Why the urge to answer even at the thought of disapproval by the asker?

Question

You know, when an Atheists ask and believers accepted the challenge to answer and yet in the end best answer would be given to their own kind. Same thing is true when believers ask question.

I answer because the questions are interesting regardless who ask.

Answer 1

The chance to cause a small few to think twice makes it worthwhile. It is interesting and sad to see what young people will do when hiding behind the anonymity of the computer. As an "old guy" I have acted irresponsibly, so I can relate up to a point. But I also know most of these persons would be ashamed if they knew their parents learned of what they write herein. They do their parents a disservice and dishonor them with such nonsense.

The answers one sees in this forum represent a triumph of flippancy over rigor. These flippant persons that answer tend to have not formally studied the matters being asked for several years; rather they enjoy mocking or proving that they really have no value to add to the answer.

It is curious to me that you never see any forums dedicated to atheism being inundated by Christians spewing vitriolic catch phrases or just nonsense. Yet virtually every unmoderated forum on the internet dealing with religious topics is full of unlearned detractors. (Which is why I moderate an advanced theology forum on the internet to filter out the nonsense.)

Sadly, the questions are sometimes poorly formed or are laden with underlying bias that tells the reader that no cogent and rigorous answer will satisfy the asker.

In fairness, I am frequently embarrassed by other Christians' answers. I feel a sense of dismay over the obvious lack of deeper learning that is evident by many of the responses. Most seem to want to just fire off whatever pops into their heads, streams of consciousness, etc., with no evidence of reasoned arguments and synthesis of the issues. Some of the questions are often shallow or just asked for point building or something.

Unfortunately, many very good Christians have not spent enough time trying to learn and understand the theologies of the faith. Many also lack formal training in biblical hermeneutics, so they may misunderstand the full meanings of the texts they frequently quote.

I am not advocating that everyone get degrees in theology, only that they spend some time studying materials outside the scriptures so that their faith will be solidly grounded.

Unfortunately, those on both sides in this forum who are the loudest and most flippant, have not taken the time to seek formal learning of what they so easily espouse. They merely parrot back what they have heard or read without any synthesis of the issues.

Atheists, like all of the non-righteous before God have had their will to reason clouded by the sinful nature that befell all mankind at the Fall. Hence, they are unable to reason properly and see the truth of God's revelation.

Want to know why atheists hang around this forum so much? See Erika R's cogently written answer at the Source shown below.

Just keep asking questions in an objective manner and you will sometimes get useful responses. I try to answer questions so structured with reasoned and rigorous responses.

Answer 2

Their own kind? Hmmm...interesting wording there. I try to answer any question from a neutral standpoint actually. I don't like any question that mocks anyone. Being God, Atheists or Christians. It's not right and I don't like them. I do understand what you're saying though. Very few people ask questions looking for answers. Some already know the answer and some just like to start trouble for the sake of attention. It's sad that people can't just be civil on here and have an actual discussion. This place is used as a rant/joke board by way too many people.

Answer 3

I pick someone who disagrees with me once in a while, if it appears that they put a lot of thought into the answer. I will admit that even though a Muslim might give a good answer to my question concerning the quran, I will not give them the best answer, because they say in their answer that Jesus didnt die on the cross. I can not accept that answer. Even though they might have better reasoning than a Christian that answers, saying that Jesus does not exist it unacceptable to me. I have given atheists the best answer as long as they dont insult me or say that God doesnt exist. I usually dispute their claims with the closing comment. I have never had one give me the best answer though, even if I give a solid answer, they will pick a dumb one like "the bible is fiction".

Answer 4

Many of those who answer are here for a "kick" or for ego purposes. There are those that always answer with rote answers they have never researched on their own. There are those who go out of there way to misunderstand the question. There are those who have no idea of the truth or the falsity of a question, so the fall back on "Satan" or "demons" or "Devils" to justify their answer.

In between somewhere, there are people who both ask and answer honestly, and those who realize they don't know everything and learn.

Answer 5

This is not always true. I am Agnostic (almost Atheist), and have picked best answers from believers. I'm also pro-choice, and have picked best answers from lifers. It's not about view point to me. It's about the ability to knowledgeably and respectfully answer a question. Oh, and to answer your question, I don't really care if I get best answer. If a question pulls me in, I answer. I answer brutally honestly every time, no matter the response I get.

Answer 6

Simple!

To try to give the asker my understanding even if I am sometimes wrong, and to try to bring light to the question.

Many of the questions are interesting too ... I agree. Approval is not what I'm after. Or points.

Jonnie

Answer 7

Whether the person asking is convince or not on the answer of a question, the answerer has the right to answer it because it is appearing on the question page. If you do not want to be answered, better delete your question and never as question anymore

Answer 8

Because if people are not willing to challenge our perceptions then we could not possibly learn anything.
The problem is not that people answer questions that they find offensive, but that people refuse to leave their prejudices behind and try to learn whatever they can from the experience.

Answer 9

For the fun of it. Also, most who claim to be atheist do believe. Don't let them fool you. If they didn't believe in some way they would not ask the kinds of questions they do.

Answer 10

if its for the points its a lie
if someone asks they seek an answer ,
i have gladly awarded points to opposing vieuws
i answer opposing vieuws to let them perhaps for the first time hear the truth
also god is watching i need to do that i feel i can be true to
they cant say they wernt told
note how many high score replies are just ccrapp ,to what ewnd
become high score people just gonna see how you did it
then they know what we all think to know