Certainly, Bill S, respecting a person's right to have differing views is both wise and ethically correct - for ALL parties. Respecting those views is quite a different matter.

Just as people of various religious cults attack science in defence of their beliefs, so others attack those beliefs in defence of science. I see nothing amiss in that. All parties should have equal rights of attack and defense of ideas and beliefs. In that regard, religion should not have the privileged status it generally seems to claim, as evidenced in the extreme by the slaughters that have been perpetrated in its name. The essential point is that attacks upon persons, either verbally or physically are patently opposed to whatever high precepts may be held by theists and atheists alike.

The moderators have not only to deal with verbal offensiveness, but also to tackle the sometimes ticklish task of deciding where the line be drawn between science and NQS. I would venture to suggest that unless they are bold and resolute, this forum may fail to recover from its current low ebb. As Bill S. says, "This could be a good science discuss forum".

P.S. Wishing you all a joyful Christmas season and good fortune in the coming year (whatever your beliefs or lack thereof)

"Time is what prevents everything from happening at once" - John Wheeler