[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by neophyte

while I hope for (and expect) the fallacy of religion to be eventually filed away in its proper place, next to the "earth is flat" notion, I don't see the notions of good will, justice, altruism, etc. fading as a result. Value judgements such as right and wrong are not in the exclusive purview of theists, no matter how stubbornly they have laid claim to, and perverted them. We are a thinking, self aware species, capable of (and generally predisposed to) positive, constructive modes of thought and action without the preposterous crutch of a belief system founded on an ancient fantasy.

Until such time that we, as a species, shirk off the ignorance, fear and guilt inherent in said brainwashing, we won't know how well we would or wouldn't do with it all.

It seems like you approach your atheism with a religious fervor. I am quite aware that religious folk can be intolerant, and that horrible acts have been done in the name of religion. But there have also been a great many people of faith who have been driven by their faith to perform great services for society. I believe that tolerance for all views - religious and anti-religious is a constructive way of maintaining a society. The wall of separation between church and state is essential to maintain such tolerance. The separation requires neutrality toward any religious belief or lack thereof, but it does not stand for governmental hostility toward religion, nor should it promote such hostility.

Regards,

D-Ray