Quote Originally Posted by Thorne View Post
Just remember, preaching a hatred of religion is just as wrong as preaching for one. I have just as much problem understanding those militant atheists who would force everyone to give up religion, just because they don't believe. Filing a lawsuit against a town or city for putting up a Christian themed Christmas display is just as reprehensible to me as forcing someone to pray in school. From where I sit, some of these atheists have taken on the mantle of their own religion! Ironic, I suppose.

"there is no one ideology or set of behaviors to which all atheists adhere" - Baggini 2003, pp. 3–4

"The term "religion" refers to both the personal practices related to communal faith and to group rituals and communication stemming from shared conviction" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion

I had a very bad experience growing-up revolving around religion. This is the reason why I am Atheist:

I grew up in a tiny little farming town in Northern Alberta, Canada. This little town was home to 3 000 people, 11 000 including all the out-lying farms. Once holding the world record for having the most churches, you can probably guess how many people in this town we're NOT religious.
Growing up in the school system was shear torture. Kids can be so mean sometimes. It was a Public School System that ran very much like a Religious School.

Now, when I first started there in grade 5 it didn't bother me at all. I was not religious but just went through the day doing what I was told to and didn't complain. Did that for 3 years, had friends, good grades all that good stuff.

Grade 9 hit me like a brick wall. English class was my favorite class, and I always loved when we we're given an assignment to write about something of our choice. One day the class was given an assignment to write about a Religion of our choosing. This was the first time I was able to write about what I really felt. I spent 2 weeks writing my essay on Atheism. I received a zero mark. Then the teasing began with people constantly shoving ideas of Religion down my throat. After grade 9 I knew I would never let anyone influence my beliefs.

I respect any religion, I don't care who you look up to. To each his own.
I'm not trying to be a dick-head to anyone or anything like that. In fact I actually enjoy being proven wrong because I learn from it. My Mum has always said that whole "don't talk about religion with people" line, and I swear my Mum has never been wrong. *It makes me sick how right she always is*

I worry that this thread could potentially makes more enemies then friends. Then again only if we choose it.

Peace. Love.
-DP