" Similarly, by pointing out lack of religion, I and others are lumped by association with those who make a living out of questioning the role of faith beyond the personal. I am apparently a follower of Dawkins."

So it is just innocent banter. All you are trying to do is communicate respectfully pointing out your lack of religion.

If that is true then you have solved the problem right there. It means you don't have to mock peoples beliefs, you don't have to talk about delusions. It means you don't have to spend page after page defending Dawkins and spouting his arguments because you are not his follower. You can just say what you just said every time a religious topic comes up. Seems pretty simple to me. But what do I know, I am just one of the "pricks" behind the rose right?

One can't take a Dawkins like stance without being disrespectful. You can't say things like "its a delusion" and Godbotherers say this and religions are fantasy and "there are no such thing as Christian children." Without being disrespectful. If you are not following Dawkins and trying to beat the religion out of us, I really don't see the point of all the mockery. That is what Olddude has been getting at I think.

Joe would like to let all of that pass, because he respects some of you for other reasons not specified. I respect that. But I am not convinced that you and Steve and Frank realize just how disrespectful you are. You and Steve are quite a bit different in style from Frank but the message you carry to the forum is the same "look how I use my superior brain to put these superstitious believers in their place."

pete has some far out ideas imho, perhaps he is not as enlightened ad you and Steve, in your opinion. But he can be treated with respect and Rob Naylor does. The childish mockery of him does nothing but entertain yourselves. It really is not necessary.

None of it is necessary. You are bright enough to express your beliefs without insulting people. You insult people because you think it is fun. If you want to banter. Banter with people who want to banter with you. don't spread it all over the forum.

And don't think you are clever even when you are trying to look reasonable sneaking in those little hidden insults. Everyone here knows that the rose is surrounded by thorns, THORNS, NOT PRICKS and "prick" is when the thorn sticks you and causes pain or draws some blood.