Secular humanists/libralists/atheists by virtue of the fact that they have no collective civic identity are by their very intrinsic nature not militant,” rabid” or otherwise – you will only hear little individual voices like mine on blog sites this questioning the validity of supernatural belief and morality that is informed by it – interesting that it appears the “Christian left” not the “wishy-washy” secular liberalists are the group attempting to moderate attitudes held by the “Christian right”
– I find this a compelling irony.

So before you coin phrases like” Rabid Atheism” I suggest you entertain the notion that attitudes of magical thinking coupled with the type of moral superiority informed by religious tenet that Ben so eruditely demonstrates, should be subjected to the same intellectual rigor that we apply to science, politics and art.
And if not why not!

What I can dismiss out of hand is your claim that I have ever said or written anything about any of these entities. I’m starting to think that what I would call “rabid atheism” includes the right to make things up to support your argument. That and the most extraordinary hubris, consisting in the assertion of knowing one is right and knowing that everyone who disagrees with you is wrong.

“first because I have no respect for you and secondly I have no respect for your opinions. If anything I feel rather sorry for you.”

Lol, Well this line really takes the cake – the fact that you have no respect for me and feel sorry for me smacks of that famous Christian “righteousness” that is right up there with good old Christian “tolerance” and “forgiveness” – by feeling sorry for me your clearly feel you are in a superior and more elevated position, shame on you.

I have personally have the the utmost respect for you and your absolute right to hold your position in matters of faith I just happen to disagree with you.

“I totally accept that there are thousands of atheists who live their lives as well as any Christian”

Gosh Ben more sanctimonious by the minute.

Undoubtedly, but quite how they’re able to ignore the evidence is a mystery. Perhaps they’re being intellectually dishonest, or maybe they just “don’t go there” – i.e. they deliberately keep religion and science separated (in their minds) and make no attempt to reconcile the contradictions.

I think Peemack that what separates us from animals is the mental and emotional facility for things like compassion, empathy, and higher thinking and this is awarded to us by virtue if a CONSCIENCE – not mans need for religion.

Man doesn’t actually NEED very much at all outside food and shelter.

I think you miss the point.
A bunch of religious zealots recently staged a right royal Christian tantie and employed the sort of bigoted subterfuge that typifies Religious protests – their ultimate goal was to thwart my and your civil liberties and they were successful.
I have a problem with that and they deserve to be challenged, including the fundamental premise on which they base such disrespect for other peoples freedom.

You have accused me of being abusive and offensive – if you go back and read my posts you will see I have not resorted to name calling or personal attacks at any time.

I is not the Christians but the Christianity I am challenging – your inability to make this distinction like many other Christians is unfortunate by not surprising – this is not meant to be personal Ben.

So why don’t you stop whinging about how impolite we all are and actually make a point.

I thought his last words were “Into your hands I commend my spirit”.

Eugene O’Neill’s is full of ripe despair: “I knew it. I knew it. Born in a hotel room – and God damn it – died in a hotel room.”

I’ve also admired the man who on his deathbed was asked whether he rejected Satan and all his works. His reply: “Now isn’t the time to be making enemies.”

And the best epitaph is surely Spike Milligan’s one in Gaelic: Duirt me go raibh me tinn – or “I told you I was sick”.

I still wonder what it is about atheists who are so threatened by the argument that they feel the need to be so offensive. Your postings have become more and more vituperative.

You referred earlier to hurting my feelings. I can assure you, Melissa, that nothing you can say would hurt my feelings, first because I have no respect for you and secondly I have no respect for your opinions. If anything I feel rather sorry for you.