To Atheists: Whats the best way to discuss the existence of a Creator without feeling frustrated?

Question

do u like spiritual answers, compassionate answers, honest and down to earth answers?

I mean at one point I know you dont believe in the existence of God but as long as the majority of people in the world believe in one youll find yourself discussing this subject.

However I just want to know how believers in God can actually sit and talk without frustrating you too much.

Answer 1

Firstly, try to find an argument that doesn't go along the lines of "you must have faith" or "The bible/God/Jesus says so".

An Atheist discussing the God vs. Big Bang will use more than one source of information - don't rely soley on the bible for your answers.

Even if you don't agree with what you are being told, listen to what is being said. If your faith is so strong then you have nothing to worry about. If not, you might actually learn something different.

If asked a question, don't go off topic because you don't have an answer. You can always say "I'm not to sure about that, but I'm going to go find out". Again the worst that can happen is you learn something new.

And don't start preaching, it is not necessary.

Answer 2

I think much of the frustration comes up when people discuss their faith in terms of something other than faith itself and do so poorly. I know it doesn't make much sense, but I'll try an example. Let's go with explaining faith in terms of science with a classic example. "Look at the eye. It's amazingly complex. There's no way it could come about on its own. Therefore God. QED" However, in reality, this person believes in God because of an emotional attachment to something he can't explain. His real reason is something personal and interesting, but his given reason is full of holes and ineffective.

Of course there are the people who believe in God because of this mock-science. Discussion with them almost automatically leads to frustration.

However, no matter how intelligent or articulate a theist and atheist pair may be, oftentimes they'll come to a point where each claims to have established a thorough and correct argument and both know the other person's argument is wrong. This alone could be cause for frustration.

Oh, and don't bring us into the discussion. Stick to the arguments. Attempts to convert us will not be well met.

Answer 3

I don't find it frustrating at ALL. Seriously, the only possible problem is when somebody insists that the god who allegedly inspired the bible is the one and only god, and yada yada. I mean, you let so much in when you let that or any complete book into the debate. Honestly, your average theist thinks/believes/feels there's an active creator involved in creation for some reason, don't they? or did they never stop to really think the process through? I've heard Steven Hawkings is a theist and I'd love to hear where he thinks god had a hand in the beginning of the universe.

It's quite possible that the person you try to talk to about this is just not rational about it at all. No sense beating a dead horse.

Answer 4

read the bible very carefully. There is evidence that some one or thing visited earth back when and mess with the inhabitants. Most believers have a very sketchy knowledge of the bible. So I mess with them by pointing out the flaws and contradictions between what is written and what they are saying. Technically I'm not an atheist because to be one you have to "believe " god does not/did not exist. It is possible that the being labeled god did exist and may still exist. Keep an open mind and frame your responses in probability's they cannot handle it.

Answer 5

These are my rules (I'm an atheist)
1. Do not tell me that I am going to hell, atheists don't believe in hell so it is just annoying, and entirely too cliche.
2. Do not give me literature or information regarding your church/belief system unless I specifically request it.
3. Be willing to admit when you don't know the answer.
4. Try to discuss it intellectually, don't let your passion get in the way of learning something (In my experience the believers leave me having learned something about their religion)
5. Know the difference between an atheist, a pagan, a catholic, a Mormon etc. Just because we don't believe in the same things you do, does not mean that we/they worship the devil or need to be saved.
6. Remember that faith means believing in something that cannot be proved by any means. If you or I could prove our beliefs it would be science. So when we try to trap you with the old "can you prove to me that god exists?" don't freak out. And if you are talking to someone that insults your religion/belief system, walk away there are lousy humans everywhere and they don't all go to church.

Answer 6

I try to keep the conversation calm and civil. I explain that I am a materialist and that there is no reasonable evidence for the existence of a god or gods, and ask them if they can provide any that might have been overlooked. Most cannot.

I steer the conversation clear of what it is that I believe and deflect any attacks on my materialist views by rational counter-arguments or explanations. I quickly turn it back to the theist and remind him/her that as they are the ones making the positive claim, then the onus is upon them to provide evidence. When they can't provide evidence beyond personal feeling or experience, and admit that they believe because of 'faith' then the conversation either dies or we get into a lengthy discussion about what faith is.

Answer 7

Its possible so long as the person doesn't start preaching or saying things like "You need to find god". The moment it begins to involve converting anyone is the moment the conversation is officially over and frustration begins to set in.

For example, I had quite a good conversation on religion with a friend tonight and it didn't devolve into that. In fact, we both got something of an education. But then, neither of us attempted to convert the other, but rather discussed the facts.

Answer 8

The things that frustrate me are when the believers ask me what happened in my life to make me feel this way, who "told" me to think this way, what did I read to make me feel this way.

Nothing happened. I have a good life. I just opened my mind and realized the truth. No one told me and I did not read anything that "taught" me to stop believing, I came to this conclusion on my own. It does no good to quote the bible to me. I don't believe in the validity of the bible.

I do get a little frustrated but not much. Usually it is the believer who gets offended and angry. I am not offended if someone disagrees with me.

Answer 9

Well, not to speak for all atheists, but I think I have the majority behind me when I say we like logical discussion. If you can convince me with logic, I am yours.

That being said, from a Christian, we have generally already accepted that we are smarter than you, so 'silent' would probably be a better adjective.

Answer 10

Honestly, I just wish believers wouldn't talk as though it were a proven fact, and could debate the issue without condescension towards us. I know that some atheists, too, could do better. (And I'd be at the top of that list!)