Dude, you wrote lots of paragraphs just to prove someone wrong? Wow, you need a life...

The idea that God is a made-up concept to soothe our fears makes no sense, since we reject the existence of other made-up figures that might, likewise, make us feel better. A comparison between the existence of God (a non-contingent being) and the existence of Santa Claus or invisible pink unicorns (contingent beings) fails on many levels, not the least of which is that their fundamental natures (non-physical vs. physical) are vastly different. The idea that there is no evidence to support the existence of God is clearly false. Anthony Flew, a lifelong proponent of atheism became a deist on the basis of evidence for design. In subsequent interviews, Flew stated that he "had to go where the evidence leads." Philosophical arguments like invisible pink unicorns are great ways to avoid examining evidence, but such an approach is ultimately dishonest.

Introduction

Harris claims that human standards of morality are what Christians use to establish God’s goodness.13 This is incorrect. Christians do not believe that God is subject to human morality. 11 Harris says these are merely a few cases in point, but given that there haven’t been enough explicitly religious-related killings in the entire world over the last decade to reach the smallest number that can qualify as literal millions, it’s clear that he is simply making up these numbers. The emphasis on “explicit” is his. 12 Harris has subsequently claimed that he only advocates “conversational intolerance.” But it strikes me as supremely counterproductive for an already unpopular minority to try to win friends and influence people by behaving in an even more obnoxious manner than they do already. As to whether this is evidence of Harris’s irrationality or merely his social autism, I shall leave it to the reader to decide. 13 Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation, 55. the end of sam harris 119 This should be obvious from considering the Ten Commandments. Is God prone to have another god before Himself? Does God have a neighbor whose wife He might covet? Who is God’s father and how might He fail to honor him? The Irrational Atheist (Vox Day).

Religion and morality

Christians are far more likely than atheists to be part of groups that work hard to instill values about being good to other people, and having good relationships. The teachings of the Bible emphasize values such as honesty, love, forgiveness, patience, and generosity. Many of these values are not emphasized in social circles dominated by atheists.

Importance of moral values

A survey of 1,600 Canadians asked them what were their beliefs about God and what moral values they considered to be "very important." The results of the survey are shown below:

Moral Values of Theists vs. Atheists1Moral Value Theists Atheists

Honesty 94% 89%

Kindness 88 75

Family life 88 65

Being loved 86 70

Friendship 85 74

Courtesy 81 71

Concern for others 82 63

Forgiveness 84 52

Politeness 77 65

Friendliness 79 66

Patience 72 39

Generosity 67 37

Although the differences between theists and atheists in the importance of values such as honesty, politeness, and friendliness are generally small, moral values emphasized by religious beliefs, such as Christianity, including patience, forgiveness, and generosity exhibit major differences in attitudes (30%+ differences between theists and atheists).

What really concerns me is that only half of atheists think that forgiveness is very important. Either these people have not been married or maybe married multiple times, since a lack of forgiveness in a marriage is a sure recipe for disaster. Couple that moral belief with a perception that neither patience nor generosity are very important, and it seems that the divorce rates are likely to go up significantly in the near future.

According to Professor Bibby, Grandma is the "symbolic saintly person in the clan. So valuing Grandma also means valuing many of the things important to her. In successive generations you have a lingering effect of morality. But further down the road generations get further removed from the sources of those values. That's where it gets tricky."2

Conclusion

Contrary to the claim of the "New Atheism," it seems that atheism leads to a decline in the perception of the importance of many personal moral values, especially those that have a big impact on interpersonal relationships. Since these new atheists are still being influenced by persons of traditional religious moral values, it seems likely that the importance of these values will diminish even further in the beliefs of the next generation of atheists. According to Reginald Bibby, the author of the study, "To the extent that Canadians say good-bye to God, we may find that we pay a significant social price."2 In addition, a recent scientific study shows that a certain atheistic belief (determinism or lack of free will) negatively impacts moral behavior.3

Religion and morals go hand in hand.

It would be the actions of our ways that would cause such destruction. Much like the world going the way it is in todays times. Everything that was done by the Lord was justifiable. Actually, half of your 9 statements are false and I would be happy to contest and back that as well if you like me too. (especially #7,8,9) Which just furthermore let's me know how much people read into Atheist headlines. Oooo the Bible is too much to read so we will just believe these Atheist in their one little ignorant statement which holds no proof except their close minded logic. Maybe if you have of read further into the Biblical explanation you wouldn't look so foolish.

We don't baptize infants. There are "blessing" ceremonies, which is completely different from a baptism. Maybe next time you should specify before you make a sarcastic remark about something you know nothing about. The word religion doesn't sum up Christianity.

You don't have to demand a child to do something for it to be brainwashing.

Noun 1. brainwashing - forcible indoctrination into a new set of attitudes and beliefs

indoctrination - teaching someone to accept doctrines uncritically

Indoctrination that forces people to abandon their beliefs in favor of another set of beliefs. Usually associated with military and political interrogation and religious conversion, brainwashing attempts, through prolonged stress, to break down an individual's physical and mental defenses. Brainwashing techniques range from vocal persuasion and threats to punishment, physical deprivation, mind-altering drugs, and severe physical torture.

I'm sure this definition applies to religion.

1) Teaching your children Christianity is not brainwashing considering they have no beliefs to begin with, and 2) them going to church is hardly chopping their fingers off and have them forced into a belief. Therefore, this does not fit the definition of Christianity (religion) or TRUE Christians.

*"A true believer does what is right and demonstrates love toward others.4 Even non-believers can readily see who the true Christians are. Ultimately, the behavior of those who claim to be Christians but practice evil should not be a consideration in determining if the claims of Christ are true or not.

Yes, "Christians" have committed atrocities against other religious and non-religious people. However, atheists have committed far more atrocities than all religious groups combined. Even so, the key factor in these atrocities has been totalitarian power, rather than religion, which has resulted in these hundreds of millions of murders."

your mind is a little twisted there buddy...and thats all i have to say about that...

Brilliant rebuttal my friend. I would have to agree that informing them on religion and allowing them to chose for themselves when they are able is a better thing than forcing them to conform to a belief. Well played.

smart enough to question it ?

Wow! great excuse .That's because you were smart enough and wise enough to question it! Right!