Excellent point, Michael. I was brainwashed to believe in god as a child... the hellfire and brimstone kinda angry loving god stuff. It was definitely not easy to start thinking for myself and give it up and that's not really what I was thinking about when I left my comment.
It must be human nature to brainwash and manipulate, to bully children and weaker minded people until they bow to your will and your brand of belief system. Definitely fascinating that we've been doing it since the beginning of time, really. Thanks for the great food for thought. :)

hee hee... sorry. :P

Wow, my brain just kinda sizzled on that logic. That kind of (lack of) logic really rubs me the wrong way.

I totally agree, James. His arguments are all totally irrational and ridiculous. I know a lot of atheists, being one myself, I can say that it's not really so much about choice. It's more about belief in fairy tales. I don't believe in Santa either, not because I choose not to, but because there's no evidence for him. Personally, if I had my way Santa would exist and I'd get awesome presents every year.
I don't believe in god because there's no evidence. Not one bit. It's all about thinking rationally and accepting reality for what it is, and embracing logic and scientific methods, which work. As opposed to reading a poorly written collection of ridiculous stories from the Iron Age by a bunch of angry men, then relying on anecdotal stories from back then.
I think it takes more effort to CHOOSE to believe lies and fairy tales than it does to simply say no to the nonsense. But, on the other hand, since atheists are much maligned in America and other countries, it sure is easier to believe in god for social reasons. That's where the choice comes in. I choose not to lie to people. I choose to be a proud atheist.

I know what you mean, James. Maybe it has to do with that elusive thing called faith? As in, "my god loves me so of course that car accident has to have a divine reason, otherwise I might have to "THINK" and use my brain, so I'll make up excuses for him. Whereas that evil atheist is trying to MAKE me think, so she must be one of satan's minions. Because thinking is wrong! That's what my preacher said!"
I have no idea. It's a complete mystery to me.

Very nice argument. I had several thoughts when I was reading it, then my power went out. During the rebooting process, apparently I forgot my clever comments. Grr.. :P I especially appreciate the modern day example of the CEO and communicating the important message. It really does show that the god of the bible is either kind of retarded or perhaps........ could it be? gods don't exist!

Yeah, the irony is just ELECTRIFYING on that one! WOOT! It also makes the most sense to anyone who hasn't read about the wrath of Zeus. :P

I like the Ye of Little Faith one. that's funny right there! I can't think of any more sayings. But it's a great graphic. :D

Oh, and not to mention, you can't get a gift from an imaginary friend that DOESN'T EXIST. :P But that's just nitpicking. :P

I like your example too. :P I agree that faith is a ridiculous and dangerous concept. We'd still be in the iron age or even the stone age if all we had was faith. Oh, that's right! People who believe in the Abrahamic god still ARE in the Iron Age. It's downright crazy to blindly have faith. But I guess I understand it. It sure is easier than thinking for yourself.