Athiest FAQ

This is a really good FAQ via the Friendly Atheist and his readers. Its short and simple.

Here's an excerpt:

Is all religion harmful?
Only in the sense that religious fervor has the potential to become disastrous. By avoiding logic and promoting faith when making our decisions, anything can be justified, good or bad. While there are people who can separate religious beliefs from scientific truths and respect for all people, there are many that cannot.

What's so bad about religious moderates?
They teach that faith is a virtue. They use the same reasoning patterns as religious extremists when justifying their beliefs. If faith is all they need to believe, todayís moderates could become tomorrowís extremists.

Is there anything redeeming about religion?
Religion can be used as a motivator for good. It can be a source of comfort in times of need. It has the ability to bring people together and unite them. It has been the inspiration for much of our worldís beautiful
music and architecture. However, all of these redeeming qualities can be found outside of religion as well.

What if you're wrong about God (and He does exist)?
It depends on the nature of the God, but itís hard to imagine a God who would be upset with a person who honestly searched for evidence but found none that was satisfactory.

Shouldn't all religious beliefs be respected?
No. Beliefs, ideas, and principles should all be respected based on their own merit.

I'm glad I found this, I've not been digging the Friendly Atheist as much as I used too. I think its a combo of getting a little bored with the Ebay Atheist book hype and my limited summer surfing now being dominated by Planet Atheism.