Jordan, I completely understand where you are coming from. I feel the same way much of the time. I am not arguing with you; I’m just trying to keep an open mind and be accepting of others beliefs.

I don’t have much fancy education, but I do read. I am frustrated that many people can be so clueless about science. I mean, if the earth is 6000 years old, how did the fossils, that are millions of years old, get here? I’ve asked my parents the same thing, and the answer that they’ve learned to repeat is that Satan put them there to stumble unbelievers. Really?

The Bible is full of things that I can’t believe, and don’t know how others can. But, there are also some moral guidelines that closely mirror my own. It’s not all bad. As a book of fiction, it’s very interesting.

I don’t think we are going to change very many minds, especially if we turn people off by being dismissive and close-minded (not saying you are).

I don’t like the kind of atheist that thinks they are going to convert people with snarky and troll-like comments. It’s the reason I don’t debate very often (can you tell?). I do like listening to scientists, scholars, and regular people talk about why they don’t follow any religion with an open mind and heart.

I hope this made sense?