I think it is wrong for an atheist to scorn a believer for believing and vice versa. I believe in God. I also worked along side a guy who did not. It was not at all a problem for me. Because he doesn't believe in God will never convince me not to. As a matter of fact, once he disclosed the fact of his being an atheist, it was never brought up again. You know why, because it mattered not to me! And we still had very good conversations at work. And yes, he was a good guy to me.

I am very happy to see that you feel this way about this subject.
Many, MANY do not share these feelings.
I get very tired of being told, that since I am not a follower of the particular religion that the person I am conversing with is, that I will be going straight to HE!!, no questions asked.

and yet when I ask for some kind of verifiable or testable proof of their beliefs, I am accused of bashing them.
If more people on both sides of this would calm down and see that not all believe as they do, and that it IS OK , this would be a much better world.

I think it is wrong for an atheist to scorn a believer for believing and vice versa. I believe in God. I also worked along side a guy who did not. It was not at all a problem for me. Because he doesn't believe in God will never convince me not to. As a matter of fact, once he disclosed the fact of his being an atheist, it was never brought up again. You know why, because it mattered not to me! And we still had very good conversations at work. And yes, he was a good guy to me.

I think that it is great you feel that way but I can't help but notice the reason why your ok with the situation. I've put the sentence in bold above. The words seem faintly defensive. I myself believe in a higher power, i've even had the pleasure of "God" talk to me through someone else. I have no doubt. I still believe in being completely open to what others think and believe. Who is anyone to judge.

It would be nice if all the kids on the play ground played well - but there will always be bullies - which means those who don't like it should stand up and say - knock it off or get knocked on your . . .

 

I don't care what someone is religiously speaking - I think everyone deserves respect so long as they give it.  So many Fundies don't give it and therefore are not worthy of my respect - I may have faith but I don't believe for one second it entitles me to act like an idiot - but some do.  I just think they are sad and pathetic.

I saw a bumper sticker the other day when I was driving to my next Encino Locksmith job that said "Follow Jesus, or Go to HE11."  I remember when I saw that I said to myself, "that's a pretty bold statement for a Lebaron to be making." 

But anyway, in my past experiences I found it that those who say they have THE ANSWER, are always asking the wrong question.  I find it better to be humble and understand that as humans, we are capable of error, none of us have an answer to life.  Lets not reinvent the wheel, millions of humans have came before us in search of the right way, I say, lets move on and do something relevant to the people that live today.  Seek progress as a human race.