Some thoughts from another blog written ten years ago.

There is so much evidence for evolution that no one person can know or understand all of it. Some people do not recognise or understand the facts. There is nothing wrong in admitting this. Even scientists who have been studying the data for many years exchange ideas about the details. However, there is no evidence for creationism or intelligent design. Intelligent design is not an alternative explanation because without evidence it is no explanation at all. It is clear to me that something sinister is developing. As a rationalist I need to know why so many people are adopting such a dangerous, primitive superstition. Belief without evidence is not faith, it is delusion. So, how can so many people be deluded on this and many other religious matters?

Childhood indoctrination accounts for many of the unfounded ideas we adopt when we are young and cannot shed in later life. Some, like me, are lucky. I come from four generations of atheists so, as for the supernatural and despite attending two religious schools, I have always been a sceptic. The indoctrinated cannot change a belief that has been engraved into their minds at an early age. I need to repeat that – they cannot change their beliefs. No amount of discussion or reasoning will convert them in any significant way. It is not their fault. They have been subjected to childhood indoctrination amounting to child abuse and deserve our pity and understanding.

That is the difference between them and me. I can be converted in a few minutes. All they have to do is direct me towards some evidence. In over 50 years of discussions they have been unable to produce any.

Appreciating this, it is clear that we have to be charitable and tolerate their foolishness as far as we can but our forbearance should be limited. We must find ways of protecting future generations.