To all. That was conversation between Musket and me about the approach of "the new Atheists."

I believe that their strategy is basically to insult believers, pick a fight and trade insults with religious leaders for entertainment and profit.

I think that most atheists do not like this approach because it tends to polarize. But for someone who likes to argue, it is very very attractive. You can buy the books, go to the seminars and gain a whole range of prepackaged arguments with which to attack people.

I think that debate is OK, discussion is OK but words like delusional are no way to describe a debate opponent. When an "accomplished scientist" like Richard Dawkins starts a debate with an insult. He is saying that it is OK to do that. I disagree.

I am tired of people on the Mudcat calling me and my friends "delusional" just because Dawkins did it. There was a thread about dwindling participation. One reason that people might come here, look around and leave is the basic lack of respect. Maybe we can think of ways to show more respect and to not be deliberately and tauntingly insulting.