Trying to save people

[robvalue]

I didn't mean to be condescending, or condensation for that matter I never mean to cause offense, only to stimulate thought and discussion. My apologies if I upset anyone.

I'm sure from a religious point of view, I have oversimplified things. But that's kind of the point... each side sees the other side rather simply, in terms of truth.

If you are on the inside of religion then it is incredibly clear and obvious, simple, that your religion is true and that it is good. It is obvious that atheists are just missing something and are misguided, deluded... whatever you want to call them. (Am I getting this right? I have never been on the inside of religion myself. But I can only think that you must have this much conviction to truly believe.)

If you're an atheist, it's just as simple and clear that religious people have accepted an answer provided to them by others.

Both sides are clear about their position. No one can say with absolute certainty which side is "right", in as far as no one can ever know anything for sure. The best we can do is work with evidence and come to logical conclusions.

I think I have to agree that the biggest motivation for atheists to address theism is the harm that it has done, and can do in the future. I don't think anyone could deny the harm that has been done in the name of religion, and that it has a big hold over society.

From my perspective, I also see people trapped and wish I could help them. And from a theists perspective, they see atheists trapped by whatever has led them astray, which is keeping them from the truth. This is my tug-of-war. Both sides see bonds on the other, that they cannot see for themselves.

I think this is all an incredibly important issue, Matt Dillahunty said it is the "biggest thing going", it affects every aspect of life, and impacts the future of civilization. So to not be able to state clearly both side for fear of being condescending is to not address the issue properly.

Hope that makes sense! I think that is why I have become so into these kinds of discussions recently as I view it as perhaps the most important issue facing humanity.

Of course the tug of war is complicated by the fact that atheists and theists are suddenly pulling on the same side, although for different reasons, against theists of other religions! And if a theist has come to an atheist forum, I can only assume that they are at least interested in this tug of war, and listening to both sides of it And I am of course always open to the fact that I could be wrong, about anything, and if I am presented with good evidence I will reconsider my position.