I appreciate the well thought out reply. I agree that choosing to believe in a thing does bring comfort in difficult times I know all too well. And I know the type to whom you directed your comment--the edgy atheist that is just rude and shits on anyone religious.

In an echo of your good faith... (And sorry for the lengthy post here). In case it is helpful to hear my perspective as it was for me to hear yours...

I admit that I have been less than kind about religion and have been the edgy atheist at times. That was wrong of me.

Your comment has given me cause to reflect.

I know my anger shouldn't be directed at all religious prople. It should be directed at the religious right who display bigotry and judgement, and also to the religious leaders who abuse their power. I let my anger, bitterness, and personal hurt get the better of me and I have lashed out too widely sometimes. Not ok. And I am sorry for the times I've done that.

Relevant backstory: I was religious for most of my life, over 40 years. My experience toward the end of that felt like utter betrayal.

I had gotten caught up in an evangelical church. Most people I interacted with were quick to judge, lecture, and preach though I had considered them friends. It was hurtful to discover most were interacting with me out of obligation, not authenticity. They weren't there to support me or be a friend, but just to police my actions.

(And while I get the biblical basis for what they did, they failed to act on 1 Cor 13 -- doing everything out of love, the kind that requires commitment, genuine connection, a relationship with authenticity and vulnerability, not just calling people out without having any real investment in their life).

I left that church. It took some years after that before I deconverted.

I realize I have anger and resentment towards those specific people and too often let it bleed over to more than just them.

I have always felt frustration and anger towards people who use religion as a cover for hatred and bigotry. As I am sure is true for you. Nothing wrong there except directing that anger more broadly.

I am also angry at myself for being sucked into that church and for putting my trust in untrustworthy people. I'm angry for letting my religious belief hurt others and myself over the years.

And I sometimes allow myself to be angry and disdainful of all religious people and that's simply not right or ok.

So I will do better. I will recognize my anger and deal with it more appropriately before commenting on religion or the religious.

Again thanks for the reply.