@wdlindsy It was not my specific intention to mock anyone's religion. I apologize.
@shuttersparks When you say, "There is no God," I recognize that many people hold that view, and I respect their right to do so and have learned much from people who challenge and reject theism and religion. But at the same time, I know people whose commitment to change the world in very desirable ways stems from their strong belief in God, and I defend their right to hold onto their beliefs, and I respect what those beliefs lead them to do.
@wdlindsy I feel the same way. I was focused on making my point in my own way and failed to take the sensibilities of others into account. In doing so I violated one of my own rules: never insult someone by accident. ;-)
@shuttersparks Thank you for your kindness and patience with me, who tend to grouse. I appreciate you.
@wdlindsy I do have patience but none was required. I was the one who stepped out of bounds. I thank you for your understanding.
@shuttersparks I'm all for setting this right. And as I work to do that, I'm going to welcome collaboration with many people who do believe in God and who are motivated by their religious faith to push hard for equal rights and justice for everyone. I see little to be gained, as we build broad solidarity across many lines of difference, by setting myself up arrogantly as some kind of authority figure to mock the sincere religious beliefs of others.