I'm going to re-post this question as there are new people here. Apologies to those who already saw it.?

Question

Why can't all believers and non believers discuss without predudice to the views of the other person?
I'm an atheist. If I want to learn about the evolution of the Platypus ( something I know nothing about ) I check what those who study that subject have to say, and tentatively accept it as true without demanding any other proof.

Religious people do the same. They consult books on the subject of God, or ask priests. We are no different in HOW we came to believe as we do , just in WHAT we believe.

We cannot morally force others to our viewpoint. I'll come in here and ask questions about things I want to more about from those who have studied. Let's stop using Yahoo as a soapbox to undermine one another.

Answer 1

That sounds fair.

If your questions are sincere I will answer sincerely and from the heart. But if you diss the One that I love, I will reserve the right to protest. If you insult my faith, or my sincerity I reserve the right to protest.

Answer 2

While I agree with your sentiment, I disagree with some of the details. We should definitely all try to respect others, no matter how much we disagree. We should do so simply because treating other decently is the right thing to do. If that's not a compelling enough argument, it's also the better strategy for convincing others to think the way you do. The more rude and abrasive you are, the less they will listen to what you have to say.

But we don't all have the same approach to knowledge. You and I are similar- research the subject and reach tentative, rational conclusions based upon the available evidence. Give greater weight to the opinions of those who have more training and experience. And recognize that all conclusions are tentative and might change with more information and thought.

But many people feel that certainty is more important. They feel that it's important to reach a conclusion and believe that it is absolutely true. They may not rely on objective evidence but, rather, tradition or the pronouncement of authorities or people claiming revealed knowledge, they might just go with their feelings. They have faith and thus certainty that they are right and, rather than continuing research, reject any idea, no matter how well supported by evidence, if it disagrees with what they think they know through faith.
It's not easy conversing with people who claim to know all the answers. But still, we should try to remain civil.

Answer 3

Actually there is a big difference to how the two get their information.

Atheists will attempt to find accurate information...books, articles, and the like written by people who have either done the work, or witnessed the work being done. If someone has enough money, they can travel to these sites, and actually do the research themselves.

In most cases, to research religion from a spiritual aspect, every piece of information boils down to what someone else said or did, with little if any actual hard fact. You're dealing with unsubtantiated rumor, myth, and superstition.

That said, this is a public forum. When you're asking and answering questions of this sort, some people are gonna be offended, some ignorant, and some approaching with their hearts and minds. If you don't like the answer, or the attitude of the answer...scroll a little further down.

Answer 4

I agree with some of what you're saying. I thik the main hinderence to this somewhat euphoric way of life is some people look at something and say "That's an apple" and people with other beliefs say "no that's an orange" and their pride will not let them be wrong so they fued incessantly in this circular argumentation of whether we're created or evovled, whether birth is life or a choice and so on. I have my point of views and the best thing I can do is to educate myself to either find support or a lack there of but I'm not going around trying to convince everyone I'm right, especially if my beliefs or uninformed.

But until the rest of the world, be it secular or religious stop thinking themselves of the smartest and most important opinion out there, the bickering will never stop and though one may be right, one may be true, it's not until people can let go of their pride to say they're right regarldess of how much evidence proves otherwise and maybe look at things in a different perspective that we can understand one another and maybe, just maybe work together

Euphoric indeed. We're dealing with people, pride and prejudice on all sides of the coin. We've got a long way to go before that changes.

Answer 5

I couldn't have said it better myself! ;-)

OH, about the platypus thing...see, most folks don't realize it, but civilization before the Great Flood was VERY advanced...Noah was a great scientist, and he had freeze-dried all the DNA from every species of land animal that existed at the time.
HOWEVER, there was a bit of a problem when it came time to load up the boat. Noah's wife had accidently dropped a tray of test-tubes, and some of the contents got a bit mixed up. She never told Noah about it, though.
By the time the mistake was discovered, God decided to let it be. He thought the platypus would be a jolly joke on future scientists....

(Did I mention? I'm a Christian.)

Answer 6

It's simple human nature strives to affirm itself. When we can't listen to others views and dialog respectfully it means we get affirmation externally. We'd never admit that of course. When we can listen to others and even sometimes not bother clarifying our own belief system it shows a internal confidence. I find asking questions is a great way to diffuse a pointless debate. In most cases the person only wants to talk about their views anyway. So I ask a few questions they think I agree with them or at least am interested they feel affirmed and I go on with my life views.

Answer 7

Ok... wow you do have an opinion. I agree that everyone is entitled to their opinion. This opinion can be discussed, and facts can be exchanged. At the end of the debate, it is up to the individual to form his/her own opinion. This is the evolution of thought. I myself can see both sides of the evolution theories for example. I though, can personally separate my beliefs of religion and science. I do not get offensive when someone expresses and opposite opinion. I try to see their side, and if i still do not agree i try to get them to understand me. Everyone can agree to disagree. Yet, don't call it a soapbox. People can get passionate about their views, and they have a right to express these views any way they see fit.

Answer 8

Perhaps because our views are our prejudices. Most people have a difficult time being clinical about what they hold as extremely important. It is easier for non-believers because they have less "to lose" in the discussion. But your point is well taken. The anti-intellectualism of our current society is disturbing.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, both sides can only operate from prejudice, though. Those who are religious are taught that they have to try to "save" the souls of those who don't believe, and those who don't believe seem to somehow feel superior to those who do. I wonder if it is possible for people on both sides to actually try to see how the "other half lives". Of course, if that ever happened, then 90% of the reason for wars would go away, wouldn't it?

Answer 10

I do agree. In our Bible study class this was one of the points mentioned. How can we win someone to Christ, or have a better understanding of the beliefs of other unless we study other religions and or be opned to intelligent dialog with others. Great point (2 thumbs up)

Answer 11

No matter what you believe, the platypus is proof that either God or Evolution has a twisted sense of humor.