Atheists: Would you rather be preached to or taught?

Question

This is in response to another question. Would you rather have someone preaching to you, or have someone informing you of their beliefs, and teaching you about what they believe and why.

I ask because some people see them as one and the same. I feel that preaching (especially in a forum like this, or on a one-on-one basis implies a level of judgement on the preacher's part).

Opinions?

Answer 1

I am quite amenable to people explaining what they believe and why. I have much more respect for someone who at least has a go at justifying their worldview than someone who just makes completely unsupported claims.

Answer 2

They both imply a level of judgement. Whatever you call it, you're saying there's something we need to be told about to become as good as you. Why don't they accept that they have no reason to think they have all the answers and leave other people's beliefs alone?
If you are going to share your beliefs, do so in the form of a discussion. Teaching and preaching are both one way, you saying the other person needs to agree with you. If you want to tell someone about your beliefs, you should be prepared to listen to theirs.

Answer 3

I would rather have conversations one-on-one about faith and belief, with an opportunity to ask questions, poke holes in scripture, question the logic, etc. Trouble is, I've become non-trusting of the Bible, no longer believing it to be God's word but instead Man's attempt to control and influence society. I still believe in God, but I can't believe he'd put together an AD&D 3rd Edition style rulebook for us.

Answer 4

At least not preached to.

Some Jehovah's Witnesses visited me the other day and were quite humble. They taught me a few things about how they perceive the End of Days which I found interesting. I wasn't converted but I agreed to read their magazines, which I did.

Answer 5

Honestly? Id prefer neither....

I do not beleive what you beleive. I was born and raised to beleive what you beleive, but I have used education to fight my way out of the box that I was trapped in. Teaching me about what you beleive in is a waste of time. I already know what it is you beleive.

Now, on the subject of Islam, I would prefer to become more educated about it, rather than to hear someone preach it.

Answer 6

I think the answer is obvious, no one likes to be told they are wrong. When i ask or answer questions on here i am not trying to cause offence i am simply trying to learn, the responses are always insulting or condemning, its one of the main reasons i think athiests have the right attitude.

Answer 7

How about 'None of the above?" How about you keep your insane beliefs to yourself, instead of trying to inveigle new recruits into your fantasy world? Both 'preach' and 'teach' are boorish, ill-mannered intrusions... and in that respect, there is no difference between them. You have been infected with the myths, superstitions, fairy tales and fantastical delusions of a tribe of ignorant Bronze Age fishermen and peripatetic goat herders... please be so kind and considerate as to keep your disease to yourself.

Answer 8

From what I've heard from my athiest and pagan friends, taught with a level of respect. They won't change their views, but they don't like to preached to either.

Answer 9

I hate being preached too... But I enjoy a good theology discussion.

Answer 10

I am not an atheist but I can say that most atheists I converse with would rather be taught.