Ok, I get the point. I do know a number of other atheists, who are much more vehement than I am who would say that they are reacting to the way in which religion was forced down their throats either at school or at home which I suspect is not only true but is how they would interpret the "kicking against the goad" quotation. (Isn't is sad that we have to change that quotation because of the other connotations of the word)
I also have to say that on the occasions where the accusation that somehow I really do believe in God and am simply being perverse or am fighting a sub-conscious belief has been put to me, I have found it incredibly irritating and patronising. It may be true in some cases, and the reverse is probably also the case. But for me at least religion is something that I have considered and wrestled with and I know what I think where I have certainties and where I have doubts.
And no, what you said here didn't irritate me, because you drew the distinction between 'all' and 'some'.
no subject
Date: 2008-04-11 06:59 am (UTC)I also have to say that on the occasions where the accusation that somehow I really do believe in God and am simply being perverse or am fighting a sub-conscious belief has been put to me, I have found it incredibly irritating and patronising. It may be true in some cases, and the reverse is probably also the case. But for me at least religion is something that I have considered and wrestled with and I know what I think where I have certainties and where I have doubts.
And no, what you said here didn't irritate me, because you drew the distinction between 'all' and 'some'.
I'll check out the poem you mentioned.