The only point you may have brought up that swayed me in any way was the theory that religion could possibly be a survival trait. I like that one. It deserves further research. I may have to put it in my book. :) Bah, maybe I will just put it up as a vanity and get some opinions from Freepers.
I had a huge reply written, but decided against it. I will let you have the last word.
Cheers,
A_R
You can't argue with a negative. The onus of prove is on he who asserts the positive. The religionists have conceded the argument long ago by admitting that religion must be accepted on faith, not on reason. Case closed.
I have been an atheist for over 30 years after a complete religious education and 10 years in religious school. It was in my confirmation year that I had an excellent teacher who argued the existence of God with me. And because he was an honest man, he allowed that I could question my faith. I ended up choosing not to believe in God. My dad said it was a stage I was going through and didn't get too upset. Fortunately, the family is accepting of differences. I still attend religious holidays with them from time to time. Some of the rituals are pleasant.
Would the religionists everywhere be as tolerant as my family. And by the way, we are all moral people. My morality is based on a philosophy rather than a religion. And I do not proselytize for atheism anymore than most people I know proselytize for their particular faith. The beauty of the melting pot is that we accept the differences as long as we all respect the rights of others.