We all have faith, but we just place our faith in different things.

I mentioned ONLY superstitious.

"backwards, creationists, a little slow, etc., are demeaning and hint anyone inner biases and weakness" (those are your words, not mine).

Superstitious is not a bad word. You should look it up. For those unable to see hope and the value of forever in a natural, rational world, then the world of superstition is for them. I am happy for those, in either camp who find peace of mind according to their own needs and beliefs, whether they differ from mine or not.

I truly see that we all need hope and faith, but the world of superstition is just not part of my world of hope and faith, yet I continue to have hope and faith. Please do not belittle me for my belief. Just joking, it is ok if you do. It does not bother me at all.

Do you suppose that your belief that I am an atheist (your word) stems from your lack of understanding of others that may believe differently than you?

James Shaw wrote:
We all have faith, but we just place our faith in different things.

I mentioned ONLY superstitious.

"backwards, creationists, a little slow, etc., are demeaning and hint anyone inner biases and weakness" (those are your words, not mine).

Superstitious is not a bad word. You should look it up. For those unable to see hope and the value of forever in a natural, rational world, then the world of superstition is for them. I am happy for those, in either camp who find peace of mind according to their own needs and beliefs, whether they differ from mine or not.

I truly see that we all need hope and faith, but the world of superstition is just not part of my world of hope and faith, yet I continue to have hope and faith. Please do not belittle me for my belief. Just joking, it is ok if you do. It does not bother me at all.

Do you suppose that your belief that I am an atheist (your word) stems from your lack of understanding of others that may believe differently than you?

Well, I was responding to your words:
"For James and other atheists, etc., it should be noted that many things in life are based on a belief in the unknowable, not just religions.

Your assumption that those out there who deeply believe in a higher being are superstitious, backwards, creationists, a little slow, etc., are demeaning and hint anyone inner biases and weaknesses, possibly in your lack of belief in yourself."
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For one, you do not know if I am an atheist, agnostic, or a believer? Secondly, those who believe "in a higher being" fit the definition of being superstitious. Thirdly, quite to the contrary of what you imply, I generally feel really good about myself and believe in me."

Now, I did re-read what I wrote and I can concur that I did come across as somewhat condescending and a little thinned skinned, and can assure you that I am working to improve those issues, but I do not expect miracles overnight. Healing takes time.

I am not too concerned about the ruling on gay marriage, I have long stated that the government should treat all marriages as civil contracts, I see no reason for the government to be involved in marriage or its definition. Leave marriage to the churches and let government protect civil rights under the law.

To my question about obeying the laws, personally I don't believe that politicians are subject to the same laws and rules that we are, I think that Hillary is a prime example of how rules don't apply to these people. I also think that when folks like Charlie Rangle, Timothy Githner, Tom Dashle don't pay their taxes.... then we should take note. I think that when Diane Finestein's husband's company is awarded billions of dollars in government contracts then we should question how do these things work.... When Harry Reid and our president lie directly to our faces... well? When our government no longer feels that its governing charter applies..... then why should we feel that any laws apply? When DHS blatantly is told to not enforce our laws... should any laws apply?

As far as I am concerned, people should do as they see fit, as it is clear to me ours is becoming a lawless country, but I think that starts with its leadership. If they feel that laws don't apply to them then I have to ask, why should they apply to me?

So, how are Christians going to break this law? I have no qualms on how the gov't wants to define marriage, but I do have a problem with being forced to participate in a practice in which I do not believe. We are seeing Christian service industries being forced to participate in these weddings. How long will it be before Clergy are forced to perform these ceremonies? I am a firm believer that business should serve everyone in the basics of their business. i.e. sell everyone a donut, but one should not be forced to participate in a ritual that is against one's beliefs. Almost all businesses operate like this. Heck, most Churches welcome everyone to their services but they will not enable , what they consider a sin.

"Christian conservatives cracking down in a desperate bid to regain control. They claim that they’re being oppressed by increasing tolerance for religious diversity. They have latched onto, with some success, the claim that “religious freedom” requires giving Christians the right to oppress others. The Republican Party is in complete thrall to the religious right, to the point where giving the Christian right one go-nowhere symbolic bill instead of another one created a major political crisis." - Amanda Marquette