No evolution/creation debate in Europe

Also, in the case that that beloved relative was a suicide and/or not a Christian, then "God" (meaning a Christian belief in the Christian deity) would torment you with the "knowledge" that your beloved relative will spend Eternity in Hell. Yeah, big help that!Not to mention the torment that Christians go through as they lie dying, worrying about the Judgement that awaits them and worried that they won't measure up (ie, that they'd fail that Judgement and wind up for all Eternity in Hell). Our minister (Unitarian) told us of ministering to many such terminal patients.Not that science would really help there, so I don't quite agree with Larni's response. But at the very least taking a mature and rational (as much as is possible under those circumstances, which I have experienced personally) view does help to get through that. At least, a mature approach won't have you driving yourself crazy worried whether your loved one is in Hell.

Yes Bush Sr. was, though while he was campaigning for the Presidency. During an interview he was asked about atheists who are patriots and he responded that he could not think of atheists as Americans let alone as patriots.That was from memory of 20 years ago. I just found more information on it in Wikipedia's "Discrimination against atheists" article, "Rob Sherman controversy" section, at Discrimination against atheists - Wikipedia.BTW, I have completed 31 years of honorable military service and am still serving. I have been an atheist for about 45 years. So for his 8 years in office my citizenship was considered null and void by my Commander-in-Chief and I'm sure that the Acorn is also of the same opinion. As my July 4th date commented to me, she was glad to think that that time next year we will have something that we haven't had for 8 years: a representative government.{NOTE: reply interrupted by work. Hate when work gets in the way.}Edited by dwise1, : note explaining delay in posting