Question for Christians who think non-Christians "bash" Christians on yahoo answers?

Question

There is a trend on yahoo answers in the religion section of questions like "Atheists why are you here" or "Why do you feel the need to bash Christians".

My question is in a few parts,

1. Do you think Atheists are decent people, or just all immorral trash?

2. If I ask a question about Christianity, is this an attack on Christians because it is coming from a non-Christian, even thou someone who is a Christian could have asked the same question?

3. Is there a difference between asking a question about Christianity, and making an attack on a Christian or Christians in general?

4. When you say that we non-Christians are bashing you, what specifically does that mean, what is an example of "bashing".

5. Do you find yourself asking the question, "If man came from monkeys, why are there still monkeys" or "Why don't we see monkeys/apes evolving today". Curious, do you ever ask that and then read Evolutionist's answers?

Answer 1

Thanks for the question. although I doubt my answer will ever end the childishness that occurs on this board, perhaps it can help clear some things up...

1. I guess that most Atheists are like Most religious folks--they do the best they can to live up to their own moral standards, however culturally developed, but they don't always live up to them. Likewise, I think most people cause a lot of hurt, whether we know it or not.

2 . A question--especially one that is well-thought out and is motivated by a sincere search for an answer--is not an attack. That being said, there are plenty of ideological statements that are disguised as questions coming from Atheists to Christians (Why isn't Christianity in "Mythology and Folklore" on YAhoo Answers?) AND Christians to Atheists (How Can anyone not believe that Jesus is Lord?) There's also lots of Snarkiness that is obvious.

3. There's a big difference. I would say there are probably (at least) four categories of things on this board:

a) questions seeking an actual, fact-based response
b) questions that are meant to start a debate--or even pick a fight
c) questions that are actually jabs, snarky comments, or outright insults
d)questions that are actually thesis statements, driven by a particular point of view.

One can find an example of these questions submitted by members of all religious groups represented on this board.


And

4. I recently saw a question referring to why Christians use the Old testament/Hebrew Scriptures, and there was an answer that said "Because Jesus wiped his *** with it and made holy ****" or something like that...now, while I am WELL aware that that was not representative of the behavior of atheists on this board, and while I also know it says more about that person's immaturity than it does their lack of religious belief, I would call it bashing, and it's not appropriate. There are plenty of examples of it on this board. Absurd questions posted on here by "the what should I do" guy and stuff like that, while made in jest, probably come across as bashing to those who take their faith (and this forum) uber-seriously.

5. I might read those questions, but because I don't see a contradiction between evolution and Christian faith, I usually casually glance at them. I don't have a "dog in that fight," so to speak.

Answer 2

Let me answer this one.

1. Do you think Atheists are decent people, or just all immorral trash?
To be honest, my opinion of atheists dropped since coming here. A few are cool, but I see way too much hate to put you guys back up in the high standing you were in before.

2. If I ask a question about Christianity, is this an attack on Christians because it is coming from a non-Christian, even thou someone who is a Christian could have asked the same question?
Depends on how you ask it. I've seen some polite questions (ie, a real desire to know the answer) and some rude questions (ie, either "agree with me in bashing this religion" or "I don't want to know the answer except to make fun of this religion"). I will gladly answer any question I can when it's said politely.

3. Is there a difference between asking a question about Christianity, and making an attack on a Christian or Christians in general?
See above

4. When you say that we non-Christians are bashing you, what specifically does that mean, what is an example of "bashing".
You want the list? I for one am tired of seeing hateful questions that proclaim my religion (or any religion) as a myth, a crutch for the weak minded, stupid, silly, out dated, the tool of idiots, ignorant, hateful, bloody, spewing garbage, etc. So what, you don't like or agree with my religion or any other, but show some respect and I'll return the favor.


5. Do you find yourself asking the question, "If man came from monkeys, why are there still monkeys" or "Why don't we see monkeys/apes evolving today". Curious, do you ever ask that and then read Evolutionist's answers?
I read them. I generally stop after seeing the first "What a stupid Christian" comment. I get less ulsers that way.

Answer 3

first off, there IS a lot of "bashing" in this section & it comes from & directed to people of all belief systems

the trend that you have noticed, if there is one, maybe due to the fact that the majority of newcomers maybe christians & most of them may have been expecting a tame forum but because they may have been sheltered all their lives, they just cannot handle "rude" questions directed at their belief system... thus the very first questions they ask are "why? why? why?".

To answer your questions:

1. Do you think Atheists are decent people, or just all immorral trash?

atheists are people, the same as everybody else.

2. If I ask a question about Christianity, is this an attack on Christians because it is coming from a non-Christian, even thou someone who is a Christian could have asked the same question?

no, it don't think so.

3. Is there a difference between asking a question about Christianity, and making an attack on a Christian or Christians in general?

of course.

4. When you say that we non-Christians are bashing you, what specifically does that mean, what is an example of "bashing".

this is a little hard to explain, but deep down inside your gut, you do "feel" it when a question was put up because of a "hatred" to a specific person or a "hatred" directed to a specific "religious" practice

5. Do you find yourself asking the question, "If man came from monkeys, why are there still monkeys" or "Why don't we see monkeys/apes evolving today". Curious, do you ever ask that and then read Evolutionist's answers?

no... i hardly ever ask a question.

Answer 4

1 - i suspect atheists are just like any other grouping of ppl, decent and trashy and everything in between. But i don't personally know many.
2 - i don't consider a question an attack unless it is phrased like a statement instead of a question. And it makes no difference whether the asker is a Christian if the question is regarding something they don't understand.
3 - i consider it bashing if the person says something like, aren't Christians just ignorant, inbred reactionaries?
4 - the lower animals, apes included, do not have souls. So even though humans and apes have some similar characteristics, there is no way that humans evolved from apes because a soul is the attribute that separates us and it cannot be the result of evolution.

