I respect their right to have their belief but I've no respect for the belief itself. Nor would I have respect for the brainwashing of children to pray to the invisible purple rhinoceros.

The problem here is that if one looks at actions rather than words one can easily put together a piece of paper with two columns. Column (A) contributions to humanity from theologians and contributions to humanity from scientists.

In column A I can put providing aide to those damaged by other people influenced by (A). Witness Lebanon in the last month for a classic example.

In column B I can put safe drinking water, penicillin, electricity, and a pantheon of things without which none of the lives we live would be possible.

When a religion cures a disease I'll reconsider.

DA Morgan