Why does everyone miss the point?

I was browsing some articles today on Newsweek and the Salt Lake Fibune and couldn't help but notice how irritating some people in this state, and country can be. I don't usually fall into the trap of reading reader comments on stories about the different religions because it just turns into a heated discussion between groups that have no chance in changing each others' minds. I do find it amusing however that these people don't quite find the humor in the their comments. On the one side you have those that insist on bashing any and all who do not believe as they do. The stupid thing is that they choose to live in a country that gaurantees people the right to worship (or not) as they please. What is even more assinine is that most of them are former members of the church they are bashing, who either lacked self-control or were just too lazy to follow the beliefs of that religion. I admire those who used to be members of a given church but don't find fault in that church or it's members. These are some of the best defenders of these religions. They usually have a high self-awareness, and are honest with themselves. Those who bash any religion are usually biased because they have "faith" that they know a better way (this goes for all religions). A true "Faithful" person doesn't bash others for their beliefs. They may teach others about what they believe, and may even explain why they believe they are "right", but they don't hate or grow angry with someone because they believe differently. I grew up believing that we should be kind to everyone...not just those who believe the same. On the other side, you have people responding that don't always know the teachings of their own church. They get in philisophical arguments and end up making themselves and the church they believe in look completely different than what they intended.

Here is something to ponder. Our country was founded on the freedom of religion. The seperation of Church and State was never intended to prohibit religious symbols in court houses, government buildings, or parks. The seperation of Church and State was only to gaurantee that there would not be a State sponsored religion. So those that complain that it is offensive to see a cross next to the highway honoring a fallen trooper, or who believe that our children should not be exposed to the Pledge of Allegiance because it contains the word "God", need to understand what our founding fathers intended. I do not fault them for their belief or lack therof, but I also believe that they need to understand the original intent of our constitution. Unfortunately, even many of our Supreme Court Justices haven't studied the founding fathers writings enough to know what their intentions were. If I reverse the argument of believing in nothing, then every square inch of the country should be covered with something, because the belief in nothing means that the non-religion of athiesm has their symbol (nothing) almost everywhere.