Question for regulars of the religion and spirituality section,?

Question

Just was reading the answers to the question I asked half hour or so ago.

One answer from someone who Christian, (I'm an atheist agnostic type) really impressed me.

Anyhow, this doesn't happen a lot lately. Mostly I just got bad responses telling me I'm going to hell or an equivalent to "you need to read the bible" junk.

My question for the regulars is, do you still get that - once or twice a day, an answer from someone different from you that is thoughtful, and provoking, and makes our little journey into cyberspace fun? While this is "entertainment", the appeal for me is the intellectual fun and exchange of ideas. Lately most of us I think feel its been suffering. I feel there is hope.

Maybe I'm too "geeky" or whatever, I just dig stuff that makes me think is all.

thanks

Answer 1

Occassionally yes. But remember that we are Christians and we get attacked all day by the wiccans, atheists,agnostics,Muslims etc.etc. etc.

Answer 2

I don't ask too many questions, but I do answer and read other peoples answers. Most of the time, I read a lot of the same ol' same ol'. One side saying everyone except them is going to hell, the other side trying to poke a Christian in a cage. However, I do occasionally see good, well thought out answers that make some good points while still being different from my own point of view. I really appreciate those. I also really appreciate the same kind of thought when people ask questions. That too has been in rapid decline recently.

Answer 3

Yes! Even in religion there is room for thought-provoking ideas and a sense of humor ---actually, especially in religion. There is also room for tolerance and respect for others' beliefs, which is in very short supply. I think a lot of it boils down to not so much what a person says, but the way it is said. Take Salvation, for example, which is the topic most hotly debated -- you can say it as a threat of punishment if you don't do this or that, or you can say it with a thought-generating idea or with an element of humor. I'll reiterate what I've often answered in questions pertaining to the subject: Your faith is your own personal experience, and no one has the right to try and convert you to his or her belief. If, however, you feel compelled to express your beliefs, you can do it in a non-confrontational and kindly manner, without the expectation that anyone is going to either agree or disagree with you.

Answer 4

I enjoy the interchange with the regulars. I have learned a lot from people who believe differently than I do. I do not enjoy the bashing and sarcasm that is often displayed. There are also many Christians whose answers I don't agree with. If one of the people who I know is an atheist [agnostic, or whatever] gives a good answer, I give them a thumbs up. I can learn from people whose belief systems are different than mine. I try to be honest without throwing rocks or offending anyone. I don't just write people off because they are not Christians.

Answer 5

Yes and lots of times I get a response from an atheist/ agnostic that makes me say yes, I haven't looked at that from that sidesview before.

I agree though that there hasn't been much in the way of great answers lately, though my last question really received some good insight.

Answer 6

Whutup Jim D.

I too come here for the intellectual exercise. And, I find with every passing day that the intellectualls are dwindling in numbers on this site. But I have had a few conversations with some Christains that hold opposing views to mine (Atheistic), and they have proved to be great conversations that make me think. Dont change my mind, but make me think hard about it.

Then there is Fireball22...... How many times must I report her before she gets deleted?

Answer 7

I see those once in a while. Unfortunately, there are far more ignorant answers from all sides. I pretty much lost it on the ignorance the last couple days, so my answers are not the highest on the list of candidates for "thought provoking" or "impressive" answers.

Answer 8

I wouldn't say you're "geeky". I can't think of any reason why people wouldn't want to be intellectually stimulated and challenged everyday, even if it is about their faith and religion.

I am very impressed with many on here that are of opposite faith and belief than myself, mostly the Wiccans and anyone else more open minded.

Answer 9

Finding a thought provoking, intelligent answer to a religious question here is rare in my humble opinion. More often than not I'm told that I'm an "idiot" (pot calling the kettle black?) or that I will burn in hell.

I'm finding all of this very tiring actually. Too many people trying to push their beliefs down your throat. And if they are not successful in doing that, threatening you with hell fire is their fall back position.

I came here to discuss ideas about religion and spirituality. That's not happening so perhaps it's time for me to leave.

Answer 10

I haven't gotten "bad responses" or hate mail, but I don't ask many questions. If I get a thought provoking answer, it prompts me to ask a secondary question, along the same lines.

Or, if someones question/answer is thought provoking, it might prompt me to ask a question.

btw Everyone is different from me.

Answer 11

Since I don't ask questions, really, I just answer, I read a good amount of other people's answers. Usually there are one or two diamonds in the rough (that was not a screech reference). I would stick with 99% of the answers being mindless repetitive garble.