I believe this thread already exists, so it should probably be merged.

In any case, I think anger and distaste is the first(and for many the only) step in being an athiest. Maybe second, where first would be that initial doubt and anxiety of leaving a faith behind. Many people stop there because they think its a good substitute for intelligence and kindness, so then end up acting self-important and hateful. Kinda how a christian is under the delusion that they are a good person cause they go to church, or read the bible, or what have you.

You have to go further. Once you've addressed the illusion of sustenance, you still have to find the actual thing. That is to say, you still need a moral system, a group to address social problems, a way to relieve the tensions and pain of existence and death and the like, and a method for becoming a better person and increasing the surplus of human happiness.

Bill Maher concludes that an end to religion will be an end to war. Poppycock. Maybe war will end someday, maybe not. I even believe that war is inflamed by religious affiliations. But wars have also been carried out for causes and economic hardships and other reasons. Maher is scapegoating, and its just plain wrong.

I really meandered there. Srry.