Theists and non-theists?

Question

Why do the nontheists waste our time giving unhelpful answers to sincere questions? Don't they have better things to do than intentionally bother us? We're not trying to bother them!

So, in the future, if someone asks a sincere question about a particular aspect of religion or spirituality, please don't answer with statements like "its all just stupid anyways" or "religion is gay" etc...

After all, I imagine that even the non-theists here believe in morality of some kind. And surely bothering and offending people with intent would go against such values. (Besides, it only makes the person sound childish when they do so.)
So, please just live and let live.

Thank you.

I'm not saying that non-theists shouldn't answer questions from theists, but only if it is relevant and helpful (and some common courtesy in the tone of the reply wouldn't be so bad either.)

And I'm not complaining about dissent and disagreement.
(Though if a question is addressed "just to theists", then I think its wrong when the non-theists answer.)

I include everybody, monotheists, polytheists, atheists, agnostics, etc...
(nontheists being atheists and agnostics).

btw, I'm not christian.

Oh, and I agree that the theists shouldn't bother the atheists, but it seems to me that it comes much more from the athiests.

Morgan,
I don't doubt that religious advise will often sound idiotic to nontheists (and even to fellow theists!). But their beliefs and advise, even if they may seem stupid, are really not an excuse for the blatant hatred and abuse which is filling up this site, especially when aimed at sincere questioners.

Answer 1

I agree. Both ways. I mean that theists should be respectful to questions about atheism or religions other than their own and that atheists should be respectful to questions about theism. I've seen so many people on here be so disrespectful to religion or lack there of. Saying that religion is only for people who are too stupid to handle the reality of the world or just answering a question by saying, since someone is an atheist they are going to burn in Hell. It's so disgusting, even if you do have the anonymity of the Internet that gives you no right to disrespect or trivialize this important aspect of a persons life. The disrespect goes both ways and so the advice should too.
By the way, I'm among the theists, if it matters to anyone.

Answer 2

I'm a Christian and I certainly don't mind hearing opinions from atheists and other non Christians but, its true that its just a waste of font for them to not at least try and answer intelligently. It isn't like any Christian is ever going to change their mind because some 16 year old says "Religin is GAY"(typos intentional)

If you non believers have a brain, feel free to use it. If you think you're information is indeed useful then by all means throw 2 cents in. Otherwise, play on the game pages.

Answer 3

BS you're not. The word is atheist and if you don't think theists come into questions directed at atheists and bother them, you just haven't looked. You'll be hard pressed to find a single question on this site without someone in it telling them to pray to jesus, or something even more idiotic.

Edit: It doesn't. Trust me. Actually you don't even have to trust me, look for yourself. You can't ask a question about muslims, jews, gays, or anything else at all here without a christian butting in to tell them that the koran is false, jesus is god's son, or that gays are going to hell.

I'm not talking about advice, I'm talking about what it is. Thinly (if at all) veiled threats of torture. I love how if *I* threatened to torture them and their family, they'd almost certainly get offended, but we're supposed to be just tickled pink with theirs. Hypocrites.

Answer 4

Why must you make such sweeping generalizations when referring to people you don't know? I am an atheist and have always tried to give thoughtful and intelligent answers, no matter who asks them. If ever I should not respect the person asking a question, it is likely that they have greatly offended me or what I believe in.

You wrote "Don't they have better things to do than intentionally bother us? We're not trying to bother them!". Please make some attempt to realize that your question has intentionally bothered me by making untrue generalizations. An apology would be most appreciated and necessary.

sincere enough for you?

Answer 5

And why cant theists give any answer to sincere religious questions.

Do they not know enough of the Bible to answer?

The majority of the sincere religious answers come from non-theists.

Maybe you should think of the reason why.

Answer 6

Disagreeing with you isn't unhelpful. We're trying to be helpful. If you sincerely ask me about the world being flat, I'm going to explain to you that, despite what your parents and your pastor told you, the world is a flattened sphere.

That's what I do with these questions. I have a moral duty to bring light where there is darkness.

Answer 7

Thank you for phrasing your request so politely and with such grace.
I totally agree. I would be very appreciative if non-theists could be polite and considerate in their answers.
I would also be happy if some of my fellow Christians could also show a bit more respect for people who do not share our faith. After all, we ought to be remembering Whose we are, and Who we represent.

(note: if you have time to answer questions you consider ignorant and silly in kind, you only show yourself to be silly and ignorant, and you impress nobody but yourself)

Answer 8

Well, finally we are all human beings.

On both sides there is fundamentalism. Which in my opinion arises out of insecurity and when we get possessive of what we know. And feel a need to protect our beliefs.

On both sides there are people who are itching to convert other people into their way of thinking.

We need to understand that it is diversity that makes our world so colorful and vibrant.

Finally, as you say rightly, we need to address compassion and tolerance as common ground for us to live together in peace and harmony.

Answer 9

A non-theist is an atheist for the record.

Answer 10

Theists don't waste your time I guess. When you say 'Theists' does that include Polytheists or only Monotheists?