This topic is funny. :3
People put so much energy into resisting their opposite. That is, people concentrate so hard on that which they do not believe or care for, they forget that what matters is what you do believe. People fail to realize that when one uses their mind in manner that ridicules or attacks another because one puts energy into that thing they do not believe, those negative feelings manifest in one's life even more so in one way or another. (Basically, if you are negative towards something many times, those negative feelings grow immensely.)
It is simply not important to disprove, be obtrusive or aggressive, or anything else of the sorts to someone because you disagree with them on a personal matter. Personal beliefs are not ones that need to be proven. We should not try to disprove or ridicule another, but grow and develop as a whole; sharing your beliefs with others - in a non-militant or non-forceful sort of way, of course - so they may grow and develop as well.
As a final statement: religion does not cause all our problems. It may hinder our advancement at times, but at times it also contributes a great deal. All the wars and killings in religious matters, and many that where over other topics, were a result of human beings disagreeing over something in a fierce manner. Because nobody could step back and say "I disagree with you, but there is no point to fighting over it".
To those more assertive Atheists who argue with religious folks: What is truly the point? Why do you waste so much energy trying to tell people they hold back development or that they are wrong? Does not THAT hold back development? If you fight with anyone in the manner most do, your stopping your own development.
And to those more assertive Theists: What is truly the point? Why must you convert Atheists or those who belong to another faith? Are you doing it pointlessly or to "save them", or for your own personal gain? What does it matter if they believe in whatever God or not. Personally, as I see it, everyone is a child of God and God would not punish them in the afterlife just because they didn't worship He or She. "Love God with all your heart". I always felt God was in everyone. Interesting how the two blend.
Ultimately, a person does not need to belong to a Church or to believe in all sciences or to give money to people or whatever in order to be a good person. That comes from within. Everyone is capable of that regardless their religion. Or political stance or race or love or nationality or anything else that is diverse. Everyone needs to stop seeing life as "Our own kind" and "Them", and start seeing life as "Us". Our diversity is one of those grand phenomenons that make life worth living.
That's how I feel. Not completely on the topic, but I felt it appropriate for now.
