What is God?

[Starboard Tack]

33. Why "bother"?

Because that's how I see it. If someone believes in a god, it's a personal belief and personal beliefs are important to people. It's not about being diplomatic, but being respectful of others. Who are you and I to determine what beliefs others should have. I have found that their is no fruitful discussion to be had in attacking an individual's religious beliefs. However, challenging the ideas and building blocks that form those beliefs has the potential to bear fruit. I find that some atheists are as abrasive as the most strident bible thumper. They are like vicious dogs who attack any vulnerable spot, in an effort to subdue their prey. That's why many of us don't label ourselves atheists or christians, because we don't embrace a mob mentality. It's kind of ironic that most of the proselytizers in this country tend to be either fundamentalist christians and atheists. I would also bet that most of the atheists who proselytize are former christians who have been victimized by the church in some way.