NationStates Jolt Archive

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.

I find myself agreeing with NWZ for once..... I think I need to rethink my life.

And thats why Im agnostic.

Quote:

"You know what annoys me more than radical fundamentalists? Radical Atheists.."

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.

I don't see it happening a lot outside of message boards that host all manner of such flame wars. It happens a lot in the forum because for some reason, there's only about 8 or 9 topics people seem interested in arguing about repeatedly, and Theism vs Atheism is one of them. You don't find atheists on street corners and at bus stations accosting passers-by. Or at least, I've never seen them doing it.

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.

I only 'attack' when it's the topic or when religious people try to limit the rights of others (i'm talking about things like gay marriages and abortion here).

As an Atheist, I can say I don't go out of my way to attack Christians (in the Deep South, nobody mentions their religion unless they are some sort of Christian or Mormon (which I included seperately for clarification, not because they can't reguard themselves as Christian)). What annoys me is blatant ignorance and attempting to institute any religious policy on the Government. I'll be right there with Christians if the Government ever makes the pledge say "Under No God", for instance. [Well, except maybe Agnostic. "Under A God Or Gods That May Or May Not Exist" I could live with, even if it doesn't sound right.]

... You can't force an atheistic opinion on someone, either. Rather, what you mistake for that is the (admittantly somewhat vigorous) pointing out of flaws. Think- Atheism has no benefits, and forcing your religion on someone needs to give them a benefit ("Convert or burn in firey tortue forever and ever."). The only way you could ever force atheism on someone is to point out errors in their religion until they give up on it, and it doesn't take an Atheist to do that.

And Atheists can't force Atheism on people in public- so any forcing is either on the Internet or in the Courts (for laws). It just won't work. The only person I've ever actualy gone out of my way to comment on was a "Bible Is 100% True By Science" Semi-friend, and even then all I said was that you can't find dead horses and broken chariots under water after thousands of years- the bodies would decay the the chariots rust.

I only 'attack' when it's the topic or when religious people try to limit the rights of others (i'm talking about things like gay marriages and abortion here).

I understand that as I am liberal in those areas and probably agree with you. But you have to understand not all Christians are fundamentalist.

As an Atheist, I can say I don't go out of my way to attack Christians (in the Deep South, nobody mentions their religion unless they are some sort of Christian or Mormon (which I included seperately for clarification, not because they can't reguard themselves as Christian)). What annoys me is blatant ignorance and attempting to institute any religious policy on the Government. I'll be right there with Christians if the Government ever makes the pledge say "Under No God", for instance. [Well, except maybe Agnostic. "Under A God Or Gods That May Or May Not Exist" I could live with, even if it doesn't sound right.]

... You can't force an atheistic opinion on someone, either. Rather, what you mistake for that is the (admittantly somewhat vigorous) pointing out of flaws. Think- Atheism has no benefits, and forcing your religion on someone needs to give them a benefit ("Convert or burn in firey tortue forever and ever."). The only way you could ever force atheism on someone is to point out errors in their religion until they give up on it, and it doesn't take an Atheist to do that.

You mean "Under A God Or Gods Or Goddess Or Goddesses Or Any Combination Of The Previous That May Or May Not Exist"

You mean "Under A God Or Gods Or Goddess or Goddesses That May Or May Not Exist"

What about Gods that don't ahve or have too many genders? How would one express that?

"Under A God Or Gods Or Godess Or Goddesses Or Power Or Deity Or Any Combination Of The Aformentioned Or Other Divine Or Nondivine Being Or Nonbeing Not Mentioned As Thus."

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.
i only attack idiots sitting around declaring their utter superiority over every other religion

i only attack idiots sitting around declaring their utter superiority over every other religion

Which is not every religious person, and I would happen to agree with you about the fundamentalists.

What about Gods that don't ahve or have too many genders? How would one express that?

