Reply #60: I have no doubt at all that in many ways I am stupid, ignorant.

[lil-petunia]

However, I try to do something about it. I read, I study, I learn. I am open to new ideas. I DON'T need some fundie jerk telling me about some make-believe god and his son as though that has anything to do with this universe, much less this world or our country.

The inconsistencies and errors in the bible are so numerous, so humorous and so telling, that it boggles the mind. And the typical fundie answer to a serious question? "It is a matter of faith." In the face of contrary fact, reason, logic, etc.

Religion is based on fear. It causes fear. It uses fear. It scares people into acting in certain ways, makes silly promises about redemption, and demands money. Lots and lots of money. It causes people to act in irrational ways, it makes people feel guilty about the most normal and beautiful human interaction, ie sex. It demands allegiance, it demands belief in erroneous ideas, it bars plain thinking.

Religious beliefs have led to more pain, suffering, death, torture, and wrongdoing in the name of some make-believe god than any despot.

You want faith? Fine, just keep it to yourself and keep it out of our schools, our laws and our country. We don't want our children's mind polluted by this nonsence. It causes too much long term damage.