On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:01:40 -0500, "Jim" wrote:


"Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is Here wrote in message
...

On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:07:55 -0800, -rick- wrote:

Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:

I have no problems with any of the major religions, nor do I have a
problem with someone being an atheist or agnostic, but recently they
seem to be as forceful (or more forceful) in their Anti-God preaching
as a Jehovah's Witnesses selling their version of God after waking you
up at 8 am on a Saturday.
I personally hope I've not offended any one (or too many) by simply
expressing honest opinion, raising questions, or any lame attempts at
humor. If so that wasn't the intent.

You definitely haven't offended me by any of your posts. I was really
thinking of posts by Harry and Doug, whose sole purpose was to denigrate
those who do have religious views.


Coming from a strict religious family I understand that some perceive
expressions of doubt as threatening. None of us know the unknowable
with any certainty and we shouldn't pretend to. We also needn't be
offended by differing opinions. My $.02 anyway.

I am all for open discussions, but if someone has deep seated religious
beliefs, it is counter productive to an open discussion to mock or
ridicule their beliefs. Harry and Doug want to use a logical discussion
to prove them wrong. Most religions are based upon faith, so using logic
is not logical when discussing religion. There have been many studies
that show a strong religious belief to have a positive impact on people's
health, so why would one want to destroy that belief.




Why are they so antisocial? Maybe they do need some God in their life.
Or simple consideration.

I can understand why people are atheist, agnostic and deists. I don't
understand anyone goes out of their way to ridicule anyone's belief,
including those I don't believe. Separation of church and state, does not
mean our politicians must not have any faith or mean they can not
acknowledge their religious beliefs.
Attacking someones religious or polital beliefs is a sure fire way to anger
and hurt them. What satisfaction does the attacker gets out of it? Who
knows. Doug is mad at the world and suffers low self esteem due to events in
his life that overwhehmed him. His behavior us understandable. Harry is not
so easy to understand. Until I figure him out, I'll just say he's just plain
rotten. I,m not a doctor but I do play one on wrecked boats.

Neither Harry nor Doug have the power to hurt or anger me. They do have the
ability to appear totally farcical, which they do on a regular basis.
--
John H