Why did MOST (not all) Atheists avoid the question on open-mindedness?

Question

I asked believers, and non-believers, how they can be open-minded. Why did MOST, not all, Atheists avoid this question?
I am a non-theist.
Most people would catagorize me as an Agnostic.
Come on you Atheist wimps, I like to agitate people, just like you do.
Are you going to let the believers make you look spineless?
Can you give a mature, thoughtful, answer (like I'm one to talk!), like the believers did?
Believers are welcome for their input, too.

Okay, so maybe some missed it.
All of the usual agitators were absent.
This, I feel is a fair question.

BTW Thank you for the responses.

I shall give you all a thumbs up for answering.

Sorry for the delay in the thumbs up.
I had to walk my dog.

Answer 1

Show us how we're being close-minded.

Answer 2

I find equal numbers of Christians and Atheists avoiding the subject. They each have faith (confidence) in their particular beliefs and it is difficult to prove something that can be explained away with equally logical arguments (to the explainer).

At least they've chosen a side. I can see how, claimng to be an Agnostic, you can state you have an open mind. But by asking the question in the manner you used, you are showing that your mind is actually quite closed when it comes to open-mindedness. Are you addressing the existance of God? You fail to state specifically what you're being open-minded about, I can be an Atheist or "a believer" ond be open-minded about one thing and closed-minded about another, even things closely related.

BTW - and Agnostic is one who doesn't necessarily believe there is or isn't a God, that these things are unknown until definitive proof is provided. A "non-theist" is technically an A-theist.

Where's my "thumbs up"? ;)

Answer 3

I dont think you can really generalize a group of people whether they are Atheist, Theist or Agnostic. All people in all walks of life are different and interpret things differently. I have to say as a generalization that Atheist and Agnostics are more open minded than Theist as Theist already have a foundation that they base their life on, a unified belief system, where as Atheist and Agnostic either have a firm stance but are always searching for answers and up to the challenge of learning. On YA Answers i would def. say it is the Theist that cannot open up their mind, they are stubborn in the way they think and do not like the idea of change, or something different, all though i cannot speak for some, i speak for the many Theist on here that i have encountered!!

Answer 4

I didn't see the question, but open mindedness means being able to see things for what they really are, and not a method in which to deny any evidence put before you.

Being open minded with applied access to all the facts should result in a clear understanding of mainstream scientific principles and concepts, as well as understanding the history of religions and deity worship practices.

One of the above allows access to recent history of "human beliefs", the other allows access and understanding so far back in time that humans weren't to be in the eqaution for billions of years, and all this with verifiable evidence and data.

There is simply no comparison..

Answer 5

Open mindedness requires the ability to absorb other ideas, even those contrary to ours and at least examine them.
Many atheists tend to holler about Christians being closed minded, and fail to realize that many Christians started out atheists as well, and sometimes converted from other belief systems, and that a belief in a Creator requires an exceptionally open mind....BUT it's always easier and feels more comfy to accuse others of something bad they might see in themselves.

Answer 6

I didn't see the question, and if I have, then I would have answered. I can be open minded by accepting the fact that not everybody agrees with me that there is no god. But just because I believe that, doesn't mean that everyone believes that. I will just agree to disagree with them, and leave it at that. As long as they don't try to push their beliefs on me, we will get along fine.

Answer 7

I didn't see the question. In my experience, people who call for other people to be more 'open minded' are claiming something ridiculous that they have no evidence for. Sure, I'm open minded. But not to the point where I'll let you throw any crap you want into my mind. Provide some evidence for your point of view, and I'll consider it. Spout about 'faith' and 'belief' and 'close mindedness' and you've lost my attention.

Answer 8

you asked:

How can someone, who firmly believes in God, be open minded?


Maybe many people who who do not 'firmly believe in God' wanted to let those who do 'firmly believe in God' answer for themselves.


If you think it is spineless to not answer a question directed at someone else, then that is your misconception.


EDIT:

Well look who is responding to this question. You asked the atheists a question and they all respond.

So are the believers now spineless because they did not respond to a question to atheists?

Or does this prove my point?

Answer 9

Your question - How can someone, who firmly believes in God, be open minded? is directed at those who believe in God. As an Atheist is someone who doesn't believe in God, they would have no real need to answer this question. I saw the question, but didn't feel the need to respond. I don't see how someone who firmly believes in God can be open minded.

Answer 10

the reason they avoid the topic is simple. they don't want some moronic hypocritical christian being so wrapped up in his ignorance as to be nothing less than closed-minded to what others may see as another view. christans cannot tolerate such and will not allow anyone's opposition to stand in their way when proselyzing.
christans think they are better than everyone else and demand everyone be as ignorant as they are!

Answer 11

Honestly I didn't see your quetion..

I probably could give a thoughtful answer but seeing as you have demanded I answer my whole "I am not gonna do it now even if I had planned on doing it before" thing kicks in.. I am not one to give in to demands... Sorry...

Think what you will of me I don't mind...