Christians and atheists?

Question

Does anyone else believ that it is totally possible for us to have respectful dialog with each other for the purpose of mutual understanding? If not why? If so why does it not seem to happen in this forum?

Answer 1

Hello david m.. :)

I do..but we must "first" put away our anger and hostility because of ones beliefs or non beliefs..

We then should try and get to know the "person"..

In Jesus Most Precious Name..
With Love..In Christ.. :)

Answer 2

A respectful dialog for the purpose of mutual understanding would require both parties to be INTERESTED in each others views and RESPECT that it is a conversation for the purpose of learning.

This is possible and HAS happened, although admittedly very infrequently on this site. Mostly because in this forum everyone seems to have an agenda to push. Many here have no interest in other peoples thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. They want only to persuade or ridicule others.

Answer 3

I agree with Jim Darwin on this one.

One big issue in here is that we are anonymous. We can get away with saying just about anything.

Yes - we can have respectful dialogue with each other - even agree that we can put aside our attempts to convert each other.

It is through dialogue that we come to understand each other. Blindly hitting each other with our beliefs is only going to push both camps farther apart.

At the risk of making this answer classed as chat, I'll continue...

But - ah yes, the but. There will always be someone - on both sides - who will be a bit more zealous than needed and take the shotgun approach to the topic - with no regard to the fact they are writing to people. They just want their ideas out there - and too bad what anyone else thinks.

Ignore them.

Answer 4

Good question.
I don't get wrapped around the axle about evolution. No, I don't have all the answers. If the answers were important to my salvation, they would be contained in the Bible. The Bible does not specify the 'how' of creation. I also believe that man, through science, has only uncovered a very small percentage of nature's secrets. I think on a level man cannot comprehend, the creation account and the theory of evolution may even corroborate one another.

Answer 5

I certainly believe that it can happen, but only between mature individuals. When a person just wants to try to "prove" themselves to the other side and show why they are wrong then it's a closed-minded fight. When people can be open-minded and interested in learning what the other side believes, and why they believe that way, and what pieces of truth they can glean from this different viewpoint...then respectful dialog can occur.

Answer 6

It's hard for atheists to respect Christians when many Christians are the ones advocating violating the Constitution just because of their beliefs.

Any Christian who advocates placing prayer in schools or before government meetings, or placing the 10 Commandments on government property is advocating breaking the law.

You don't see atheists complaining because there is no reading of an atheist creed in school or before any government function.

Moreover, if it weren't for the evangelical nature of Christianity and Christians advocating "spreading the Word", you'd hardly ever hear any atheist speak about God. Most atheists are fine with the issue of God remaining a private one.

Answer 7

it doesn't happen here because anonymity at this level is a perfect forum for cowards. Cowards are full of fear and fearful people are terrified that if they recognize that the other has a opinion that might be right there whole thin veneer of faith in there belief will be shattered.
Now count the numbers on both sides the ones with the most posts are the ones with the most cowards.

Answer 8

Of course we can. Most of us, at least. Most of us are searching for our own beliefs and able to learn from the views of others.

However, religion is close to the heart and some people protect thier beliefs like a mother bear protects its cubs, caring about nothing but thier own views. Since this forum is faceless, it is easier to pop off. Just ignore those entries and learn from the good ones.

Answer 9

Sure it's possible. The problem with online discussions is that we tend to not hold back diplomatically the way we might in person. I doubt that people would say to my face some of the things they say on here. And me too, I can be much harsher than I would in person.

If people toned it down a little and opened up to discussion rather than just giving sledgehammer rants, this forum would be a kinder, gentler place.

Answer 10

I am a Christian and I would never call atheist the names that they call me. Their insults are not called for, I truly believe that they are terrified of the truth. So they have to believe that anyone who believes in creation is uneducated and a fool. Those are the names they call us and I don't like it. I get threatening emails from them, again, not called for, I don't name call, I honestly answer their questions. They report me to yahoo and I get violation notices, all for simply disagreeing with them.

HOW CAN YOU HAVE RESPECTFUL DIALOG WITH PEOPLE LIKE THIS????????????

And they continue to insist that evolution is a proven fact, I ask for the proof and their response is to name call. Just present your proof please. If there is absolute proof,will you please tell the world what it is because so far, not one person has presented the proof. Stop saying you have proof when you don't! Be honest, its a theory at best, nothing more than a theory!

Answer 11

It's probably not very possible, because people get really worked up over their beliefs. So they vent them onto others, who, in turn retaliate, and it just keeps snowballing. But that's OK, because peoples beliefs can be a delicate issue. Like anything, you gotta sift thru all the BS and try to respond to that which you are comfortable with. I don't think you'll ever get a mutual understanding from everyone here.