And I’m sorry for using the words “better” and “best”… It was because I do believe in God–own perspective. I still respect if you do not agree with it. I was unaware that this site was founded by a “religion critic” that this was intended as a religion critique.

See, I am NOT an atheist, but I did not say that BEING an atheist is NOT OKAY. (winks at you)

Well, it is okay not to believe in God as long as you know what is right and wrong. It is also okay (better) to believe in God and not be involved in religious activities, as long as you know what is good and bad. But it is best that you have it balanced… You believe in God and spare a bit of your time getting involved to religious activities.

It is NOT okay to say bad things about God and to the people who believe in that God whom you do not believe in. It is NOT okay that you believe in God and say bad things about the ones who don’t just because they don’t.

This shows that the “balance and fairness” that the God, whoever He is, that created everything that exists in this world, must always be present in all times, that anybody who destroys the equilibrium can never be GOOD in any way. “Faith without work is dead; work without faith is impossible.” Because faith is not all about God. It’s all about life… and all about your hopes for your lives. Good faith…I hope that everybody possesses it.

I don’t believe that simply stating one’s opinion means they’re closed minded. I don’t think having an opinion and stating it means one is closed off from hearing other opinions. But imagine what conviction would be if people were completely “open-minded” Its a bit idealistic, isn’t it?

Also, you would be well mad not to include your own comment in the mix, as your seem to be pretty closed-minded, blanketly calling everyone closed minded. Maybe if you were a bit more open to others’ opinions…

I agree. Just look at islam. These people want to kill and are driven/ordered to do this by their religion. In centuries past, xtians were doing the very same thing. Our morals have evolved with us and this is the reason that xtians don’t stone people to death, torture people into conversion or slaughter the opposition in case they become more powerful, like they used to do.

I think religion brings out the worst in people but I don’t think that many of these people would be anything like as bad if they didn’t believe. Their books cause them to judge others over trivial matters and the punishments are harsh. Without this garbage in their heads I’m sure most people would ‘see the light’. Our own conscience tells us what is right or wrong and does a much better job than any religion.

I guess it wouldn’t all be plain sailing but overall we’d definitely be much better off without religion.

Sorry, it’s late and I’m still working. Hope that made sense!

Obviously you are talking sense. I should stop worrying and enjoy my life. )

And I’ll continue needling the religidiots I encounter and writing atheist metal.

The more I hear the ‘invisible policeman’ argument, the more ass-backwards in sounds. I think that individuals who are already damaged tend to migrate to the barmier fringes of faith, where they continue to transgress – witness all those big-haired US evangelists with their sordid little secrets.

As for the social order breaking down, consider the endemic violence between Christian and Muslim in Nigeria. It’s killed thousands and harmed many more. The ‘invisible policeman’ doesn’t really make people behave better, he makes them channel their worst impulses against infidels, heretics etc.

Seriously folks, is there any consistency in the way the statistics were gathered?