We’ve been having a discussion of religious belief on a chat group that includes a lot of my writer buddies.  Most of us are agnostic or atheist, but Steve Gould posted this lovely little quote.  It sort of sums up my feelings on the subject.  As I’ve said repeatedly, I don’t care what damn crazy thing people believe as long as they don’t push their beliefs on me, or make public policy or laws based on their beliefs.  And no, atheism isn’t just another religion.  But here is the cool quote.

In his book Letter to a Christian NationSam Harris wrote:

In fact, “atheism” is a term that should not even exist. No one ever needs to identify himself as a “non-astrologer” or a “non-alchemist.” We do not have words for people who doubt that Elvis is still alive or that aliens have traversed the galaxy only to molest ranchers and their cattle. Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make in the presence of unjustified religious beliefs.