Could somebody please explain to me why it seems to be the prevailing attitude these days that if you have any form of religious belief you'll labeled as crazy or downright stupid?

In recent years, I will admit, religious fundamentalists have given all believers a very bad name.  But, these extremists do not speak for everyone.  In fact, they speak for a very, very tiny percentage of believers.  They're just extremely vocal.

I believe in God and try to be a good practicing Christian.  It is because of my faith that I believe that all people should be treated fairly and with respect.  It is also because of my faith that I believe we, as humans, should everything in our power to help and love one another.  It is because I'm a Christian that I was firmly against the Bush administration and its policies for eight years; I saw nothing Christian about what they were doing.

However, since I am Christian, and publicly admit so, a lot of people have assumed that I must have absolutely LOVED George W. Bush and his agenda.  I see nothing Christian in things like pre-emptive war, torture, and a blatant lack of compassion for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  (Let me be clear on something: this doesn't mean I like Obama either.  I see nothing Christian in some of his agendas as well.)  Just because Bush gave lip-service to Christianity and its doctrines, doesn't mean he was a good Christian or that he spoke for all believers.

I think there are many, many benefits to a religious lifestyle.  My belief in God gives me an inner peace; it helps me believe that there might actually be a meaning to life and something greater and better than what we percieve.  But, since I say that openly, I have been criticized and ridiculed by people who chose not to believe in God.

If atheism provides you with inner peace and a sense of purpose or meaning I say more power to you; I'm happy for you that you found it.  I'm just saying this: some of the nicest, kindest, most easy-going and down-to-earth people I've ever met are believers.  Meanwhile, some of the most hateful, mean-spirited, and bigoted people I've ever met are atheists.

Can't we just say "To each his own?"  I'm willing to accept that some people are non-believers and not ridicule them for that.  While I'm willing to admit that some other believers don't share my sentiments, I still think a lot of non-believers need to just back off and not be so quick to judge and joke.