I have fits explaining this to people. In made some recent Facebook posts about the rash of Christian pastors calling for beatings concentration camps, and murder for LGBTQ individuals and that such unfortunate things are generally an inevitable consequence not only of religion but of faith in general. I stressed that not all people of faith feel or behave that way, but a flawed non-rational system will always breed such things in a portion of the group. I further said that this is a major reason religion doesn't belong in politics.
My cousin replied responded very angrily that I was trying to take her beliefs away, that I had no right to do so, and that by calling out these hate mongers I was being intolerant.
To her me simply being an atheist and saying "I don't believe in God and think such a belief leads to this," that is to say by challenging her beliefs, I was denying her right to have them. Further, by pointing out the intolerance many of her brethren share I was being intolerant of their right to believe as they choose. It was simply an impossible conversation.
Unfortunately, that is all too common with many religious people, including those more liberal and "tolerant" themselves (i.e. those who really believe we can "coexist"). They'll sit there and welcome with open arms the psycho who comes to stone them for their transgressions, rather than possibly be seen as "judgmental" or "intolerant" even towards someone who deserves to be judged.
My cousin replied responded very angrily that I was trying to take her beliefs away, that I had no right to do so, and that by calling out these hate mongers I was being intolerant.
To her me simply being an atheist and saying "I don't believe in God and think such a belief leads to this," that is to say by challenging her beliefs, I was denying her right to have them. Further, by pointing out the intolerance many of her brethren share I was being intolerant of their right to believe as they choose. It was simply an impossible conversation.
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