Reply #51: the only thing I insult is intolerance

[imenja]

I am entirely unconcerned with your personal beliefs. What I am trying to impress upon you is that others believe and have a right to believe something other than what you do.

These weak arguments about the connection between religion and civil rights are not mine. They are entirely standard historical interpretation. I suggest you pick up the phone and call any African-American studies or history department across the country and ask any faculty member what they think on that issue. Who were the leaders in the Civil Rights movement and where were their meetings held? The overwhelming majority of academics are atheists, but they are not so blinded by their own personal beliefs as to deny the historical role of religion in Civil Rights and other liberation movements.

Your comments about the Catholic church are quite accurate. Churches have been the source of great oppression. Religions have also been appropriated as ideologies of liberation. Both are part of human history.

I am happy that you love the human race. I would encourage you, then, to have some understanding of the cultures that make up this world. Religion of one form or another is important in every society on earth. If you love people, you must respect their cultures and faiths. That does not, however, mean you need to share them.

My sense is you are far more rabid in a determination to impose your beliefs on me than I am on you. I have no interest in imposing my beliefs on you. Your views are entirely your choice and your right. I and every other person on this planet has the same right to decide what we believe. Is that really so difficult for you to acknowledge?