(June 1, 2015 at 4:23 pm)nicanica123 Wrote: I personally find the OP hilarious. I think that most atheist are generally intellectual atheist that have done research and much pondering over what they believe and ideological atheist that take a position as an ideologue rather than from their own conclusions. William lane Craigs had an interesting RF podcast this week (I am sure you all heard it) about how aggressive atheists tend to use mockery and derision rather than reasons and logic. THIS IS NOT A BLANKET STATEMENT. However, it does seem to be a favorite of many atheists.
There are many ways to tackle the problem of religion. All of them, except violence, have their place.
Using logic and reason is probably the best method, but don't underestimate ridicule.
If you're the only 9 year old kid on the school bus that still believes in Santa, you can sure bet that you will soon be dissuaded of that believe by the relentless ridicule of the rest of the bus.
Believing the myths, magic and fairy stories of religion in the 21st century, is quickly becoming the equivalent of the 9 year old Santa believer on the bus.
You'd believe if you just opened your heart" is a terrible argument for religion. It's basically saying, "If you bias yourself enough, you can convince yourself that this is true." If religion were true, people wouldn't need faith to believe it -- it would be supported by good evidence.