I don't think those two things are akin at all, Joe. The disdain, for a start, is not for the ancient writings themselves but for the ways in which they have been misused. You can complain all you like about how they're just stories, etc., but hundreds of millions of followers of religions have been duped into thinking they are literally true, and that's the way the control freakery of religions' hierarchies likes it to work. Why, I'd remind you that even the historical existence of Jesus himself is a matter of considerable doubt. Virtually the only solid references to him are those made by his own proselytisers. Not one unequivocal mention of him in the masses of contemporary Roman writings. And look how Nigel jumped down my throat for suggesting that the massacre of the innocents didn't happen. Your somewhat vicious attack on the people you call ultra-fundamentalists betrays your own insecurities more than anything. All we are asking for is evidence. Now excuse me as I have many more Florentine religious glories to see!