"Under A God Or Gods Or Godess Or Goddesses Or Power Or Deity Or Any Combination Of The Aformentioned Or Other Divine Or Nondivine Being Or Nonbeing Not Mentioned As Thus."
"Under A God Or Gods Or Godess Or Goddesses Or Power Or Powers Or Deity Or Deities Or Any Combination Of The Aformentioned Or Other Divine Or Nondivine Being Or Nonbeing Not Mentioned As Thus That May Or May Not Exist ."

That works.

I understand that as I am liberal in those areas and probably agree with you. But you have to understand not all Christians are fundamentalist.

"I only 'attack' when it's the topic or when religious people try to limit the rights of others (i'm talking about things like gay marriages and abortion here)."

the religious people mentioned here are people that support limiting the rights of all people using arguments that belong to their religion and do not apply to others.

Which is not every religious person, and I would happen to agree with you about the fundamentalists.
like i said, i only attack those who make it a habit of asserting their superiority above every other religion the first chance they get

like i said, i only attack those who make it a habit of asserting their superiority above every other religion the first chance they get
I agree, I hate the fundamentalists as much as you do. But thier are also fundamentalist atheists - they are just as bad.

well as a christian, i have no problem with atheists - you cant force people to believe something. as long as you live your life with some basic moral values, you cant o far wrong. who cares whether or not we believe in the same, or any, god?

I agree, I hate the fundamentalists as much as you do. But thier are also fundamentalist atheists - they are just as bad.

Fundamentalist Atheists have no doctrine to be fundamentalist about. What you are complaining about is rather an Atheist who is too vigorous with anti-religious arguments. A moderate Christian who criticises, say, Islam very harshly would not be a fundamentalist, either, for instance.

Fundamentalist Atheists have no doctrine to be fundamentalist about. What you are complaining about is rather an Atheist who is too vigorous with anti-religious arguments. A moderate Christian who criticises, say, Islam very harshly would not be a fundamentalist, either, for instance.

True, but Atheist doctrine could be argued to be anti-religious. As the definition seems to have changed with the addition of so many hardcore Atheists.

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time?
I'm atheist, so please, show me that thread where I attacked religion and said I hated it.

I believe in religious freedom. It is only a loud minority of atheists that are intolerant towards religion. These atheists tend to be young (i.e. immature) teenagers.

I believe in religious freedom. It is only a loud minority of atheists that are intolerant towards religion. These atheists tend to be young (i.e. immature) teenagers.

Firstly - I never said *all* atheists were the same. I make distinctions unlike the Atheist teenagers you mentioned, and those teenagers make up a large proportion of the atheist population. And plus they are more vocal so people assume all atheists are like that.

"I only 'attack' when it's the topic or when religious people try to limit the rights of others (i'm talking about things like gay marriages and abortion here)."

the religious people mentioned here are people that support limiting the rights of all people using arguments that belong to their religion and do not apply to others.

Dam Antidisestablishmentarianists

im pretty sure its because in ANY group of people there are some assholes who cant leave other people to their own lives

just like there are asshole christians who insist that atheism is a religion or that jews are going to hell.

no group is immune from it. try to "judge" from the majority not the minority

Atheist is in and of itself a pretty bad term, but it is also a revealing one. If we break it down, Atheism is still defined by the idea of a god-- it is just defined by the absence of that god. The concept of "atheism" really exists as it is defined by god-believers ("theists").

Along those lines, many Atheists feel the need to speak out against religion because they define their beliefs by what they are not, as opposed to what they are. I have rarely met people who actively say they are atheist who do not feel the need to dissect all the religion they see. And since claiming 100% that there is not a god is really a kind of faith (since you can't prove that either), I've never taken rabid atheists very seriously.

Hasn't this been discussed to death? Aren't there, like, a good 5 or more threads at 30+ pages of replies?

