Why do you feel that there is so much hostility between all believers and non believers in this forum?

Question

How do you feel we can address this? Can we agree to disagree? Why or why not?

I asked those other questions due to much animosity I saw here today. I deleted them because I obviously did not make it clear that I was "speaking" only to those who were spreading such.

Answer 1

good question! i can agree to disagree. right now, i get an overwhelming sense that everyone already knows that they are right and they just want to fight about it. why? i'm not exactly sure. i hope that by participating in this forum i am contributing to a force of expanding people's knowledge, not just fighting about who's right.

Answer 2

Everybody thinks that they are right; and if they admit that somebody else might be right then they are questioning their own beliefs (whether their beliefs serve them or not) and stepping out of their comfort zone. What they don't realize is that by stepping out and opening up to new ideas they can grow, learn, and maybe have a greater understaning and appreciation of their own faith while learning tolerance of others. It seems to me that people are going to disagree just because everyone is different. The hostility will end when people become brave enough to learn about the other beliefs out there; education and intelligence is the best way for everyone to get along. Agreeing to disagree is a step in the right direction. Lets see if anyone will put fourth the effort.

Answer 3

In the same fashion that atheists and other non-religious folks are irritated by the aggressive evangelism of some Christians here in YA, some Christians are equally irritated by certain atheists who proselytize by asking questions which are actually statements. We have answers which to non-believers are not answers. They have questions which to us are not questions. When I stepped away from the computer for a moment, my son who is eight yrs old read and gave a thumbs down to an answer given to a question I had posed because he felt that the person had insulted me. The thought ran through my mind of some of the vulgarity here on this site and I told him that he was not old enough to understand some of the things which I discuss on this site. Actually, I am afraid of what he might see at his young age esp. since he is reading 4 grades about his actual grade level.

I would like to learn of other beliefs respectfully and hope that others will treat my faith likewise. I have not always been this understanding of others. Currently I am learning about Atheism.

Answer 4

I'm fine with disagreeing. I enjoy an intelligent discussion presenting different points of view. The problem comes when these differing viewpoints are treated disrespectfully, and when those who hold these views are treated as if they are idiots. I think it comes from a basic human need to be right--and a fear that one might be wrong. It's easier to just assume anyone who doesn't agree is a moron rather than to give things some thought and perhaps admit one could be wrong.
I'd like to add: Search4truth, if you really were searching for truth you would not be so close-minded, making sweeping generalizations and using the word "liberal" as if it is an insult. It's not.

Answer 5

Well this is something that i struggle with myself.

i think that the aggression comes from years of intolerance on all sides. everyone that believes in some form of religion is discriminated against at some point. and in today's world it is becoming much harder to define what is right and wrong as far as religion goes.

the Christian Church maintains that Pagans will go to hell and many of their followers feel the need to tell everyone that they meet that unless you follow "MY" way you are going to hell.

but many are peaceful and just want to share but they are overshadowed by the hellfire and brimstone folks.

many pagans are still not comfortable being open about who and what they are. many of us remember some of our past lives and know recent history and know that if given a chance some people would bring back the burning times.

people get defensive when attacked. and some people come here just to start problems..

someone recently said that a Celtic Pagan was someone who sacrificed babies and slaves to ensure a good winter... which led me to give a rather long report on the history of the Celtic people and the fact that not much is known about them and what was written came from roman conquers.

Myself, I do sometimes feel the need to set the record straight simply because so much bad information is spread around that it is not funny. spreading lies and mis-information about a colture or religion is a way to demonise it. I for one do not enjoy having to explain to every tom.dick. and harry that i meet that the Penticle that i wear is not a Wiccan Penticle. but yes they do use it. the Penticle is an ancient Pagan symbol. and that what they saw on "Charmed", "Buffy", "Angel", "Supernatural", "Ghost Hunters" and the movies "the Craft", the Covenant" and so many others is just hollywood BULLS**T. it does get rather tiresom to have to defend oneself from a constant high dosage of mis-information.

And i know Christians that feel that same way about the tele-evangelist preachers and such.

I for one am really working on thinking more before i type. people may not like what i have to say but i will try to say things more politely.

Answer 6

Because people ask questions like this to stir tension up. People ask questions to insult other beliefs because they feel so strongly about theirs. Just look at the questions you deleted. Why did you ask them?

The fact that you only said it was to some people of that beliefs LATER shows your true feelings. It is unlikely that you put the wrong name on a letter to a different person. In a way it was your true feelings showing. You added the rest to try to make yourself look like less of a hypocrite. If I write "Christians are nasty", and later add, "oh, I only was talking to the bad Christians", that does not make it ok. So no matter what your intention, you should apologize rather than lie. Ok.

Answer 7

Debra,

First, the non-believers come to this site to tease and make fun of those who are religious. Those who are religious take offense at the obsurd questions or alarmed at how the non-believers spread their poison. Then, when the relgious come up with good explainations and hard evidence the non-believers get alarmed that their perspective of the world has a problem with reality especially when they are so much in the minority. It's a vicious cycle.

There are other reasons: in a bad mood; too much to drink; a sadictive side; a mean streak; a full moon; or that time of the month:-) lol

I tend to believe it is more of a political/religious/non-religious thing. The Dems (liberals) can't stand religious people. Lately they realized they have alienated the religious people from their party and now they are trying to do one of two things: appeal to them on a non-judgemental philosophy to side-step the faith; or make the repulicans look like hypocrites or the source of evil. This is what the NY Times thinks of President Bush and his administration; that they are more dangerous than the terrorists.

I have corresponded with several anti-religious types and they are always liberals. They were in power for 40+ years and now they've lost power and have become extremely bitter and hateful of anyone opposing them. They are very intollerant. I think it is more of a political difference than anything. It is difficult, if not impossible, to rationalize with the irrational.

Answer 8

On a personal level, I feel angry sometimes toward people shouting about their faith who are obviously ignorant of anything but their faith. I find that an insult to my intelligence. So I'm a little indignant sometimes with those people. I took the time to learn about many different religions and philosophies before I became an atheist. I believe every should seek out their own answers regardless of what mommy & daddy told them when they were kids.

Answer 9

No.. Alot of Christians openly admit they are on a mission from god to have the whole world become christian. We have seen what that leads to. I care about mine and my childrens future.

Also there is no 'Grouping' Some non believers are not antitheist, some are. Some I couldnt trust some you could. Same goes for believers.

I am Antitheist.
Reason are many. But here is one. Christianity is based on PROVEN lies. Many Christian leaders act very deceptivly. I would prefer people in positions of authority lean more towards facts not faith concerning reality. Christian doctrine encourage 'believe what you are told until PROVEN that is wrong'. I dont want to wait for christians to figure things out. Nor do we need to. The average christian is contributing to the christian liars support base. I would prefer to 'destroy' that base.
Atheist are at a disadvantage when it comes to educating christians. We have more evidence. (And you would think that would be our advantage)

Answer 10

If you look at the questions in this forum, there are a few that try to stir things up, putting everyone else in a situation in which they don't want to be. As for me, I try to answer questions in the best way I can without offending anyone. I think that this forum will continue to be the way it is right now for a long while because of those few people.

Answer 11

Man....I ask the same thing when the Kings play the Lakers. We want to win!

I have found it hard to find a person to agree to disagree, but feel free to put up rebuttals anytime. I even made a yahoo group out of it... Freedom_of_Opinion , I put it there for people to seriously ask a question. But, I think that is like asking someone to stay home and cook when you got fast-food right here.

I hope for more independent, educated, moderate people to use this place for a sounding board of ideas.