which evidence? and who is "lurking"?

There is a distinction between the philosophy Objectivism and being objectivist. You, personally, can lead an objectivist lifestyle but you must acknowledge that Objectivism does not accept religion or that there is a God. That's just fact. You are free to disagree. But to suggest objectivists are collectivist in following the philosophy is incorrect. The philosophy is a rational system. and, anyway, how is Christianity not collectivist? If the end goal is to serve for the glory of God? I do not mean to disrespect-but it is important to point out the contradictions. IF we blur them, aren't we changing the definition of concepts? Better to say what you accept and what you reject. There are many commonalities between objectivists and christians. I generally like to point those areas out and celebrate them. But I do not ignore where concepts clash.

Objectivists refute the notion of anarchy. that is a libertarian concept. Objectivists agree that the US Constitution is the best form of governance to date.

Objectivists rarely use the word "believe." It is a mystical notion. They look for objective basis. To which "lurkers" are you referring?

I think you are in the perfect place. I am an atheist, you say you believe in God. That's OK, I respect your opinions and as long as you respect mine we can have a productive discussion on any topic. If everyone had the exact same opinion on all the topics in this forum, it would be pointless and pretty boring. It is your frame of mind which you state rests in logic that is important so in my book, you are in the right place.

Actually, it doesn't matter whether they're rational or not, reality always has the final say. Of course, if rationality is missing, the verdict is likely to be "you're both terribly wrong."

sounds like you fit right in. You will see some vigorous discussion in here including about religion. Because Objectivism rejects religion. But that does not mean you have to reject the rest of Objectivism.

You are most welcome.

I am a bit in the situation that you are in the fact that I lead an Objectivist lifestyle, and believe with my logical mind that Ayn Rand was correct in a great many areas. I reject the creed of the looter and moocher because I am a man that earns what he gets and gets what he earns.

Do I agree with Ayn Rand in everything she said? No, of course I do not because I am an independent free thinker. I do not blindly march to anyone’s drumbeat including hers. I am also a deeply religious person. I can see where the “religion bashing” can stress you out, but if you think about all the things done in the name of religion throughout history it is quite reasonable that unreligious people would have a bad taste in their mouths. I try to keep that in mind when I read such things. You have to be strong. People here are generally tolerant of others, but there are a few on here that will insult you and your religion. You have to be thick skinned. There are several of us here that are both Objectivists and Spiritualists, and do not feel the two are incompatible.

A key to this is being open minded. I have always been a religious person, but when I read Atlas Shrugged it spoke to me in a major way. I have said before it was like meeting Galt himself, and it was. I was your run-of-the-mill junior executive frustrated with the issues of society, taxes, my company’s almost mandatory charity deductions, and a wife that was “bravely exploring her gay lifestyle.” I allowed AS to speak to me and ended up shrugging off that life to become a common factory worker in a different state. At no point during this process did I question my devotion to god. In fact, I feel his blessing upon my efforts and his lack of blessing when I do not make my own effort. I honestly believe that you must help yourself.

A lot of people believe that Christianity and Objectivism are incompatible due to the “I am my brother’s keeper” attitude. I say it depends on how you interpret that in your own life. For example, I had a female coworker that had been threatened and wanted to get a gun for self-protection. I took her to Gander Mountain where she could hold various guns. Once she found what she liked I took her where she could get it cheaper. I then took her to my range and taught her how to use it. I found a CC class for her and she got her permit. She now carries all the time. I did not charge her anything. The value I got from it was my own personal satisfaction, and the knowledge that she will be better able to defend herself and her son. My personal philosophy is that being your brother’s keeper is about being willing to teach others, and be willing to learn from others. It does not include giving anything without getting in return.

I honestly do not think the John Galt Oath has anything to do with your own children. Do not forget that there were at least two children in the Gulch. If you love your children and they love you then you are getting value for value in that relationship.

Keep your faith in god foremost in your soul, and the logic of Objectivism as a guiding principal in your life and you won’t go wrong.

I'm checking out for the night, but I'd still like you to consider my questions, and I hope to talk to you tomorrow, or the next day.