Motivations for the non-belief in God

This question could be asked on both sides. People are constantly, on both sides, speculating on why someone would believe something that they find incredible.Why do people believe in God? I've heard all sorts of reasons. Here's one from Bertrand Russell: "Religion is based, I think, primarily upon fear. It is partly the terror of the unknown and partly, as I have said, the wish to feel that you have a kind of elder brother who will stand by you in all your troubles and disputes" ("Why I am not a Christian").Why does Russell not accept the believer's explanations "at face value"--as you want these believers to do in regard to atheism?This message has been edited by robinrohan, 03-28-2006 01:01 PM

And what I'm telling you is that this sort of speculation about ulterior motives for either belief or unbelief is common on both sides. So I don't why you would take it personally.

---

"Headpiece filled with straw, Alas!"--T. S. Eliot

And also very modest, one might add.

You probably have an exemplary moral character too.

That's wonderful. Now all you need is good looks, and you'll be perfect.

You can't work on good looks. Either you have it or you don't.I have it.

I'm just amazed that somebody would say, "I feel that I am highly intelligent."

I should know better than what?