In the original post, our resident Jack tar stated that he has a thesis that the more 'atheist' you are is a reflection of how a religious past you had. Correct me if I read that wrong?

When he bandies the word around perhaps he gets confused between being anti religion ie nobody should have an imaginary friend and not being impressed when religion is allowed to influence laws affecting rational people who don't buy into such nonsense.

Examples here in The UK include Sunday opening, easter being moved around the calendar regardless of how illogical it makes the spacing of public holidays and not having to abide by laws set up to protect people on equal terms.

If people want to collectively hug each other in a drafty old church and sing chants that would make Charles Wesley cringe, no problem. If there are people saying that is wrong or that Muslims shouldn't have a quick time out for Friday prayers, then they should be repelled every bit as much as those who would wish law to reflect religious interpretation.

I just think some of the more sanctimonious Mudcat brethren can't tell the bloody difference. ..