Is converting a believer to atheism like stealing a blind man's cane?

It is certainly correct that gods and an afterlife do not exist. Both are imaginary, of course; however, many fail to recognize that at least four out of five people lack the courage and the intelligence to live without them. 

We do not each get to decide what our I.Q. is. 

We are not able at any point to determine to face life more bravely. 

We are stuck with whatever character we have developed as a result of our heredity and our childhood experiences. 

It is cruel to ask those who are incapable of living comfortably without an imaginary god, and the prospects of eternal life in a heavenly paradise to do without them. 

You need only look at their remarks on Yahoo Answers to see that the faithful would be terribly at sea without their delusions. 

Would you snatch away the white cane of a blind man? 

No.

Then don't try to convert a theist.

I don't think so.

It's more like taking the blindfold off a seeing man's eyes when he's been wearing it most of his life.

I think most believers must already know that their believes are irrational. They don't care. Its a choice. You can not change them unless they want to change - and in that case, the change would be beneficial.

The question is not in the conversion, but what do you do afterward.

As in most beliefs, the converted is better educated and more "faithful" than those brought up in the faith.

That is why most "born again" atheists are so radical.

What do you do with a radical atheist?

NO, ITS LIKE STEALING A STARVING MAN'S FOOD, AND THROWING YOURS AWAY ALONG WITH IT