I'm atheist. I've never attacked the beliefs of anyone; I've discouraged fellow atheists from it in other forums, in fact. But I've had my own beliefs attacked -- viciously -- by religious people on numerous occassions. Each time was completely unreasonable, given that I was usually telling people to stop attacking THEIR beliefs. I usually avoid threads titled 'Who's right? Let's tell the other side why their beliefs are wrong!' or similar because I simply think their childish, and pointless -- afterall, who's ever come out of a thread like that with their beliefs changed? Exactly. So the only times it has happened is in threads titled 'state your beliefs' or something similar. Which makes it even more unnecessary. And now I see this thread -- the same sort of statement made by religious people who've attacked MY beliefs -- wondering why they are under attack. It makes me so frickin' angry. So from now on I'll loose no sleep if I see your beliefs being attacked. Quite frankly, I don't give a damn anymore.

So from now on I'll loose no sleep if I see your beliefs being attacked. Quite frankly, I don't give a damn anymore.

Fair enough.

I only attack those who can't see their religion past the words to the meaning. im a quaker-athiest-jew basically i believe "god" is a force or a power rather than an intangible object

i only attack idiots sitting around declaring their utter superiority over every other religion

If these people are idiots, wouldn't that seem to indicate that you feel you're superior to them? :rolleyes:

This always comes up and it's always on the tail end of the same thing. Someone prosletises (nope, can't spell), the atheists go nuts and then some christian goes "Why can't the atheists leave us alone...." Atheists rarely if ever start the fight. It's not in our intrest, really. It has to be brought up.

Why do we feel the need to defend ourselves against religion?

No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God.

Yeah, that raises a few hairs.

There are times that I'm glad I don't live in America :eek:

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.
:headbang: you're generalising ALL athiests... I'm a Buddhist (Buddhism doesn't believe in a god, a heaven or hell), and I find that very offensive. I do NOT attack any religion. I just attack the fundies who preach and tell me I'm going to hell because I don't believe in a god.

This always comes up and it's always on the tail end of the same thing. Someone prosletises (nope, can't spell), the atheists go nuts and then some christian goes "Why can't the atheists leave us alone...." Atheists rarely if ever start the fight. It's not in our intrest, really. It has to be brought up.

Why do we feel the need to defend ourselves against religion?



Yeah, that raises a few hairs.

Atheism is developing clanishness, just like Religion. In essence it is turning into a religion because of this and in many cases (not all) atheists always attack all Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews or Buddhists. Without realising that not all of these groups are exactly the same as the famous figures that represent them. I find the fact people call Bush a Christian insulting, he is not a Christian, he is a 'Christian'.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/EPH/9138.jpg

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/EPH/9138.jpg
That's good! I like, and I'm a Buddhist. It's a very good image, you should all take a look at this,

That's good! I like, and I'm a Buddhist. It's a very good image, you should all take a look at this,

I just found a site full of stuff like this, and I'm about as happy as a pig in shit right now. :D

"Under A God Or Gods Or Godess Or Goddesses Or Power Or Powers Or Deity Or Deities Or Any Combination Of The Aformentioned Or Other Divine Or Nondivine Being Or Nonbeing Not Mentioned As Thus That May Or May Not Exist ."

That works.

ahh... let's just snip the whole "under _____" deal from the pledge. after all, that's the way it once was.

I just found a site full of stuff like this, and I'm about as happy as a pig in shit right now. :D
Well, unless it's wallowing in its own feces, it can't be very happy right now... ;)

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.
personally, i "attack" religion the way most people "attack" racism. i think religion is a dangerous and misguided way of thought, and i make every effort to encourage those around me to not choose that path, but it's not the focal point of my life. i don't spend every waking moment thinking of ways to pick on people who believe, and i don't go up to total strangers and call them names for expressing religious sentiments. i am, admittedly, horrified when i see public officials expressing religious ideals, because to me that is the same as if public official used an ethnic slur or opined that America is a White Nation.

i know that good people often hold some bad ideas, so i don't hate those who are religious. i simply find their religion abhorrent and shameful, and i try to give them every reason to make a better choice with their life. i figure that the only reason people turn to something like racism or religion is that there is a hole in their life they are trying to fill, and if i can help them fill that hole in a better way then they will choose to let go of their misguided beliefs of their own accord. i know that you can't force anybody to change, you just have to provide them enough reason to do so on their own.

ahh... let's just snip the whole "under _____" deal from the pledge. after all, that's the way it once was.
it should be "under Banana phone"

ahh... let's just snip the whole "under _____" deal from the pledge. after all, that's the way it once was.
yes please. i don't appreciate the fact that Cold War political posturing has been made a holy tradition in America; "Under God" was only added to make them godless commies look bad and to distance America from them, so even the religious should be insulted by the use of their faith as a political wedge.

