What is good about theism and theists?

[NoMoreFaith]

So what's the logical conclusion? You can't eradicate belief in god, nor should you if you could.

Why. I note you haven't put forward any arguments why a good lie (at least in terms of probability) is better than truth.

I agree with your thinking that religion acts as a cultural bond to promote the status quo, growth and survival of a society. I would however argue that since the "age of reason", it has become increasingly superfluous with the growth of philosophy, free thought, science and most importantly, mass education.

The problem doesn't lie with the "good" believers, it lies with the "bad" ones. Good people with stable minds should just carry on with their beliefs, as they are of no harm to anyone, and bad people, whether they claim to be religious or not, should be dealt with as they come, and their actions should be judged by their merits (I mean lack of). And of course there are lots of areas inbetween, but I'm sure mature and reasonable people can separate religion from bad people and bad actions.

I can't shake the feeling that the extremist fundamentalists who rise to power and attempt to enforce their superstitious idiocy into policies of the land are doing so while, the vast majority of their shared faith, whom are moderate in their faith tremble and hesitate to speak out against the follies of the fundamentalists in the keep.
You can't build a better world trying to compromise with idiocy.

Now, this doesn't stand for the most, but the only reason that this minority have a soapbox to stand on, is because they stand on the cowering quivering body of moderate religion whom allowed them to climb there, afraid to move in case it brings them all tumbling down.

I'm waxing a little poetic now, so I confess I'm exaggerating my view a little.

For good people to do evil, it takes all sorts of things, it could be a bad upbringing, bad habits, a warped view of the world, psychological instability, personal issues, the list goes on.

Anything BUT the dark age myths and misguided morality which forms the bedrock of the faith.

I don't buy it. Of course there are more factors involved, it would be absurd to argue otherwise. In many cases the religion is an excuse for abhorrent behaviour is certainly true (which you do state as a factor, tis true). How often is it said that its odd that God's opinion oddly mirrors the prejudices of the person.

Look, I'm not saying theists are bad people, nothing like it. Do I hold their faith accountable. Certainly. This says little about those who in most cases are simply born into it. We are all just making our way in the world, and my words have been perhaps, a little harsh on them.

The fact remains, most moderates have no reason why they believe, nor do they care. However, it remains that you need to be blind to skim over the injustices caused in THEIR name.

I'm drunk so as a quick disclaimer, I may be more militant than usual.