Agree or disagree: Being an atheist disqualifies me from discussing religion?

Answer 1

I'm an atheist; here's the path that led me there:

I majored in Religion in a Methodist college and spent one year in Methodist seminary.

I then divorced the Methodists,

Refused to return the Baptists' calls,

Fled abuse from the Catholics,

Engaged in heavy petting with the Episcopalians & Unitarians,

But fell in love with the secular Buddhists because with them, God is unnecessary in following a spiritual path.

With my credentials, I believe I have the knowledge and experience to discuss religion with both authority and sincerity.

(Forgive me for tooting my own horn, but your question suggested that there is a test for who's allowed to speak and who isn't.)

Answer 2

That like me saying that being a theist disqualifies me.
Disagree. There are many religions that are atheistic.

Answer 3

Not at all. I'm an atheist and I like discussing the various
superstitions known as religion. You should discuss religion
from a basis of reason which is the basic means of survival
for us humans. Most religions like to see people groveling ,
crying and begging god for forgiveness. I would encourage
people to stop spitting in their own faces and stand up and
live like a rational and productive man or woman.

Answer 4

I disagree. If you've discounted religion or deity, you've probably done so (I would hope) through some examination of facts and evidence, which led you to believe as you do. It's much the same as me being Pagan. For me, it was an intelligent choice made after careful study and introspection.
That search or study gives one much better qualifications to speak than does an 'inherited' religion, in which one claims adherence only because they were brought up that way. A true seeker is one who has carefully thought out and studied the position they take. One who has made decisions for themselves. Young people, brought up in the religion of their parents usually don't look outside their own paradigm. They don't question or study or come to their own conclusions. They are taught that right is right, and to question is wrong or heretical.
I value greatly the opinion and experiences of anyone who has learnt to think for themselves and to be responsible for their opinions.

Answer 5

I disagree, but have long considered myself an athiest of the disinterested sort. I'm not sure why an athiest would have an interest in the discussion, other than to just rile other peoples feathers. I can certainly carry an interesting discussion, but often find people to be close-minded and brainwashed by their own faith. So why bother?

Answer 6

I disagree...in a discussion..wasn't aware that there was anything to be disqualified for or not. It just a matter of opinions. I figure your atheist for some reason..sure you wasn't just born that way.So i have no problems hearing your side of this discussion., just act like a adult.

Answer 7

Disagree. Few people are raised atheist - they come to the realization through researching religion. Therefore, they may be more qualified to discuss religion than someone who has never questioned their faith.

Answer 8

I disagree. I note in my own discussions on religion I know just as much if not more regarding religion as the average religious person.

Answer 9

Disagree. Many Atheists have a vast knowledge of religion.

Answer 10

I disagree--being an atheist means that you have an opinion about religion, which qualifies you for discussing it if you so wish. That's my opinion.