That's a bit judgemental, eh? I mean, you're assuming that your perspective of God is the right one for starters and that people who don't "understand" God are just doing it wrong. I think the only people understanding religion (or participating in religious discussion for those who are atheist) wrong are those who judge and chastise others for having a different perspective.

I'm talking about people I've been good friends with and have had multiple discussions with on the bible. You know, the kind of people who are angry towards those who are not Christian and don't realize we are supposed to love them.

That really doesn't change my previous post any. You're entitled to how you think and feel about religion, everyone is, but people who chose aethism after being Christian can still see God the same way you do and choose to be aethist while understanding the concept in the same way as before. Most, many, these are subjective identifiers that are far too broad and sweeping to be tangible in the discussion and the context of what youre saying is far too strict to reflect an understanding of motive with compassion and understanding. Can people choose to be aethist for the wrong reasons? Absolutely! But that's not anyone's place to judge.

I'm not judging. If I appear to be or have please excuse me. I don't think they are bad people or have any less knowledge of God. I've just listened to what they have said. These people are still friends of mine.