Steve... I basically agree with your position...but unlike you, I temper it with my awareness (perhaps from my years in **Kansas**) of how deeply religious beliefs are ingrained in some families, culture, nations...etc.

You cannot just say.. "get over it, you fools. I have better evidence & reasoning." You can explain patiently why you cannot buy into their belief system and you can offer 'divergent views' in a way that may at least invites their attention, instead of putting them off in a way that suggests they have wasted their lives & money going to church. I try to show Kent... and others... why I began IN a church, saw things that made me say...hmmmmmm... and eventually become a skeptic about religion and many other 'metaphysical' concepts.

It's as important as 'being sure you are right' to work out how to be right.... and that goes for BOTH sides.. including the guy who stuck the "pray to Jesus" circular under my car's wiper the other day.

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(reposted for about the 6th time)
Old Peanuts cartoon:

Lucy, talking to Linus: "Change your mind!"
Linus just looks at her.
Lucy.."CHANGE YOUR MIND!!
Linus looks more intimidated...
Lucy.."CHANGE YOUR MIND, I SAY!!"

Lucy, walking away, disgruntled and mumbling."Boy, it's hard to get people to change their minds these days!"