Why do theists insist that atheists aren't entitled to discuss religion?

Question

Religious belief is a hugely important influence in the world, and yet no-one in all of human history has ever produced one single solitary fact or valid argument to logically justify a belief in the existence of any deities. Religious beliefs and religious differences cause enormous harm throughout the world in terms of promoting violent conflict, persecution, discrimination, oppression and so on, all on the basis of something which no-one can show is anything more than pure fantasy.

Hence I would say that atheists are not only *entitled* to discuss, criticise, condemn and ridicule religious belief, we have a *duty* to do so, in the hope that one day everyone will see it for the nonsense that it really is. Anyone who insists we should just keep quiet about it is gravely mistaken. Don't you agree?

Answer 1

Christians beleive that we should not discuss religion on this page because our ideas are so different from their own that by spreading the ideas of athiesm or non denominational belief we are jeprodising the ideas and ideals of christianity, something that they are trying to spread. It is a religious battle which started out as people expressing their ideas to others. This was a good idea until the christians started asking very anti athiest questions, using them as sick jokes, and trying to defame the ideas of the atheists as being ignorant ideas. Athiests have no say because they believe in a different truth

Answer 2

"Religious beliefs and religious differences cause enormous harm throughout the world in terms of promoting violent conflict, persecution, discrimination, oppression and so on, all on the basis of something which no-one can show is anything more than pure fantasy."


This is the problem with atheists and why they are not taking seriously. They come accross as so superior and speak about religion while have no or a very superficial understanding of it. You can't say that people shouldnt believe in anything when you have nothing to offer. By your logic, if religious people cause all of the worlds problems, then all of the great and wonderful actions of the world should be coming from non-religious people. Yet the same violence, greed, discrimination that you speak of is found amoung this population as well

Answer 3

A valid argument; Your brain isn't big enough to generate the concept of infinity, much less an infinite God. Ergo, you got that concept, from a source other than a human brain. An infinite concept, from an Infinite source. God.

But I agree with you about religion. And you do have a duty to speak out.

I also think that evolutionists should take a deeper look at the concept of, 'Survival of the Fittest', as moral conclusion. I don't hear a lot of defense from scientists, or atheists on that topic. The end does not justify the means.

Answer 4

People who believe have many facts and arguments to prove their beliefs. You just don't believe any of them.
I agree that you have a right to be atheist.
If you want to argue religion you can't insult and ridicule believers.
Most atheists do. And get back the same.
That's why you don't get a logical argument. Both sides dislike each other too much to stay civil.
I'm stuck in the middle. I believe in God but not all the man made crap that goes along with joining a church.

Answer 5

Could you imagine neo-Nazis insisting that other people not discuss Hitler? Note, that I'm not (quite) comparing theists to Nazis - just making a point.

I agree with you fully. My main reasons for being here on R&S are to defend people under attack by theists and to attempt to be a voice of reason amidst the insanity.

I know that young people are on R&S, and when they see a person quoting Bible verses with the point that 'gays are bad', they need to be able to see, among the answers, people pointing out alternate viewpoints.

There are many places where theists can congregate to pat each other on the back and to force out alternate viewpoints. They are called churches, mosques and synagogues. This site is none of the above. It's open and free and it's a product of the modern world and the modern way of thinking.

And if that frightens or bothers anyone, 'God' gave them the 'free will' to click on that little X in the corner...

Answer 6

Fantasy needs to be challenged. I feel it is my duty to do so. Let's look at some old popular beliefs.

The earth was the center of the universe.

The world was flat.

Malaria was caused by breathing bad air.

Tomatoes and potatoes were poisonous.

What dissolved these fallacies were science, math, logical reasoning, & critical thinking. These are enemies of religion because we see the man behind the curtain and its all flash and mirrors just as the Wizard of Oz.

The pope declared potatoes were unfit for human consumption and during the middle ages many died because of crop failures due to cold spells.( Potatoes thrive in colder climates---Maine )

Copernicus was jailed because he declared the sun was the center of the universe.

So if you are going to refute popular beliefs you are in good company.

Answer 7

First of all anyone can discuss religion, and anyone can choose to answer on religion or not. At least here in America. Isn't it great to be American???!!! I'm sure you'll agree. I don't know who told you to keep quiet about it, unless you blatantly harassed someone about being a theist, unwarranted. In that case, your duty will get you jail time here in the old US of A. Besides what law is it that says one has to prove what they believe religiously? And if you did take religion away, nations will still fight with each other. About what you ask??? Money, resources, land etc. So taking away religion will not take away violence in the world.

Answer 8

I sorta agree...atheists don't really have a duty to do anything (that's what's nice about not being a religion). But those who do feel so compelled to try and promote tolerance should do so tolerantly and respectfully. Ridiculing theists only serves to promote the opposite. If we want to make a difference we must first look to ourselves in order to lead by example. Sorry, that was kinda preachy, but that is my view towards how atheists should discuss with theists. You are of coarse free to disagree.

Answer 9

Christians would never ask anyone(atheists, muslims) not to discuss religion, because if you are a true Christian, no one could ever convince you to believe in another god or become atheist. If you are a true Christian, you would want atheists to speak about what they think, this way you could spread the word, even strengthen our own faith.My ex-boyfriend was an atheist and he was the one who never wanted to speak about religion. When there was discussions about it, he would ask questions and try to contradict the Word of God. And for every question I had an answer, until eventually something drastic happened in his life and he realised there is a god. He became a Christian. This was a guy that never wanted to speak about God and always manipulated the Word. So if anyone makes you feel like you are not entitled to speak about religion, its probably because atheists dont believe in anything, they dont have religion.There could be 2 reasons why you would want to speak about it. No 1:You want to ridicule and manipulate the Word of God. Or no 2:You want to learn about God and be convinced that He does exist.

Answer 10

Most of us theist welcome a reasonable and honest discussion of the issues. (And maybe even should allow a occasional "zinger" on your part - as I have to watch myself at times not to to overdo the same to ya'll.)

But neither sides needs those people who just want to come on and make smutty remarks, deliberately offend, and just generally be obnoxious. There is nothing to be gained by doing that. (And I feel the same way about the other Christians who only seem to be able to type "You are going to fry". Again, usually not an effective or constructive comment - true or not.)

If you want an honest debate, you are welcome here. I would far rather we discuss, debate, and come to if not an understanding at least a tolerance of each other here - then on a battlefield somewhere in another stupid war. That's what YA is here for, and why I answer questions in this forum.

If you just want to be stupid and dirty - please go somewhere else. The rest of us have serious business to take care of here.