Reply #76: Well, I would agree with you that there's worthwhile stuff in the Bible.

[Taxloss]

Even as an atheist, I consider it a valuable document, its imagery is in many instances extremely enduring, and parts of Jesus' teaching are an inspiring evocation to social justice.

And your beliefs are your own, I don't think there's a person on DU who would challenge that.

However religion, specifically Christianity, and religious freedom, are among the defining issues of the time and I feel that the non-religious and atheist are or should be entitled to enter that debate strongly. By strongly, I mean that religion should be open to full and frank criticism. And that means all aspects of it - doctrine, mythology, background, key players, and adherents.