Boazy,

What do you think of the Spaghedeity's eight 'I'd really rather you didn'ts'?

1. I'd really rather you didn't act like a sanctimonious holier-than-thou ass when describing my noodly goodness. If some people don't believe in me, that's okay. Really, I'm not that vain. Besides, this isn't about them so don't change the subject.

2. I'd really rather you didn't use my existence as a means to oppress, subjugate, punish, eviscerate, and/or, you know, be mean to others. I don't require sacrifices, and purity is for drinking water, not people.

3. I'd really rather you didn't judge people for the way they look, or how they dress, or the way they talk, or, well, just play nice, Okay? Oh, and get this into your thick heads: woman = person. man = person. Samey = Samey. One is not better than the other, unless we're talking about fashion and I'm sorry, but I gave that to women and some guys who know the difference between teal and fuchsia.

4. I'd really rather you didn't indulge in conduct that offends yourself, or your willing, consenting partner of legal age AND mental maturity. As for anyone who might object, I think the expression is go f yourself, unless they find that offensive in which case they can turn off the TV for once and go for a walk for a change.

5. I'd really rather you didn't challenge the bigoted, misogynistic, hateful ideas of others on an empty stomach. Eat, then go after them.

6. I'd really rather you didn't build multi million-dollar churches/temples/mosques/shrin es to my noodly goodness when the money could be better spent (take your pick):
1. Ending poverty
2. Curing diseases
3. Living in peace, loving with passion, and lowering the cost of cable. I might be a complex-carbohydrate omniscient being, but I enjoy the simple things in life. I ought to know. I AM the creator.

But I don't see the Pastafarians apologising to ol' Chuck, so I don't think it will affect you, US.

The point on whether or not religious faith makes you more happy or not is moot when it comes to seeking the truth. In any case, there are documented stronger causes of happiness such as personal relationships and job satisfaction. There are millions of very happy atheists around the world, as well as a plentiful supply of unhappy theists. If you hold a religion belief simply because that makes you more happy, then perhaps you could equally worship a lifetime's supply of opiates.

Me: "Atheism is full of hope. More so than religion."

Poly: "Au contraire.. atheism is BEREFT of 'hope'.. this is especially so for a young man on the verge of suicide..."

If you are talking about a particular man, you may be right. Suicide is by definition an absence of hope.

But your larger point simply doesn't stand up. Believe it or not, Poly, atheists, like Christians, like Buddhists, like Muslims, like Pastafarians, experience the full range of human emotions. I derive enormous hope, wonder and meaning from my cosmology, from my firmly atheistic and scientific view of the universe's origin and contents. I hope for the heart of mankind and the well-being of the whole cosmos. I'm honoured and grateful to be a part of it.

Like Steel Mann, if you cannot see this, it's not because it doesn't exist. You pass living proof of the co-existence of atheism and meaningfullness many times a day. It's because you don't have ears to hear. Are you so insecure about your religion that you must deny the lived experience of others?

The scales need to fall from your eyes.

I like R0bert's questions. There's a huge gap in belief systems between atheists and religious believers, but just a small gap between Poly and the average Sheik.

Poly (and the other Christians), what would it take to turn you into a Muslim?

What would it take for you to believe in a god that looked kindly on homosexuality?

Usual Suspect: Priceless

The equation of religious belief with truth is mischievous. If a concept can be established as true there is no need for belief. Belief is in order when one holds a position which evidence does not support.

Veronika you ask

'Poly (and the other Christians), what would it take to turn you into a Muslim?'

Having a person to follow who never sinned, turned water into wine, hated sin but loved the sinner, rose from the dead as opposed to a founder who was a war monger, immoral and offers no forgiveness.

What would it take for you to believe in a god that looked kindly on homosexuality?

Have an honest doctor show that sodomy is natural and healthy. You would also need to feel comfortable about robbing children of a loving mother or father which research shows they clearly need to live a healthy life.