text: You're right.  We need more discussions and less name-calling.  The best way to persuade is with rational arguments.  Ad hominems are not valid arguments.  Most Christians and atheists would agree and usually don't resort to petty attacks.\n\nAs for "dissing" you for your beliefs.  Most atheists don't care what you or anyone else believes.  They do care very much when people try to legislate their beliefs, forcing everyone to abide by irrational superstitions and ancient prejudices.  So long as Christians don't try to tell others what they must and must not believe, most atheists are content to let others be.\n\nYou're right, this is a free country, and we'd like to keep it that way.