proof of end times?

[Edwardo Piet]

I was told by the Moderator that using quotes in a post makes me look like a fool. I wonder if he will say the same to you, or is he another bias moderator controlling what is being said in an atheist bulletin board?

Hmm?

There is a massive difference between using a quote to illustrate a point, and using a quote to try and justify a point. You used a quote from Bill Gates about religion which expressed his opinion on religion as an arguing point for your point. It simply shows you cannot support your argument yourself and need to refer to an authority (in this case Mr Gates) in order to try and prove your point.

Evidence used a quote that illustrates the point he was making, about the holy books being the only sources of the claim of their infallibility. I don't object to that, but I do object to the latter part of the quote, which is clearly an opinion "Epistemological black holes of this sort are fast draining the light from our world.".

Yeah it is an opinion. Sam Harris said it so its obviously HIS opinion. And I also agree with him so its also my opinion. The fact Sam thinks this and I also have this opinion does not imply that everyone else should. This is just opinion yes. How can anyone speak for others? They can only say what they think.
For the record, I agree with the second statement because I think (its my opinion) that people using scripture itself as proof of the truth of scripture and the existence of God is a very common reason for theists to believe in such a delusion. Or at least an excuse to believe in it because they believe in belief in God. And to force it on others because you "Can't DISprove God" and scripture itself is proof of its truth. So God must exist.
I think a fallacy such as that can be used as a weapon by theists. Whether they consider it a weapon or not. Its an excuse and a cop-out for believing in a delusion. Whether they consider it an excuse or not.
So yes its only a matter of opinion. Until there is sufficient evidence that this excuse does indeed allow a lot of believers to evade arguments and follow their dogmatic beliefs. Or even a reason to believe them in the first place.
Because of course I think its fair to say that delusion and dogmas do kind of suck the life out of life. The energy doesn't really go into the truths of real reality when it goes into their delusions.
Would you agree with that, personally? In your opinion? Adrian?