In Reply to: Re: Pot Calls Kettle Black posted by Farmer on December 02, 2007 at 08:31:49:
I used the phrase "pot calls kettle black" in it's normal usage merely to point out the outrageously hypocritical position of the Pope. There's no point trying to read more into that phrase and putting words in my mouth, as you have done, but I'll cut you some slack, since English isn't your first language.
I think the distinction is obvious between the horrors and crimes committed by religionists and those by atheists, but I guess not so obvious to you. There is no evidence that I'm aware of that demonstrates that atheism, by itself, systematically influences people to do bad things. Individual atheists may do evil things, but they don't do evil things in the name of atheism. On the other hand, religious wars, inquisitions, genocides, etc., have been conducted in the name of god/religion throughout recorded history. Some of the most horrible torture techniques were invented and still used by Christians in their "holy" wars.
Evil done in the name of god/religion is the greatest evil of all because one expects better things from god and religion. The communist examples you like using to support your position are red herrings to deflect criticism away from religious evils, just like the Pope you're so fond of does.
Evils committed under communist regimes were committed by the state to further the state's goals of power and control, not to further atheism itself. In totalitarian states like that, atheism is merely one tool among many to further the state's aims, it is not the driving force behind state policy. Religious evil, on the other hand, is always motivated by religious ideals and goals.
I've tried pointing this out to you before, but you just don't get it, probably because you don't want to get it, but would rather put your support behind a Pope that represents some of the worst evil ever committed.