And while we're on the subject

Barrow - I neither mock nor question anyone's beliefs in a god - I just don't share them. I am not sure what you want atheists to say - if we don't believe, we don't believe. I don't even ask people why they believe what they do - religious belief is based on emotion, not logic, so there is no point in asking for reasons. Some people feel the need of a faith, and as long as that faith does not impinge on the welfare and freedom of others, good luck to them.

barrow, I'm glad you find comfort in your religion. I think my mother does too.

However, what is questioning to one person may well seem like mockery to another, epsecially if the questioning is about something dear to them. It's the same for everyone – an atheist is as liable to feel that their beliefs are mocked as a theist. Also, some really wacky beliefs, such as those held by the Mormons, who also claim to be christians, and those of the suicidal islamist bombers, are surely only worthy of mockery?

Barrow, I would never mock your beliefs - I once held them myself. I find great strength in humanism, but don't use it as a weapon to belittle Christian faith, as long as that faith is not perverted to the extent that it does harm.

JO4 you and Lily are not the only Christians on here - count me in too! I don't have a problem with anyone questionning my beliefs (lets face it they are all going to hell anyway - sorry couldn't resist that one!) All I ask is that question the belief if you want, but please don't mock the belief.

I may not be able to convince those of you who don't believe but my beliefs give me a great deal of comfort and strength when I need it.

Sniff it first, to make sure it's not the bottle with the weedkiller in. or the disinfectant!

Don't worry, Gramps. I prefer drinking to sniffing it.

OK Ariadne.
I'll quietly slip back to Lil's bar.

Merlogran - The wine is on the TT table. take care that the straw doesn't go up your nose!

Oh dear, you noticed my irresistable urge for an ego trip!
I'm not really a "big head", it just seems like it to other people!
I'm quite shy in a crowd, but on a Forum I'm just a name, with character, hiding away like a shy violet!

Mmm.

merlot .

Gramps, we don't mind you fishing for compliments when you're so charming about it .

gramps, Have you brought some communion wine?

Lil's bar has strayed on to this thread!

Nae! gramps
All we charming ladies say...please stay. You are a gem.

Thank you Ladies , one and all.

I am filled with a deep glow of satisfaction, being able to mix with you very elegant and charming young Ladies.

I use the word "young", advisedly, as you are all young in Spirit , which shows up in your postings!

("Who is this silly old codger"?, I hear you say.
"Just ignore him - perhaps he'll go away"!)

Just reading this thread has freed me up from some minor guilt about my intentionally questioning post on the badger cull question. I have now found others enjoy challenging opinions and having a good debate.

Long live controversy and Gransnet.

Thanks, gramps. That suits me too. I like a good debate but don't get riled by opposing opinions.

I like it for the entertainment value too, gramps, so I'm glad you do too, and thank you for saying so

O.K Gramps, we will see what we can do.

gramps...we love you lots.

Dear Ladies.
I love your comments on here, and other threads.
I do believe that you could "haggle" over anything - just for the enjoyment and satisfaction should you get the last word in!

Please don't change. It's quite entertaining!

My very best wishes to you all!

Gosh! To think I missed all of that yesterday! It is like high speed ping pong or whiffwhaff(?) as Boris might say.

Debate, not dispute! OK?

when exactly! Like debate, hate nastiness. Nuff said. So tired...

I too get irritated when we are just warming up to a good debate and someone or other takes steps to calm us down.

Or complains about perceived rudeness etc.

And so say all of us, Elegran!