This is an odd topic, isn't it usually Christians who are attacking atheists? That has been my experience here on these forums any way.

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time? I have no problem with what they believe, or choose not to believe. But sometimes they seem to be hypocritical in the way they force thier opinions on other religious people in exactly the way they talk about religious people doing it. Can't you just let us believe what we want to believe? Not all Christians are like George Bush.

a) I'm an atheist.
b) You will not find any of my posts that have attacked anyone's religion or beliefs except when they use that as a "moral" basis to attack the beliefs of others. However I am only attacking their actions - NOT their beliefs.
c) Are you affirming that we can attack GW for using his beliefs to run the country?


There are strident idiots on all sides trying to force their views on the rest. Please don't paint that as a one-sided equation.


And thats why Im agnostic


Excuse me? You made a conscious decision as to whether to believe or not believe based on the rhetoric of certain subsets of one side of the equation? Wow.... way to abdicate your beliefs in favour of simple societal conformity!

i figure that the only reason people turn to something like racism or religion is that there is a hole in their life they are trying to fill, and if i can help them fill that hole in a better way then they will choose to let go of their misguided beliefs of their own accord. i know that you can't force anybody to change, you just have to provide them enough reason to do so on their own.

A couple questions --

When do you typically share with people your beliefs about their beliefs?

What do you do if they choose to retain their beliefs after you have done so?

A couple questions --

When do you typically share with people your beliefs about their beliefs?

What do you do if they choose to retain their beliefs after you have done so?
i don't usually bring up the topic of religion at all, i only will join in when somebody else does so. sometimes conversations about other topics will segue into religion, of course, but i generally don't try to steer things that way because i know it is a subject that is uncomfortable for many people. i am usually more hesitent to begin discussions with people i don't know well, since it is more likely that we might misunderstand each other due to unfamiliar styles of speaking or senses of humor.

if people choose to retain their beliefs i don't try to force them to change...as i said before, i don't believe it is possible to MAKE somebody give up religion. i don't see anything to gain by leaving an impression of hostile secularism in their minds.

the only reason i will be hostile or rude during a discussion is if the behavior of the other person (or persons) is deserving of it. i don't treat people rudely just because i disagree with their ideas, since i actually really enjoy a good opponent in an argument, but i will be rude as all hell if they start telling me i'm going to hell for thinking or if they are incapable of doing more than quoting Bible verses. sometimes i have a rough sense of humor, and i certainly will blaspheme a lot (since i don't believe in God and therefore don't care), but i try to make it clear when i am kidding around versus when i am being intentionally hostile.

Why is it that Atheists persist in attacking Christianity, Islam, Hinduism e.t.c. All the time?
Why is it that xers, muslims, hindi, etc. attack each other and atheists?

Why is it that people see 'I disagree with you' as some horrible personal attack?

Why is it that people see 'I disagree with you' as some horrible personal attack?

Nope, take a look at the 'Does God have a Penis' thread, its full of flamebating by atheists in an effort to annoy religious people. To say atheists are better as you do really does not contribute much.

and i make every effort to encourage those around me to not choose that path

How hypocritical, exactly as you criticise religion for trying to draw people into the fold. You are doing exactly the same thing vice-versa, thats what I hate about atheism.

I think it's absolutely pointless to attack others for their beliefs or to push beliefs upon anybody. I say this as a Christian...I know there are some Christians who do these things, but I've never felt it's right.

If someone asks me what religion I practice, I won't lie. And if they are curious about aspects of it, I'll be glad to answer questions. Nor do I feel like I should have to even avoid expressions like "Thank God"...I'm not forcing anybody else to, just expressing how I feel about something. I do not feel like I should be completely forbidden from any expression of my beliefs whatsoever...that would be wrong on many levels.

