Burning the Bible

[Perhaps]

I wouldn't burn a bible simply out of respect for the theists who aren't ignorant fools and for those who do live quality, moral lives helping others.

Please stop with the oxymorons.

It's often easy to lump a group of people together, but to disrespect those who don't deserve it is wrong - in my opinion. As much as I disagree with the bible and affirm that it is all a myth, I reserve respect for those who devote their lives to an idea which gives them hope of a better tomorrow. We must remember that a large majority of those who consider themselves religious live in horrible life situations and are often times extremely uneducated.

We are no better than anyone else, regardless of what we each believe individually.

The only thing one has to "respect" is another individual's right hold a belief. Neither the individual nor the belief need be respected. Respect is earned, not automatically "deserved".

And we wonder why people hold such disdain towards the atheist community. As you said respect must be earned, how are you to gain any if all you do is disrespect others who hold different beliefs and make assumptions of their character?

Holding a belief does not make the person an ignorant fool. We shouldn't judge people because of their beliefs, but judge them by their actions. They can believe whatever they wish, but as long as they are a moral and just individual we may say nothing against them, only their belief.

Perhaps you've had a different experience with life, but coming from a Christian childhood environment I've seen my fair share of ignorant fools, but I've also seen my fair share of those who call themselves religious and are still quite capable of being good, intelligent human beings.

Not everyone is as you say they are, simply put.

[edit:] In addition, the bible (or even holy books in general) - even though it is a myth and false - has been the inspiration for art, politics, social reform, etc. throughout history. In order to fully understand these events we need reference to the holy books of the past and present. If you were referring to an instance of non extinction of 'holy' books then I return back to my respect opinion.