(December 8, 2010 at 6:54 pm)Paul the Human Wrote: You are wrong. The VAST majority of Americans are raised to believe in god and to believe that the bible is true and Jesus is Lord. Just because most of them don't bother going to church doesn't mean they were not indoctrinated, through a society that is almost completely dominated by Christianity, to believe the things they believe. Church goers or not, they believe... because they have always been told they should.
You are wrong again. I feel no hatred toward anyone... unless I'm driving behind some moron going 60 in the fast lane while talking on his cell phone... but I digress. I joke, I mock, I even ridicule... but I don't hate. I'm not even anti-theistic.
To be honest, it seems to me that you are having an emotional response where none is called for. I don't mind if you disagree with me, but how dare you morally chastise me in a 'holier than thou' manner! I demand satisfaction! *slaps Rwandrall with a glove*
AMERICANS, you said it. All theists are not american. Japan, China, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, to cite a few, in ALL of those religion holds a minimal role. In civilised countries, religion is secondary, except in the US. US are the exception, not the norm. And even in the US a large minority does not take religion seriously, especially in the young.
The words you use, like "indoctrination", the generalizations you make, are all signs of hatred, or at last contempt. Now the words "they always have been told" are also an exaggeration. You have to realize that people don't go around reminding their children to pray or to not sin. I have lived 18 years in a religious household, religion literally NEVER comes up in conversation. It's something that's on the side.
I did not morally chastise you, i merely pointed out the facts that you have a contempt for religion that blind you to what actually happens, only letting you see the parts that you hate and emphasize them tenfold. That is simply something i do not consider wise, this is why i voiced my objections.
Finally, i did not see any mocking. I saw baseless generalizations, oversimplifications and double standards.