I knew someone would call DOUBLE STANDARDS on that one. :)
Try to see it how I see it.
A: "I believe in God because of such and such."
B: "That wasn't God. That was a purely a natural phenomenon."
Shoe on the other foot.
B: "I don't believe in God because of such and such."
A: "That was God who created that phenomenon."
I don't believe I ever phrase it that way. Bingo raised a point and I offered a counter point. Look at my phrasing, which can be summarized thusly:
B: "I don't believe in God because of such and such."
A: "I think that God created that phenomenon
That is the exact phrasing I ask of you:
A: "I believe in God because of such and such."
B: "I think that wasn't God, but rather a natural phenomenon."
Reread my last post and you will see my attempted sensitive phrasing. But to be clear, I truthfully enjoy these conversations, and I don't even mind the phrasing in itself. It's likely misinterpretation on my part, but what bugs me is the intent of comments. Is that intent to challenge ideas, perhaps get a little more thinking, and at minimum just sharing a different perspective? Or is it intended to just say I'm dumb for believing in God, and if I could wrap my around the facts, I'd know the truth. When phrased without the "I thinks," it appears I'm more likely to interpret things differently. That is the inherent disadvantage of electronic communication and the sensitive tendencies of those (like myself) who feel that sometimes others are indeed slapping our God in the face. I believe I am better getting where Leo is coming from, I know that (usually) Bingo is just trying to point out some historical or cultural influence and wants to be a bit of a smarty pants ;), I know you are very scientific in your thought process and therefore do not feel God fits in the equation. But take Boost's most recent comment. He too may have meant it merely as a point to think about, but in context, and with several similar comments already being made, I became annoyed because I felt like the intent was, "Look here, ignoramus..." That is why I am advocating slightly more cautious phrasing. I apologize if I am coming off as pushy.