Even if theism is a failure, it's still superior to atheism

[rlp21858]

to follow up on the "collective tone", what i said to Grand Nudger was not meant to sound condescending (Grand Nudger: if you took it that way, i'm sorry). *but i said it because it really needed to be said: the collective tone that he and many others speak in i believe will cause a lot of problems, and potentially keep someone from believing who could have. i understand this often comes from a concern for others, which is a good thing. but to not believe just because another doesnt believe i think is akin to crippling yourself because you feel bad for a man in a wheelchair. this isnt the only way to handle this: Christianity teaches that the perfect way is to accept the free gift of health that you have, then (from commandment) dedicate yourself to the care of the man in the wheelchair as a result. this lets you express your concern for others without denying yourself the personal contentment you have available to you. so i hope the members refrain from speaking in this tone and only present their own personal reasons for not believing. should those reasons be addressed, perhaps those that dont believe could be given a reason to believe through you.