I don’t mind some being preachy, if that is what you want to call it, not sure it’s any different than what you’re doing. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts, especially on the other thread you recommended, haven’t read much of this one.
I’m glad we have some prominent scientists and other public figures that are being more open about certain matters particularly when they are opposing some ideas that are so absurd which often are religious in nature. There was a time in much of history, and still in quite a few parts of the world today, one doesn’t dare speak out against any clergyman. I can’t help but feel like many of these prominent scientists have had a positive impact on our young people, and now more than ever more people are identifying as non-religious with many young people now in that category. There are others that also think the internet has played a huge role.
When theists vote, and their opinion makes a difference in our school systems, what is put in our school texts and taught to our kids, Creationism or ID being taught as a science, putting disclaimers on evolution in our textbooks, prayer, other separation of church and state issues, about what we do with our genitals, suicidal bombers, for this and many other reasons, I think this is a good time to start caring what others think.
Fortunately, I think quite a few religious folk are harmless. Whatever placebo, or other feeling they think they are getting out of it that they think has made them a better person–and many of them really are good and decent people–along if it causes them to treat others better too, and doesn’t affect me directly or others in a negative way, then I do think it’s true that the vast majority of atheists don’t care what they think.