question for non believers?

Question

I'm a believer and I know for a fact that there are some very intelligent non believers out there. I just wonder why there isn't more intelligent questions or answers on this site. I admit there are some religious zellots here that can be anoying, and rude coments to them is understandable.

Answer 1

whats the question???? and could you clarify what you mean by "non-believer"? thats such a condenscending term if you're referring to your beliefs as being the object of belief. we all believe in something, why do organized religious zealots feel their belief is the end all? aren't they all just a means to an eventual end? that "end" product could be god, buddha, a large tree or whatever.

Answer 2

Mostly because the thing that you're looking at: intelligence: is a separate function or property of human life.

Intelligence, another way to say this, is not "standard equipment" in the model of human kind. Nor, is it "standard equipment" in the society of America. In fact, intelligence is an aspect in itself, that is not regarded to anything or anyone.

A lot of people feel differently, of course, as intelligence is something we've all come to respect. Watching a truly intelligent person is inspiring, at worst. So, people make the mistake of thinking intelligence is not an independent attribute of humanity.

Example?

The leader of Hellzbollah went to Harvard, has a law degree, is a democract and believes in the democratic process of a nation. He is in the higher eschelon of the Islamic Religion, and personally creates the tactics they are attempting in Beirut. By all standards, he is smarter than the average person - he is in sole propietorship of the company which helped rebuild all of Lebanon after the war.

Yet, because he's at war with the United States, and we are from the US: everyone imagines him as some caveman that beats women and he can't read, etc. People assume that others, specially those of the opposite stature than ourselves, are stupid: because we like intelligence, we do not assume others that we do not like have what we like.

Again, intelligence is not dependent in other things.

In any case, the reason you do not get more intelligent answers and questions? Again, intelligence is not a standard equipment. People have to work towards it, and it's actually quiet a painful process: so, the majority will not have it.

Oh, also, this is yahoo, not a professional periodical or journal.

Answer 3

You sound like a rational person. I have no idea why the hardcore zealots on either side feel the need to sling mud but it happens. I am always open for a intelligent debate or discussion about religion. The key word being intelligent not just mindless quoting.

Answer 4

I love an interesting conversation between believers and non-believers. Unfortunately, people from both sides of the fence like to make outrageous claims about why it is right/wrong to believe/not believe.

I have discovered that there are those believers who think because of their faith, they can survive a theological battle of the wits--but the same is true of the non-believers.

As long as someone is knowlegable with their theology, I enjoy discussing religious issues with them. It just gets frustrating when people who are not well-read on religious history think they ultimately know all the answers to theology, and like to make blanket statements about religion.

Answer 5

That's true in all the categories, dude!

I've asked only two questions myself, one about the answers system, and one, today, asking about the meaning of spirituality.

I mostly come to the home page to answer whatever strikes my fancy -- though quite a few of them have been in the religion category.

This site doesn't screen for IQ or for basic human decency (though it does weed out many of the worst offenders). I would say that the level of discourse on the board reflect the general level of discourse in our society -- abysmal.

The other atheists I've known in my life have all been very intelligent, good, thoughtful people. I've been shocked by many of the atheists I've seen here -- I never knew there were so many who were so hateful and narrow-minded.

Would you do me a favor and answer my question on spirituality? (Click my screen name to go to my list of q's -- don't mean to insult your intelligence, but I don't know whether you know that trick.)

I've had very few answers, and not terribly good ones.

The thing to do is, contribute to the positive thoughtful discussions, report the abusers, and move on.

RAMO is the word, I believe: Report And Move On.

Answer 6

because the intelligent ones don't ask stupid questions and ignore the antagonistic ones posted by others who think they are "all knowing" about how this life is supposed to work. And yes, the religious zealots are very annoying and so single minded and uninformed that sometimes those intelligent people will explode.

Answer 7

press the discover button and search for already asked and answered questions. Or, check out the profile of the_jim_darwin for plenty of intelligent questions. Don't check mine, I prefer sarcasm lately.
I am an atheist aka "non-believer" who grew up in church and learned early on that prayers are not answered, the innocent are not protected, and the evil are not punished by "god". If you want a very intelligent reason why so many people believe in a magical sky pixie who wisks them away to a happy soft fluffy place when they die go to www.godpart.com/premise . Welcome to YA, specially if you have more to offer your side of the galactic debate than bible verses.

Answer 8

For the most part I believe that this site is used for entertainment by very young people..and so the odds of us having a truly meaningful theological debate are slim at best. I myself am considered to be an existential agnostic and in turn I lend myself to all debate in the "meaning of life" sense....what was the question?

Answer 9

Well because many believers who come here to ask are the kind that like to impose their religion on people who are usually the slow ones. And the atheists that come here are often the ones who love to piss off theists for fun. I ask questions to inspire thought where I think there isn't enough or to genuinely find out about a religion.

Answer 10

Because most people are really not very bright. It is a tough world to live in when intelligence is so lacking. It really takes allot of strength to look at and question ones beliefs. Keep in mind these beliefs have been spoon fed since birth. It takes a very inquisitive person to question everything they have been told since birth. It is only what we see when our eyes are fully open that leads us to look for fact over fiction, logic over irrationality, and compassion of condemnation.

Answer 11

Honestly because people are tired of trying to have intelligent, rational discussions. I have put in like 37 intelligent questions about faith and about all I get back is

"Know Jesus know heaven or go to hell"
"You're wrong because the bible says so"
"Everyone goes to hell unless accepts Jesus"

Now why would I keep asking for such mindless drivel if people want to just put bumper sticker slogans on net and ignore my question totally