Shadow I understand what you are saying and agree that the church in most cases impose their own beliefs on the people. They do this by using their followers to push the the church doctrine on agnostics and athiests alike. I have friends from many walks of life. Some call themselves christians, some athiests, some agnostic. One of my best friends is a true christian believer and not one of the Sunday morning christians singing louder than the rest. His name is Bill and he devotes all his time and resources to helping struggling families, the poor and the homeless. I often give him a hand of a Saturday afternoon collecting bread from a bakery and fruit and vegetables from a fruit shop both in Mentone both donated. We then travel to poor areas and distribute the food. What I like about Bill is he respects people and their views and does not try and force religion on people. He respects that I am an agnostic and does not attempt to change me or anyone else for that matter. He will only preach to people if they ask him.
cheers

Ammonite writes

'I figure having read to Runner's insults for years, I've had more than my allotted 5 months of torment and can look forward to a world empty of fundamentalist Christians as they are swept into heaven.'

Just a few articles ago he writes

'The slaughter of innocents is a common theme in the bible, the Q'ran, the Torah - whatever it takes to make the f&ckers believe in god.'

I am sure the 'insults' have cut deep Ammonite. You seem blinded by your own indecency.

Provocative article here, which no doubt raises some good questions, especially about the psychology and nature of humanity.

For those criticising Clarke's use of the word hate, 1: Don't shoot the messenger, in fairness to him he's reviewing a book after all. And 2. It's more of a rhetorical flourish anyway.

Pelican,

[Christianity per se is not the problem, it is the people who act in God's name to force their will onto other people and who arrogantly defend their world-view as the only valid one].

I believe I understand where you are coming from with your complaint here- no one likes it when other people claim exclusive truth. But on the other hand, making that complaint in the way that you have suggests you have unfortunatly misunderstood the nature of Christianity. IF Christianity IS true, then it IS the only valid worldview. Likewise, if naturalism is true, then clearly atheism is correct and the vast, vast majority of religions are incorrect about the ultimate nature of reality. There can only be one objectively true worldview.

Each generation has its own quirks, and I believe you've displayed a 21st century quirk here. An irrational paradox of the modern age is that it's supposedly arrogant to claim to know the truth and to tell everyone else (however tactfully) that they are, in fact, wrong. And yet, at the same time it's perfectly acceptable to make the truth claim that all worldviews are equally valid and that anyone who doesn't believe that is, well, wrong!

I do not hate god. How can I hate something that I believe does not exist?

I have no feelings either way for those who believe in a god. I am aware of the fact, that I cannot prove god does not exist, and others cannot prove he does.

Religion is another matter, I do have problems with many religions of all faiths, especially those of a fundamental slant. I do not hate religion but many I do not respect.

Better hated than ignored eh?

Are we being trolled by the Christians now?

LOL....What a pathetic attempt to stricken the free born people of this planet that can think for themselves quite well. This is how they do it.

They make you feel as guilty as they can, order to play upon your natural human emotions and make you feel sorry for them.....now thats! desperate:) Do Not let them make you feel that you owe them anything.

Hating GOD...LOL What GOD! The all mighty invented one....pleaseeeee! Give it a rest.

Its the free people of this world that will ignore you.

Turn your backs for a new and free world.

Ban all parasitism.

LEA