I'm not offended. I know people with other delusions that they're fat, that they're inadequate etc. All deeply held beliefs that are extremely difficult to change and usually beliefs that were installed by toxic parents. Unless they're acting in ways which are disrespectful of my beliefs I feel sorry for them. I see them questioning their decisions and incapacitated by the limitations placed upon them by their beliefs. (Eg. I can't leave this toxic relationship no matter what happens, god will fix it) Once I overcame my frustration it became heartbreaking.

I'm not offended by the religious but there are things that do offend me. I'm offended that some people are "cancelled" because they have offended others. Disagree as much as you like but let's not shut down conversation. I demand the right to be offended!

I'm not offended by this stuff. I just think they are wrong.

It is difficult to insult the English. Try to come up with a good "zinger" of an insult.

Another thing is the influence of the Scotts. Like itbor not, the English would be little without the Scotts. A part of my UK heritage that I love is what my Scottish grandmother told me....If some tries to insult you you need to consider two things; either they are correct and that is some you need to change, or they are wrong and can be ignored.

Pretty hard to argue with that. Too many people know because they know, they know, they know. Sounds like they are starting a song and you never get to the part that they know. This is because they don't know.

You can't argue with them

Are you including the quote from Stephen Fry to illustrate your indignation, or theirs? I've read several of his books and, above all he is a humorist, or satirist, and, I'm sure he must be an agnostic. I doubt that he would call himself an atheist because he has a very open mind. From the photograph, if it is contemporary with the statement, it must be an old quote.. I think I'll watch "Wilde" again. He was the perfect choice to play the title character, Oscar Wilde, who seems to have been undecided.

First of all your definitions are incorrect. "Theist" is a person who believes in a god, or gods. "Theism " is the belief in god. I'm sure you know that. As you tried to illustrate, "agnostic" is someone who is not sure that god exists. I think that is accurate because, as you say, it is impossible to confirm or deny the existence of god or gods.

I go a step further. I explain that I cannot call myself an atheist because many people use words to define what they consider "god" we must allow that there may be such a concept because there exist words to describe it.

Having said that, your premise is correct, but why does that upset you so? If they are content in their ignorance it's their problem, but to them it is not a problem, so their insistence, which they call "faith" has become more of a problem for you. You should know that you can never argue with a zealot. You can't win, so let them go. You may be giving credence to the adage, "When ignorance is bliss, it's folly to be wise".

I know this is not the intent of the post, but I will never let a racist, misogynistic or homophobic joke or comment slide by in random conversation without calling out the asshole.

I find the claim that one is offended to be offensive.

I agree with you on that

IMO, no one has ANY 'right' to NOT be offended.

I won't engage with anyone who doesn't say up front that there is no proof. My first full time teaching job was at a catholic school. I have to admit, the guy with whom I got along best was a religion teacher. He agreed with me that absolutely no one had any proof - not a believer in miracles, etc; he also taught a very good ethics course, using Victor Frankls books.