Answer 5

I do not think that all atheist are evil, some of them are the kindest people on the face of this old world. They do much to help others and volunteer their time in all sorts of ways to better mankind. They would cut off their hands before hurting someone else. That is some. Their are others who hate Christians, not just disagree, but truly hate and would be the first in line to hurt the followers of Christ. Those are the ones that I lose patience. People who really want to know about Christianity can ask without name calling or like one person, made a remark about making Christians "lion chow". Those comments may seem funny, but that is the kind of dialogue that only separates and produces hate. If I were to ask you , "Tell me about your views on evolution"?That doesn't sound the same as, "Hey atheist, come on you retards lets hear about your stupid idea on evolution. Come on, and lets hear from all you little monkeys." That is bashing, and does not benefit anyone. If you read the questions on Yahoo, you will see many questions directed toward Christians in that last example I gave you.

Answer 6

Unlike a lot of other questions,
you presented your's as a general enquirey.
Yes there are some fanatics that "anything you say about christianity you are bashing"
But you have to admit there are just as many non believers that are @ss holes.

1) Atheists are as decent as anyother soul on this planet. Most atheists do God's work, by either law enforcement, doctors, firemen.... They have good hearts like any other decent human.

2) If you ask a question about christians, it depends on how you WORD your question.

3)Yes there is a huge differance.

4) I remember this one question that said something like " All christians Gods can kiss my @ss your all bumbling idiots and some one should take all of you out and execute you like the salem witch trials"

That is bashing. Needless to say the question got reported.
Calling my God rubish, it may be your opinion but I myself have never said an atheists theories or science is rubbish, I would like the same respect.

5)No, because I know that we share a COMMON ANCESTOR with monkeys. meaning somewhere down the line a genetic code split and half went human, haldf went monkey.




Thank you for asking. Hope i helped shed some light, have a good day. :)

Answer 7

If a Deist can chime in on this one...

First of all, there certainly is a good amount of blatant "bashing" from both sides of the argument; insults and slurs meant to do nothing more than incite more flames. It's not intellectual in the least. Same thing in the Politics section.

As for the rest - religion and politics being the two most flammable topics known to man - there's a lot of dialog that's something less than intelligent and mature.

I think that atheists and Christians alike can both be "decent people," as much as I believe it about democrats and republicans, but too many are just so wrapped in slogans and scripture that it's damn near impossible to have a conversation that doesn't turn into a flame war. It's a matter of philosophical intolerance.

Undoubtedly, avid Christians see themselves as "on the right path," and feel this need to proselytize everyone else, to get them on the same path, page, wavelength. They just cannot peacefully coexist and resist the urge to convert people.

Well, some can perhaps, but many cannot.

Anything that "questions" some Christians' beliefs is seen as an attack, by definition.

I've certainly met my share of radical, right-wing "Christians" who had no trouble at all getting right up in people's faces and literally insulting them "in the name of the Lord." I know....blows my mind, too.

But "Christians" like that are just so far "out there," that they do not welcome "questions." They do not entertain doubt. In the words of Dana Carvey, it's,"bad....bad."

It's a matter of,"the Lord said this____," and that's all they need to know. Life is simple. They want their answers short, uncomplicated, in clear shades of black and white. No "gray areas" for some Christians. No sir.

But, remember where you are, Dorothy. You're not in Kansas, anymore. You're in Yahoo Answers, which probably has the highest percentage of miscreants I've ever seen in a forum.

You might actually find an occasional interesting discussion that doesn't lead to verbal grenades and gunfire, but it's more the exception than the rule.

Atheists, you just NOT going to convince any zealous Christian that you're not going to Hell in a hand basket.

You're just not. Get over it.

And the same goes for the Christians, God bless 'em. Some people just don't want to hear about your love of JE-sus-uh.

But, who am I to say; I'm just some hedonist Deist trying to talk some sense to both of you.

Answer 8

1. Atheists are decent people. Both my brothers are atheist and they are very good people.
2. Asking about Christianity is not the same as making an attack on Christians.
3. Yes, there is a difference.
4.I've read here that Christians are stupid, morons, unintelligent, uneducated and superstitious.
5.I've never asked that even to myself.

Answer 9

1. For the most part, Atheists are decent people. They just think God isn't real and they are wrong.
2. No, it's not wrong to ask questions.
3. Yes, a big difference.
4. saying that God doesn't exist or that we are stupid because we don't praise science or evolution. We praise God.
5. I know man didn't come from monkeys. Evolution is a theory only and a false one at that. No, I don't ask quesions very much at all. Especially not about things I don't believe in anyway like evolution or Atheism.

Answer 10

I'll answer in order:

1. Athiests seem to be as closed-minded as any religious group.. but that doesn't mean they are bad people! Athiests tend to be very intelligent, and I enjoy talking to them.

2. Everyone is allowed to ask questions. We are all curious!

3. Of course! I don't appreciate an attack on any religion. It makes me lose faith in humanity just a little more.

4. I don't.. I'm not exactly the kind of Christian you were asking for.

5. Those questions make me laugh. I believe in evolution (yes, you can be a Christian and believe in evolution!), and I think it is funny! You shouldn't attack a theory if you are completely ignorant of what it is!
It makes me mad that they don't seem to care what the answers are. I think they are trying to hit us with "logic" and make us stop believing in evolution.