Play by the rules

In any game, there are rules. The rules apply equally to all players, otherwise the game would be not only chaotic, but unfair as well. Try playing a game with a child, and applying the rules only to the child whilst breaking them yourself. They will soon let you know about it, in no uncertain terms. We need rules to regulate the game, but we also need to ensure that they are fairly applied.

As in games, so in life.

Many times I have had Christians tell me that I shouldn't be so open about my atheism because they find it offensive. I've been told that I shouldn't express my belief that religion is false so openly. And yet these same people think it's perfectly OK not only to express their opinions openly, but to tell me that my beliefs are wrong. Some think it's OK to try to convert me. Some even go so far as to tell me I'm going to hell if I don't repent. In other words, they're applying rules to me that they think don't apply to them.

Newsflash for Christians: you may find atheism offensive, but I find Christianity just as offensive. It works both ways.

• I find the way some of you insist on preaching your beliefs at me even after you find out I don't believe offensive. Express your beliefs by all means (I support freedom of speech), but when you try to evangelise or convert me we have a problem.

• I find your obscene belief in an eternal fiery hell where people are sent for not believing in your "loving" god offensive. I find the insistence of some of you that I am personally headed there even more offensive.

• I find your insistence that we are all sinful, miserable creatures offensive.

• I find the way you ignore evidence and reality if they contradict your holy book offensive.

• I find the way you insist that faith is a virtue and discourage critical thinking and open-mindedness offensive.

• I find the way that you base your moral opinions on a book rather than the good of society offensive.

• I find your belief that morality comes from God and that atheists are therefore immoral incredibly offensive.

• I find your belief in human sacrifice, an innocent victim dying in others' place, offensive.

This list is far from exhaustive.

I'm well aware that not all Christians try to convert others, or insist on special privileges for their belief system. Those people who don't are fine by me. Many of them are my friends. I still think their beliefs are ridiculous and offensive but I'm also happy to live and let live where they are concerned. Sadly, though, not all Christians fall into that category.

To those Christians who don't like me expressing my atheistic opinions because they find them offensive: it works both ways. The rules apply to you too. If you don't try to preach at me or convert me then I'll extend the same courtesy to you, but don't expect special treatment just because you think your beliefs are special. And of course, that doesn't mean I'm going to stop expressing my beliefs, any more than I would expect you to stop expressing yours. If you can't handle the fact that someone has an opinion that differs from yours, that's not my problem; it's yours. This is a big world where you'll find a huge variety of beliefs and opinions. Deal with it.

Bottom line: play by the rules you expect me to play by. If you aren't willing to do that, then don't expect me to either.