I've been reading and sometimes answering the questions in the R&S forum over the past few weeks. On the whole, there have been some good questions (excepting the obvious inflammatory ones).
The atheists have frequently responded with derision and ill thought out responses, which isn't really a problem because they are out to throw doubt on spiritual issues, which is irrelevant as there is always doubt about spiritual issues. The atheist viewpoint does not contribute to or take away from people's beliefs.
The christians, however, using the same sort of derisive and ill thought out responses are also throwing doubt on the issues and furthermore, as representatives of their faith, on the notion that god is accepting, wise and just. This serves the ends of the atheists, not the christians.
The well thought out answers from both are fewer, and so do not contribute much to the overall "feel" of the answers.
Do you christians realise this? If so then why answer in this way?
2007-02-28 04:20:13 · 14 answers · asked by Dharma Nature 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
For the most part, R&S DOES mean atheist versus christian. You only need to look at the questions and responses to see this. Remember I am talking about the majority here.
2007-02-28 04:25:28 · update #1
You are right, Christians should not portray themselves as the Atheists just because the Atheists are being mean spirited doesn't mean we in turn pay evil with evil. I don't go into the religious forums here that much, I have an online forum I belong to and like it there, but if what you say is true, then it should not be happening. It's not good to get into arguments with unbelievers because it only furthers the unbelief and like you said add fuel to the fire. It sounds like the atheists are trying to inflame things and some of the Christians are falling for it...just the devil doing what he does best...cause strife and confusion.
2007-02-28 04:28:16 · answer #1 · answered by miriamadamswashington_01 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, I haven't been here that long. But I think there seem to be 'ups' and 'downs' on the forum. Sometimes you get really good Q & As, other times just vitriol. Today seems to be a 'shampoo' day. Not sure where that came from.
Perhaps you've been unlucky and hit a 'derisive Christian' streak?
I agree, some Christians do themselves and their faith no credit with all the 'you're going to hell' business. They seem to forget that dogma is not an effective form of debate. And it hardly helps the 'love thy neighbour' argument either.
But scaring people away? To be perfectly honest, I sincerely hope that anyone here has enough 'faith' in their opinions to stand a bit of ridicule or ill thought out rubbish and not be scared away.
Unless that's what they mean by 'fear of the Lord'? (Only joking!)
.
2007-02-28 04:53:00 · answer #2 · answered by Nobody 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're right. I don't think it's scaring people away though...I've been able to sift through the garbage and find the good answers, as I'm sure others have.
Christians should remember that they are representatives of the Christian faith as a whole and therefore need to act accordingly. On the other hand, atheists, even though they do not believe and therefore are trying to cast doubt...do not need to be so nasty and sarcastic. That has no value.
2007-02-28 04:41:33 · answer #3 · answered by Misty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My goal is talk with some of the atheists that are on the fence. Some that say maybe.
In my opinion there is evidence of Jesus that when proposed needs a verdict. I am here to spread the gospel of hope. I think some of these atheists are really funny and I enjoy reading some of their comments and questions even if I don't agree with their beliefs. I have found Most to be polite. The ones that aren't I just ignore.
Did I answer your question? What was it again? lol
†
2007-02-28 04:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by Jeanmarie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
HA HA HA! Now that's precisely what I estimated somebody to ask after that final question... i'm an authorized 1000% atheist so i assume i would be unable to respond to for Christians or their mythological understandings...
2016-09-30 00:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by intriago 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm also aware that the greatest damage to Christian credibility is done by the Christians themselves by displaying their obvious intolerance rather than by atheists but I'm happy for that to continue.
2007-02-28 04:25:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Im sure they are unaware, but some are so devout they dont really care either, I didnt like christianity before i came to this forum, and i like it even less because of the fundies,
for those that like to use the line "focus on Jesus, not his followers": "by thier fruits you shall know them"
2007-02-28 04:26:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have seen well-thought-out answers and classy comebacks from Christians, atheists, and other types of believers. But- they are always in the minority.
2007-02-28 04:24:53 · answer #8 · answered by Amalthea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since when did "religion and spirituality" mean "atheist vs. Christian"?
It amuses me that for every ultra-defensive Christian there's an ultra defensive atheist.
2007-02-28 04:23:04 · answer #9 · answered by bonshui 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Good point. Taking the bait does serve to further their juvenile ends. But it's just so much fun to brutalize their stupidity sometimes...
2007-02-28 04:25:05 · answer #10 · answered by Open Heart Searchery 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