Attention Atheist, can you please do me a favor and listen to me.......

[Fairgo]

140. Interesting discussion

Hard to sustain reason when the topic continually slides into the pre- rational sphere of beliefs/spirituality. The engine of our psyche is propelled by an existential drive for personal meaning in the face of personal death. the search for meaning begets values, begets identity, begets community. Begets democracy as one expression. Religion co-opts the mystery behind the search. It provides answers based on revelation, whether fasting in the desert, or looking into a hat for answers...all the same. You cannot argue faith. Nor should you. At least not here. You can argue about the thief, the pederast, the charlatan who uses the illusion of faith to victimise others. You can argue against the congregation when community expression of faith provides cover for a political act. I believe this OP, as well meaning as it is, strays into this camp. The proverbial camel's nose under the tent. Don't be to offended when someone gives it a swat.