Why do you "thumbs down" those of opposite faith?

Question

They often have excellent points, but you are so blinded by your dogma that you cannot see it-- on all sides, by the way.

Why?

I only "thumbs down" those answers that are incredibly rude or vulgar. Never because I disagree with someone-- wasn't that the first rule in college discussions? I abide by it so I can learn from others.

Answer 1

I don't do that to people of opposite faiths or even an atheist or agnostic. Everyone has freewill to make their choices and religious preference. It's not my place to judge. I will thumbs down anyone who is being outright derogatory about religion. You can have an opinion on religion, but when you start attacking a person directly because of his.her beliefs, that pisses me off.

Answer 2

I don't thumb down on the basis a person's faith (note exception below)

I tend to give thumbs down if:

1) The answer is factually wrong
2) The answer is rude or vulgar with no attempt to answer the question. Also answers that attack either the asker or other respondents. (this is tricky because sometimes the answer is valid but the style is not--I have to decide whether the content outweighs the insults or not)
3) The "answer" is just an attempt to be a smartass with no attempt to answer the question (unless it's really funny, witty, and original)
4) Spam ('nuff said) That includes copying and pasting large sections of Wikipedia verbatum (lazy) or obviously copied answers that don't credit the source (plaigerism).
5) An either/or, or poll-type question if I disagree with the poster's position and sincerely feel that their argument is weak, flawed, or dishonest.
6) If the "answer" is a faith-based diatribe, attack, or sermon that has little or nothing to do with the actual question(exception #1)
7) A faith-based answer that is inappropriate to the question being asked --for instance a Christian who answers a question about Paganism with "they're going to hell". Or a question such as "where do atheists get their morals" with "They don't have any, they are going to hell". (exception #2)

Based on this criteria, I often give thumbs up to people of "opposite" faith to myself, and give thumbs down to people who otherwise share my faith. I personally have nothing against anyone who gives me a thumbs down on the same basis, either.

Answer 3

I thumbs down anyone who doesn't answer the damned question.

Q - "Why do you think Atheists deny the lord?"
A - "I love Jesus!" Thumbs Down.

It's not about their faith...it's about stupid answers, or refusing to answer the question. Using Yahoo as a chance to proselytize or rant will get you a thumbs down too. As will atrocious spelling and grammar...it just happens to be the Xians most guilty of these offences.

Answer 4

hmmm, I give out more "thumbs-up" than 'down'.

in re "faith-orientation", I find that dimension not particularly significant in deciding +/- thumbs.

Math-questions that have arithmetic errors don't get thumbs-down, but math-questions that have a more fundamental flaw or conceptual error sometimes get TD.

in re spirituality-areas, I weigh more what I perceive to be "intent".

I prefer compassion over malice, and what I deem to be the expressions of malice will rate TD from *my* mouse.

When in doubt, save the thumb :)\

ps: magpiex had a great answer ... rock on!

Answer 5

I agree with you sister! It's a shame. If only everyone was objective and treated the answer by it's contents and intellectual stimulus...

But it's hard, as you can imagine to be objective at all in the R&S section. In the end of the day, it's really a matter of faith, even though jealousy and ignorance are other factors affecting a person's decision to hand out a thumbs down...

Answer 6

I try not to. Sometimes I'll read someones remark, and it makes me incredibly angry and I'll click the thumbs down out of impulse. But for the most part, I'll only give the thumbs down, if the other person is being disrespectful to the asker (undeservedly), or if they are factually incorrect.

Answer 7

Why people do that, i don't know. Maybe it is because people think their faith is the best, and everyone else's is just a lie. Every religion and faith has good and bad points as well. Everyone is different as well, so we are all allowed our free thought. Though i think saying "no" to another religion is just cruel.

Answer 8

I only thumbs down people who think that their way is the only way. It is possible to have faith yet be open-minded and tolerant of other views.

As in the old adage "All roads lead to Rome", I believe that as long as you are a good person and seek to do good in the world, you won't have a problem in the afterlife (if you even believe in one!).

Answer 9

I liberally thumbs down answers that are factually incorrect. I don't thumbs down opinions unless the question calls for facts.

Answer 10

don't participate with the thumbs, and ignore them for the most part, I see a lot of good answers getting bashed, obviously by someone that just has a different view, and ignore the actual answers merit.