Musket, we need not achieve a consensus, not even a compromise.

So why do we have to respect delusional fantasy just because our ancestors did?

You do not, as far as I am concerned. Many of us feel the need to relate to their genetic and cultural ancestors and peers, and suffer from the problems encountered.

Since you ask me:

Respect others as you want to be respected. Criticise what you deem needing criticism, but do not confuse distinct notions (church, religion, ethics/morality, clergy, theology, religious culture, group dynamics in English villages, ...). Above all, understand best you can your own emotions and other human conditions, then your fellow humans'. Read influential and typical writings and try to grasp their ideas and motives, whether or not you consider adopting them.

If you reply to any message in a public forum, make a reasonable effort to understand its sense and intention; ask if necessary. If you shun that, or are unable due to alcohol consumption or other obstacles, don't reply. Always be aware that any "real person" who knows your name can google you at Mudcat.

Do it for yourself, though most Mudcatters will be pleased as well. You grossly overestimate your current entertainment effect (judging from what you wrote on the "97%" thread).

You write that you value traditions, expecially folksongs. There are traditions of various degrees of meaningfulness, but even the most trite ones (such as Santa Claus) are something else than delusional fantasy. Think.—

Stu, I was not suggesting that this thread as such is completely pointless, otherwise I would not post at all. However, if you read the thread title, you can be accused of dodging as well. Recently we had a short thread about Biblical mythology, a better place for such discussions.