Reply to comment

Via Debunking Christianity:

Once again, Pat Condell gets it so right. You can't rationally debate intentional, gloating irrationality. "Relgion is out of control right now because too many people have been too diplomatic for too long", says Pat. Those who want to provide evidence to support religious beliefs are welcome to a fair debate; those who don't should "expect mockery and ridicule".

Not a surprising stance for Pat, seeing as how good he is at mocking religious idiocy. Another example of the master at work:

I'll add that, yes, there is room for those long-suffering souls who want to civilly meet religion half-way in debate. There's a role to be played by those willing to confer "respect" on the other side's beliefs. Different approaches tackling different fronts – it's a good thing, and we should appreciate all the tacks taken by supporters of rationality. 

But I readily agree with folks like Pat that we've long leaned far too heavily toward treating religion with respectful gentleness. I'd like to see the balance shifted more toward outright derision.