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I think some people simply feel the urge to let loose on somebody. They're reasonable enough not to do so on anyone of their "own" - or they're just afraid of the consequences - but if they perceive someone as "fair game" - because he is, for example, an immoral atheist - they relish the opportunity to vent their anger.
I don't think the problem with christianity is, in this case, that it promotes violence against unbelievers, but rather that it gives people the feeling they're belonging to a specific group that is entitled to or deserving of a better treatment than outsiders, and that those who aren't members of their faith - their group - do not have to be shown a similar respect or even deserve hate and scorn.
Permalink Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:44:06 UTC | #908249