Believers vs. Atheists: The battle royal?

Question

We all have our religious or non-religious beliefs. But I wonder why we can't argue in a reasonable fashion. I see so many religious questions that have christians going "blah blah..go to hell" and then you got atheists who " blah blah..you're ignorant, can't listen to reason etc." It is understandable that many people will try to pass on their beliefs to others and be quite stubborn about it. I am also strong in my christian beliefs as well, and I like to spread the word when I can. But must everyone be so bitter to each other... can't we touchy questions with civility and understanding. I know religion is a touchy subject, but let's try to get along.

Kinda curious why the first response implied that God is a her. God created MAN in HIS own image.

Answer 1

Isn't it sad that as Christians we are supposed to lead others by the way we live. By living as Christ would have us, we show others the way. But, exactly what does arguing show? It shows no compassion, no reason, no love for others. Instead of arguing we should show others by living as Jesus wants us to and showing the world how wonderful our Savior is and then maybe others would want the same thing we have, PEACE in knowing where we are going and who is in charge.

Answer 2

I wonder the same thing, being Atheist I try and give every question that I answer the benefit of the doubt. Whether it is from a Christian or an Atheist, alot of times though I come across hateful remarks directed one way or another from both parties and not just towards the others beliefs but what others believe as well (jews, muslims and so on). I have actually looked into quite a few different religions and finally came to the understanding that none of them were for me, but that doesn't mean that I won't give any religious question a meaningful answer.

Answer 3

I think it's because it scares people. If I could be shown without doubt, in 5 minutes of conversation, that everything I believe is wrong, what would I do? Would I abandon my values, would the world fall into chaos, would North Korea become the most powerful Nation in the world?

Seriously, I've debate the Atheist point of view many times, and the christian on a few (playing devil's advocate can be fun and educational). nd it always ends with one side getting angry or simply running from the discussion, or even more often, the gritty stand-off. Neither side backing down, and no mutual growth occurs.

But hey, when you challenge what someone believes, be ready for a fight to the death.

P.S.
That little comment about Atheists going to hell is pretty Unchristian, since by your own scripture are you forbidden from passing judgment.

But hey, if your god is real and just, hell slap all of you faker along with the atheists. Maybe then you'll take your own faith more seriously and quit hiding your own flaws behind a book.

This is the crap that prevents Reasonable people from holding a profitable discussion of this topic.

Answer 4

Ignorant you say?
There are none more ignorant and useless, than they that seek answers on their knees, with their eyes closed.

The religious fell they must defend their religion at all costs. You never hear someone defending the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow. It doesn't need to be defended, you know it will happen. Talk about god and they come running to her defence.

You would think an all powerful god wouldn't need defending by mortal men.

Oh, but yeah, back to your question, we just can't help it. Look at freebird's response. Good vs Evil. I would guess I'm evil just because I don't agree. Besides, the type of questions that normally pop up, from both sides, promote fights.

Once in a while you get an honest question on here, and I do try to answer those questions in a kind way, but this board if full of trolls and it is human nature to argue.

Answer 5

Well, you have to consider the dynamics here. Simply by taking the opposing view I am, by implication, saying that I am smarter than you; that I'm right and you are not. But also consider the tremendous impact it would have on either side were they to actually be convinced that they are wrong. It would be life changing, to say the least (more so for the religious side...can you imagine the dawning horror of being convinced that there is no god? I suspect some people would go quite mad!)

There is a lot of ego and sanity at stake here. To lash out at the opposing view is the natural human response. I don't see how it could be any other way...

Answer 6

I was just about to ask a similar question. I am all about calm, civilized discussion. Now, I can understand when some Christians get defensive about their beliefs. Faith is a very personal matter. Telling someone they're "ignorant" for believing in God is like telling them that their newborn baby is ugly. You just don't want to hear it.

But what really baffles me is this: if Atheists don't believe in God, don't care about all the various faiths, and don't want to hear the good news, why the hell are there so many on the Religion section of this site??? They must be hungry... hungry for God. That's right, I said it.

Answer 7

I have asked similar questions and recieved some pretty rude answers. In this format, if you do not or cannot reply with an intelligent or civil answer, I would just as soon you did not answer. I do enjoy good civil debates. I will not debate which religion is better or tell someone they are going to hell because they have a religion other than mine. The Bible sets the guidelines that God says we should live by. A lot of the things listed in the Bible are common sense. If anyone would like further debating please feel free. I will respond with intelligence and respect your opinion.

Answer 8

There is no separation between church and state, and the fact that laws are written by a majority who subscribe to a de-facto intolerant religion willing to persecute those who disagree gives rise to a lot of animosity by the minority who feel their rights are infringed.

That Christians feel they have a right to impose their religious beliefs on non-believers through the legislature is no different than Caesar burning Christians in the Forum for the amusement of poly-theistic Romans. The arrogance of controlling the minority by legislating religious values is the same in either case, and the minority, like all minorities (including the Christian martyrs) opposes that arrogance.

Answer 9

I have no problem with people believing in God, but this country is so uptight, and it always comes back to the religious point of view, that it gets in the way of stem cell research, teaching birth control instead of abstinence, teaching evolution instead of creation. Good parenting and proper birth control are better solutions than putting prayer back in school. I get very upset when this nation is held back, and the proper solutions aren't taken because of outdated religious beliefs.

Answer 10

You have believers that do not respond in love. You have atheists that hate the idea that there is only one way to eternal life.
Jesus said Himself, "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. All who stumble over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."
The way of Christ will always be a point of contention for those who dont believe.