His point is interesting and one I’ve not seen elsewhere. Eternal damnation does indeed mean that the punishment is infinitely worse than the sin.

A very thoughtful man, sure to force you to think no matter which side of the issue you’re on.

I recently stumbled across a copy of Dante’s Inferno on sale at Barnes an Noble (they have a number of $7.95 reprinted classics). One of the themes of Dante’s tour through Hell is his learning to overcome his misplaced compassion for the tortured souls he encounters. Apparently those who permanently make it into Paradise have this sense of empathy removed, so that it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of eternal bliss. I always wondered how they did that.

It’s not the greatest tradition, sure, but it’s mine.

“And part of that entitlement to our own POV is the right to think poorly of other people’s POVs.”

Agreed, but you shouldn’t be “in-your face” about it. I think poorly of a number of faiths, but I keep my mouth shut about it.

Ever been told by someone that you’re going to burn in hell for all eternity for your lack of beliefs?

Everyone is entitled to his/her own POV on religion-

And part of that entitlement to our own POV is the right to think poorly of other people’s POVs.

But I don’t think it’s okay to mock others for their religious beliefs.

I’m okay with it, I like a witty bit of snark. Except when it’s directed at me and gets me in a tender spot. But ain’t that always the way? And if some snark or sarcasm hurts me, that’s generally a sign that my conscience is uncomfortable with the way I’m living my life somehow.

Didn’t their mamas ever teach them that if they can’t say something nice, then they shouldn’t say anything at all?

Not my mama. Given my family tree it would be awfully foolish to not say anything not nice – I have some difficult relatives that people should have clear warnings about.

All this said, some atheists do strike me as mean-spirited, as do some members of any theist group.

I’d have said you were insane. But every bit of that is true.

Religious apologists claiming credit for the likes of Maxwell, Salk, Einstein and Shockley just disgusts me.

Now that is being mean spirited. Implying repeatedly that just because somebody does not share your religious views that they are not “thankful.” Why is it so incomprehensible to you that, on this day of giving thanks, that many people think about their family and friends rather than spend it in religious reflection? Are your blinders really on that tight, BadaBing?

Today is Thanksgiving. Assuming you’re thankful for something, to whom do you give thanks? Everything exists by chance, not design, and since there is no Designer, to whom do you give thanks? Assuming, that is, you’re thankful. And I don’t mean thankful to humans, such as yourself, parents, teachers, Darwin, etc. but thankful to something other than human for bringing you into existence. Assuming, that is, you’re thankful.