I used to be warring atheist.
If I saw a religious person in front on me too bad for them. I engaged in debates when not even provoked, I preached and enforced logical sanity to the best of my ability.
Now I changed my attitude. I am still atheist but no longer intolerant to other people beliefs. Because beliefs are just that - beliefs. Personal code of conduct and/or placing the bet on some idea (even unrealistic one) because it works for you. Beliefs are not logical, they can't be justified or proven. They can only be expressed and then they either click with you or not.
And all of us believe in something. Sure, maybe it is not God or karma. Maybe it is love. Or science. Or justice. Or the concept that violence only breeds more violence. Or contrary belief that once you fuck enough bad guys up beyond recognition everything becomes okay. People are limited in their logic so when they reach these limits they fall back on beliefs.
Imagine someone who are madly in love. Now try to convince them how they are in hormonal lock about totally random person who hopefully isn't their complete mismatch. Analyze and strip their kisses, hugs and dreams down to pure biochemistry. This is what dispelling a belief is.
So some people believe in God or karma or afterlife. So what? I don't. I don't really understand them - just as I don't understand what exactly my friend found in that weird girl. As long as it works for them - let them be. Keep your own picture clear. Discuss it with those who are interested. Live up to your own beliefs - you have some. And they are probably grossly illogical to a lot of people too.
What I can't stand though is imposing beliefs on others. It just doesn't work that way and is always destructive and often plain malicious. So when someone states what is right for me (or everyone) and it is based on beliefs and not pure logic - they can expect as much sympathy as a moth gets from a jet engine.
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