what do I think?....I think it is an almost hopeless debate.

By the time a person HAS deeply ingrained 'beliefs', whether in religion or other things, it is VERY difficult to find common ground for discussion of the basic components OF belief.

Yes, I do feel awkward in a society that claims to separate church & state, yet puts "In God We Trust" on our money, etc....but it took several thousand years to arrive at the place we are now, and at least I am not being (directly) persecuted for NOT believing in a certain way. Though, if I were to run for public office, one of the first questions I'd be asked is which church I attend...not whether. (If I remember correctly, Dwight Eisenhower had to look about for a convenient church when he decided to run for president)

The article makes a point...that 'belief' is just that...belief; and even non-belief is a sort of 'belief'. The thing is, some 'believers' would, if they could, impose their particular beliefs...and off we go!

I can defend ('explain' might be a better word) my beliefs, but I try not to these days, unless asked or pushed, as it makes little difference to those whose minds have different beliefs. Peaceful co-existance seems a much better path.