I appreciate you adding to our conversation. There have been three distinct viewpoints expressed in the comments. I hope I was not trying to have my cake and eat it too.

I agree with you that a lot of bad things have been done (and continue to be done in the name of religion). But I think that your point about whatever organization we support is interesting.

You are accountable for the worst atrocities of the organisation you support.

I believe that we are all accountable for our individual atrocities. And an important question for me is how do I redeem those moments? I personally do not feel I have the ability to do so, thus my desire to know God.

I think the biggest difference we have in the article you linked (very well written by the way) is that you see people starting by the light/fire and moving away because it is inauthentic. My journey was different, I was out in the darkness and the cold and I saw a glimmer of light and as I came closer I realized it was exactly what I needed.

The interesting thing is is that I agree with you that ...

• some people get close to the light because other people have
• some people close their eyes so that they are not confronted with the light

Where we might differ is that I believe some people allow the Light (in my case God) to show us the depravity of our lives and bring healing.

I know we don't agree but I appreciate the civil and honest conversation we have had. Thanks.

Can I ask a personal question? Are you a first generation anti-theist or has atheism been a part of your family heritage for a while? I only ask because it helps me better understand where you are coming from.