Reply #17: I lament the loss of cultures as well [View All]

I don't believe that the missionaries were the only ones destroying them. That said, that's the $64,000 question. Why did missionaries feel the need to share their truth and why do people today feel the need to prosolytyze? If their belief is that failure to accept Christ as their savior will lead to an eternity in hell, well, I can understand how, if you believed that, stepping on a few toes would be a small price to pay. If I believe your house is on fire than I might do anythign I can to rush you out of there, whether you believed it was on fire or not.

Some atheists may feel themselves in a similar boat - Religous theism is so dangerous and so hurtful that to get people out of it might require a little straight talk.

I largely agree with you that a "hard sell" approach to religious discussion is counter productive and leads to bad things. But I can understand how to others it might look different. In a way I think we just have to be tolerant if firm in their desire to preach the good word (whatever that might be) to us.

Bryant