to tell if someone is joking (like you say you are) or serious. Without bringing my beliefs into the argument, I would think that a theist would consider "fairy tale" to be on the same level as calling someone's wife an ugly mutt when they clearly believe that not to be the case. They would probably get upset.

Obviously, you enjoy discussing religion and seek out discussions on the subject, it just seems to me that using terms like "fairy tale" as part of your discourse would be an attempt to pick a fight, know what I mean?

Originally Posted by DementedReality

well, i think that both sides should show respect for the others point of view.

That's a pretty solid belief to have.

Originally Posted by DementedReality

frankly, i will respect your right to pray to a bag of sand if you so choose, however i expect you to respect my right to not pray to anyone and not tell me my kids are damned to he11 because of it.

And of course that would be upsetting. I, personally, would never dream of doing that but obviously its happened to you in the past which is unfortunate.

Originally Posted by RementedReality

however, i find that organized religions somehow believe that their version of events is more important (in fact more "true") than other peoples.

I think that's a bit of a blanket statement. Some, maybe even most followers of organised religions believe this on some level, sure, but I think those following a true path towards enlightenment would be loathe to feel they were better than someone else on the basis of their views of the universe. I get the sentiment though, just not the all-inclusiveness of it.