"You known a few Stalinists in your day, haven't you Frank?"

Actually I have. Stalin was a monster of course and did everything you said just like
the historical Christians did during the Crusades and at other times.

"Stringsinger, de Waal's article imho is no easier on Dr. Dawkins than I am. It implies that he is a hypocrite who does not see the "religion" in his own behavior."

Jack, I read it differently and I never heard de Waal call Dawkins a hypocrite. I have heard de Waal speak live.



"My thesis about Dr. Dawkins being a jerk stems from his mocking of Religious people. The God Delusion is a deliberately offensive title. "

Actually, the title has nothing to do with you. It has to do with religious belief in general.
If you really are sincere about what you believe then you shouldn't have to worry about what somewhat else thinks and react so defensively.

"If he can call me mentally ill without meeting me to sell a few extra books, I can call him a jerk."

You certainly can call anyone a "jerk" if you want to, but does that establish your defense
or enlighten the conversation in any way?

Dawkins doesn't need to sell a few extra books. His books, highly popular among intelligent people, have been selling for years. He is an established scientist.

You would do well to actually read one of his books. Maybe you would understand him better.