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it's a matter of respect and also to gauge where you stand.

Well if you want to take the high road... I don't have to respect your God, just you, which I will. You may not see the difference, but there is a difference. I don't believe your God exists. Do you respect pagan gods? Or Zeus? If I was a believer in the Norse god of Thor, would you pay respects to him? And do not lie, you wouldn't.

This is a debate on evolution vs creationism. Part of a debate is poking holes in the other side's theories. Many creationists, when engaged in this debate, will claim that evolutionists are bashing their religion. It is fundamental in attempting to learn from and 'win' a debate to make intellectual attacks on the other side. Do not join the debate if it hurts your feelings when a member of the opposing side attacks your theories...

Part of a debate is poking holes in the other side's theories.

While I do not disagree with you, I argue that it is at least--or even more--important to present support for your own theory. Many (most readily identifiable on the creo side) are unable to discriminate between the two.

"I don't have to respect your God, just you, which I will. You may not see the difference, but there is a difference."

Yes, I see the difference. I submit to you that you have it exactly backwards. Of course, a certain level of respect for each other is good for civil discourse, etc., but you ultimately don't have to respect me. God, however, is another story altogether, my friend.

"I don't believe your God exists."

Are you an atheist?

"Do you respect pagan gods? Or Zeus? If I was a believer in the Norse god of Thor, would you pay respects to him?"

No, I don't respect pagan gods and I pray I would never "pay respects" to the Norse god of Thor nor any other pagan god. I would try to be respectful to you.

"Do not join the debate if it hurts your feelings when a member of the opposing side attacks your theories..."

Point taken, but I don't think my feelings were hurt so much as my anger was roused. I'm not a debater (which y'all have probably noticed!), but I think there's a balance between discrediting your opponent's theories with presenting valid theories of your own.