So the key is that somewhere a balance has got to be struck. While I don't care for people who become too preachy on EITHER side (and those who say some atheists preach just as bad as religious people are absolutely right...and I HAVE known a few in real life, not just on the message boards), I do not want to see all religious and philosophical expression banned just because one group or another might be offended. That would be a truly disgusting attack on free speech and free thought.

How hypocritical, exactly as you criticise religion for trying to draw people into the fold. You are doing exactly the same thing vice-versa, thats what I hate about atheism.
wow, you clearly didn't bother to actually read what i posted, you just wanted to rant at something and thought you could guess my positions by skimming the first sentence of what i wrote. poor you.

first, i'm not an atheist, so you probably shouldn't use me as a reason to hate atheism. second, i specifically said that i don't believe it is even POSSIBLE to force people into my "flock," or even to coerce them, because it is impossible to be in my "flock" without full, conscious, thoughful intention. a person must totally understand and willingly embrace the ideas i believe in...they cannot be impressed upon anybody. thus i am not a hypocrite, because it is flat out impossible for me to do what i criticize religion for doing.

what is wrong with encouraging people to do what you believe is the most healthy thing? i don't force them, i don't call them names if they refuse, and i pretty much never even bring up the subject in the first place. instead, i respond to them, i give my opinions, and i don't pretend i think they are making good choices if that's not how i feel. i tell them why i think they are wrong, and give them every opportunity to respond. if either of us gets tired of the discussion we can let it drop with no hard feelings on my part.

i criticize religion for "drawing people into the fold" the same way i criticize drug dealers who try to hook kids. to me, there is very little difference between the two. i think religion is potentially very harmful and dangerous, and i think children should be protected from it until they are old enough to deal with such a mature subject. also, while i think it is each adult individual's right to decide if they want to do drugs or believe in God, i do think it is wrong for us to stand by while they let their dependence on either become a ruling factor in their life.

if you hate people who stick up for their beliefs in a calm, rational, and respectful way then i can see why atheism is threatening to you. if you think that all non-believers are atheists then i guess you will be okay with me telling you that you're actually a Hindi, since you believers are all alike and i am just going to generalize your individual opinions and actions to cover all people who believe in any God :).

Hey guys.
As a person of no religion, i can see this from all points of view.
My two best friends: one is a strong catholic and one is athiest. Now i have yet to decide what i believe because there are just so many options, i simply haven't found one that's right for me. But constantly is one friend begging me to pray to GOD with her while my other wants me tell GOD where to go.
But we are all indiviaduals, and being so, shouldn't be judged, despite what we choose to believe. Fair enough, we all have our opinions, but sometimes opinions are simply best kept to yourself.
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"

But we are all indiviaduals, and being so, shouldn't be judged, despite what we choose to believe.
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"
i totally disagree.

the ONLY appropriate thing to judge a person on is what they believe and how they act on it...we most certainly should judge each other based on our beliefs, since the alternative is to either judge people based on things we have no control over (like race, physical beauty, height, etc) or to simply refuse to discriminate between different people at all. if you are unwilling to differentiate and judge people by what they believe then you clearly cannot support any of our mental health standards, or any of our laws for that matter; a person who believes stealing is right should not be judged, after all, and we shouldn't punish them for acting on a belief that (according to you) is just as legitimate as our own. we also cannot rule somebody insane for believing that tiny faeries are haunting them and stealing their socks, since that belief is as well-supported by fact as the belief in any God.

i totally disagree.

the ONLY appropriate thing to judge a person on is what they believe and how they act on it...we most certainly should judge each other based on our beliefs, since the alternative is to either judge people based on things we have no control over (like race, physical beauty, height, etc) or to simply refuse to discriminate between different people at all. if you are unwilling to differentiate and judge people by what they believe then you clearly cannot support any of our mental health standards, or any of our laws for that matter; a person who believes stealing is right should not be judged, after all, and we shouldn't punish them for acting on a belief that (according to you) is just as legitimate as our own. we also cannot rule somebody insane for believing that tiny faeries are haunting them and stealing their socks, since that belief is as well-supported by fact as the belief in any God.

