Aramike - thanks. Rather nice of you to say that. We will have to agree to disagree on that one topic, and I am pleased we both respect the rights of the other to see it as they do.
For those who pointed out my particle physics is a bit dated - yea well - so am I!
Its been near 20 years since I had a physics class - I am sure some breakthroughs have been made. I also admit the explanation was also very basic. I am glad to see that some got the point I was trying to make.
Now I am rather vocal when I see someone professing a faith and failing to abide by its tenents. I do so privately - to counsel and help that person grow. Its not done with hostility, but with the hope that they can recognize and correct their error themself. That choice is theirs. You said that "since Chrisitianity has gone on the offensive" - but I must ask - can you give specifics? I can point to numerous instances where Chrisitanity - and Christianity only - has been targetted and persecuted. If anything, I would say that modern Christianity has become alot more DEFENSIVE than in the past. At least, here in this country.
In the US during the 1980's, there was a movement called the "Moral Majority" - led by very conservative, fundamentalist Christian "preachers" and devotees, who did try repeatedly to force their moral values on our nation. They were strongly rebuffed, as they rightly should have been. Nowadays, the only time I see any moral discussion tends to be on the issues of abortion and gay marriage. Any other time Christianity is involved in a discussion - its as a target for ridicule and persecution. For example, the movement to call Christmas simply the "Holiday Season". Why is this targetted persecution? Because while you can't say "Christmas", you sure can say Hannukah, Kwanza, and Yule (which is a byproduct of ancient Paganism). Only "Christmas" is off limits.
Now if you were a person of the Christian faith, wouldn't you get a bit defensive when a "holiday display" could have all kinds of things in it, but you are not allowed to display a manger scene. Or involved in a "holiday parade" - the only restriction being there would be no CHRISTIAN themed floats - but everything else is ok?
I won't defend every action made by a person calling themselves "Christian", but in a case like this thread - there was no provocation offered - it was started simply as what appeared to be an attack on people of one specific faith.
There have been numerous threads discussing and contrasting Islam and Christianity for example. Each person has had the opportunity to put forth their view, and note or link supporting information. Thats a discussion - or at least the beginnings of one. This thread - started simply as a "Look at the stupidity of those who think this". At least, that is how it appeared in my view.
I could offer a lot more difficult contradictions found in the Bible, some that have I have posed to some rather well known theologians and they looked at me stumped. I don't need to, because I am secure in what I know - or believe (use whatever term you wish) - and have no need to make anyone else question their path.
To hold someone or their belief up for ridicule, is akin to insulting them for no good reason. Its often done to try to make the person ridiculing them feel superior without good cause. A sad commentary, but often true.