[ExI] Basis of Belief

[Henrique Moraes Machado]

Lee> But ridiculousness lies in the eye of the beholder!  Worse,
> your formula would invite people to hang out only with
> those who agree with them.  After all, if you're in a group
> where you are an extreme minority, you must expect that
> your views will be ridiculed.

In this case it's the other way around. I'm talking about a minority (non 
theists) ridiculing a majority (theists) not the opposite.

Lee> 1. So long as there is humor involved and you are just having fun
>    please don't worry so long as the targets are out of earshot.
>    This way they do not feel obligated to respond (which you
>    don't want anyway---that wasn't the point of your joking around)

Good rule for life in general. Not for debates.

Lee> 2. If you are lurking on forums where serious discussion is
>    possible, then don't hesitate to "spoil their fun" if you really
>    would like to challenge their common mindset.  Serious discussion
>    forums---no matter how much fun they sometimes have---
>    rightly represent themselves (above all else!) as open to critical
>    examination of points of view.
> 3. If you are engaging in some fun (e.g. ridiculing the French
>    when no French people are present (or read "Asian", "black",
>    "atheist", what have you)), that's fine---but out of common courtesy
>    and basic respect for others, it ought to stop or be greatly toned
>    down when a "victim" approaches the group and begins to
>    participate in the discussion.

I never said we are to ridicule people for what they are. Only for what they 
think. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough.
I can't show any respect or courtesy to ludicrous opinions and silly 
viewpoints.
Remember we are allways talking about opinions here. I'm not advocating 
crime or violence, like Mr. Miller implied earlier.