No. of Recommendations: 10
It doesn't really matter if 25% of the world or even 95% of the world thinks the bible is some sort of magically produced list of little miracles, not to me.
It will matter to you when that majority starts insisting that you observe what they believe, even if you don't. See: 'Taliban.' See also 'I pledge allegiance ' under God'. No, I am not equating the two, but I am pointing out the similarities. Unfortunately is has been thus throughout human history; the whole of Britain 'changed religion' when King Henry VIII decided they should; the whole of the Roman Empire did the same when Constantine had a random dream one night. People have been enforcing - and killing each other - religion for thousands of years, so no, I don't like it, particularly when there is absolutely no evidence that any one has any better hold on truth than another. (Also see: Akentaten, etc.)
Where your knowledge of good and evil comes from?
No, not really. I have had religionists challenge me with that question, and I like the meme 'If you have to be a good person under threat from God, then you are not a good person to start with.' I believe everyone except the psychologically damaged (psychopaths, sociopaths, etc.) knows the difference inherently, even when doing 'not good' things. I knew shoplifting was bad when I did it as a teenager, but it is with age and wisdom that I now understand honesty is the best policy. That does not mean I don't understand grifters, cheats, and the like - I also understand the dark side of humanity (unfortunately.)
and it seems from the outside that you don't have a lot of patience or tolerance for people who disagree with you
It depends. I enjoy debate. I have little problem with people who disagree, but I ask that they respect facts. If they do not, then yes, I have no time for them. I also recognize that people can have different opinions on some moral issues (abortion, for instance) and I can understand why 'the sanctity of life' argument holds sway with some. I do not respect those who claim they know this because 'God', nor if they are unwilling to listen to my argument on the other side. (That is just one example, obviously.)
But mostly I have spent too many years asking for evidence without a single, solitary thing offered except goat-herder tales, rote childhood indoctrination, or similar. There are 3 billion video cameras on the planet. Where is the evidence? 'Jesus on toast' is a miracle? At every turn the Bible has been shown to be ridiculous, yet it persists. Bah. Time for the human race to grow up.