But if you are willing to attack other people's beliefs, you have to be prepared to have them attack yours. I meant talking about belief's in religion. I mean, how many religions believe stealing is right? And if someone sees fairy's good on em. I'm happy they made a new friend.
But seriously, come on. We shouldn't be discriminating against anyone at all. Everyone should be treated the same. If a law is broken, then so be it, the price must be paid. Despite what you believe. But that's not discrimination. That's the government.
I agree with judging someone on their morals, and maybe their actions, but you can't discrimiante against someone for a belief. It's just wrong...

i totally disagree.
since that belief is as well-supported by fact as the belief in any God.
Here we go again....

All atheists are the same. Never respecting other people's opinions, forcing their beliefs on you....

Kind of reminds me of those crazy Christians.

what is wrong with encouraging people to do what you believe is the most healthy thing?

You actively set out and 'encourage' people to be atheist. Sorry if that sounds hypocritical to me.

But if you are willing to attack other people's beliefs, you have to be prepared to have them attack yours. I meant talking about belief's in religion. I mean, how many religions believe stealing is right? And if someone sees fairy's good on em. I'm happy they made a new friend.
But seriously, come on. We shouldn't be discriminating against anyone at all. Everyone should be treated the same. If a law is broken, then so be it, the price must be paid. Despite what you believe. But that's not discrimination. That's the government.
I agree with judging someone on their morals, and maybe their actions, but you can't discrimiante against someone for a belief. It's just wrong...

when i used the word "discriminate" i wasn't meaning in the negative sense, i was meaning in the sense of the word that is "to differentiate between." just to clear that up. i realize the word "discrimination" has become a very negative one, but seriously if you look in the dictionary it doesn't have to mean that. sorry for the confusion.

i don't see why judging people means attacking them. i don't attack them, but i do judge their character by what they believe. why is that wrong? i have repeatedly and clearly stated that i support people's right to be religious, that i defend that freedom whenever necessary, and i don't think attacking people will do any good. do you people even read what i post?!

it's like how if somebody believes very strongly in the power of music then that will impact your view of their character. you are judging them based on their belief. that doesn't mean you necessarily hate them or attack them or try to convince them music is worthless, it simply is one of the things you use to evaluate them as a person. how you ACT on your evaluation could be the bad kind of discriminatory, where you treat them poorly because you don't like what you see, but making the evaluation itself is the neutral kind of discriminatory...you are discriminating, or noting the difference between, between their personality and other personalities, between their character and other people's character.


Here we go again....

All atheists are the same. Never respecting other people's opinions, forcing their beliefs on you....

Kind of reminds me of those crazy Christians.


once again, i am not an atheist, and i do not believe it is even possible to force my views on others. please read my posts before you reply, it will save time.

i also encourage people not to smoke, should they bring up the subject. i don't go up to people and start telling them to quit smoking, or call them names if i see them light up, but if somebody asks me what i think of smoking i tell them. i give them my reasons, and i let them make of it what they will. i do the same thing with religion. if somebody asks me what my religion is, i just say "agnostic," and let it drop. if they ask me why, then i tell them. if they wish to discuss it further then i do. at no point do i pursue a conversation with somebody who isn't interested. at no point do i tell them they need to abandon their beliefs to follow mine. at no point do i tell them that i know better than they do, or that they're a wicked person for believing.

of course i think my view is the best; if i didn't i wouldn't hold this view, i would hold whatever view i thought best. but it is best FOR ME, and not necessarily for other people. many people are simply not equipped or not ready to embrace views like mine, so while i can encourage them to explore alternatives to superstition i can't possible force or coerce them to do so.

i'm not going to explain this distinction again, so please read this through. i'm sorry, but i am sick of repeating myself for the benefit of people who clearly aren't even showing the basic respect of reading my replies to their posts.