L.H. I try not to use any religious reference when swearing. The only thing that slips out once in a while is "holy shit" which still has a religious reference.

I don't like the idea of any person for any reason placing themselves above others. I see Christians who claim they are better than non-believers, however. I don't do this with religionists at all. I think there are plenty of religionists who are intelligent.

I like the idea that the people in Holland have. They have one vulgar word that can apply to everything. It's a thumb-hit-by-hammer word and it has no religious connotations.

There is a strong danger here of generalization. They are this or they are that. It doesn't enlighten anyone and casting any aspersions any where is not productive.

But a legitimate critique of religion itself is not only appropriate but necessary particularly when Separation of Church and State is at stake.

Believers and non-believers are served by a decent dialogue on this subject without pointing fingers or casting aspersions.

Frank Hamilton