Why is it that the most vocal among us tend to also be the most ignorant? Intelligent answers only please.?

Question

It seems the same way no matter what your belief system. As a Christian, I read the religion section of y/a and I'm embarassed by what I see. I also know that the most loudmouthed athiests that contribute to this site are firing back with equal levels of ignorance. I watched the debate on origins the other day between Kirk Cameron and the "rational response squad" and if I added up all of what was said between the two sides I'd be hard pressed to put together even one complete intellegent and rational thought. I'd love to just once see a truly intellectual debate between the intelligent members of both sides. Not to determine a winner, but just to stimulate thought. Agree? Disagree? Who would you propose represent your side of the table?

I'm not looking for flames here, I'm serious. If flaming is your hobby, do it elsewhere.

Just re-read my question. I can't believe I spelled intelligent incorrectly. Granted, it's a typo, but it still seems rather freudian don't you think?

wow, quid...did you even read the whole question? I'm indicting both sides here.

Answer 1

That is the perpetual question. Perhaps it's because we're all a bunch of yahoos? Sorry, I've been waiting to say that.

I think perhaps the driving force goes in the other direction...the most ignorant are the most vocal. The more shallow the thinking, the less likely one is to use the backspace key after honestly considering the other side of the argument.

The biggest problem I see is that this is not a true forum, with parties engaging in real dialogue over time.

Here's one that was recommended to me when I asked a similar question.

http://www.comparative-religion.com/forum/

The respect level is very high, and the conversations are interesting.

Answer 2

Each individual has a right to their own personal beliefs. These beliefs could be conclusions and indoctrination of the derived from the personal and group experienc of the individual, thus a belief of one should not neccessarily be the belief of another.

If there is anything that world history has taught mankind, it is that a mans beliefs and values are some of the most important thing that gives him the hope to sojourn through this world. It so follows that where one has nothing to believe in, even that becomes a belief in its real sense. So an arguement would always be engaged in not minding the intellectual concepts nor factual accuracy.

The fact that most prefer to be vocal in the defence of their beliefs is apt in the sense that none would want a situation where that which they hold dear is challenged. Being vocal is an understatement compared with the atrocities that has been perpetrated under the guise of religion over the centuries of human existence.

Centuries of experience has shown to all the ignorance , selfishness and nonsense of such action but that still does not stop senseless atrocities today in the name of religion.

Empty vessels they say make the loudest noise, but vessels were never made to be empty. So, it ultimately depends on the idea and influences of what is consumed by the individual from all of a cultural perspective, social enculturation, political leaning and spiritual affiliations and then some more.

Next time one attempts to be overtly loud in defending senselessness either side of the religious divide, always remember that "silence is the best answer given to a fool", loke my grandmother would say...

http:www.greatedo.blogspot.com

Answer 3

I think it would be hard to have a conversation like that because the beliefs are so different. When an atheist describes their beliefs it sounds so outrageous to a that they naturally feel as though they are being mocked, or that the idea is so absurd they can only react by being MORE absurd.
these debates, no matter how professional and mature in nature, are direct attacks on peoples beliefs...usually their most sentimental beliefs.

this may not be the greatest example, but change the topic. lets say you are debating one persons mother. now the natural son sees his mother as a great woman that raised them with morals and blehblehbleh. the other person in the debate is the mothers boss. the boss caught the mother stealing money on numerous occations. your gunna have different views right? and, though both views may be correct, the conversation is going to be heated. you are dealing with two very important things in these peoples lives (someones family and someones money)

Answer 4

On this site, or any other site, where identity is protected and there is not really a forum for debate, you get people that are like... well Tom up there... There is no responsibility for their mindless ramblings.... they can get away with saying anything because it hasn't cost them anything to be here and they can had behind their computers in secrecy with out fear of being "called" out on the posts. They go for the "shock value". They abuse the system... you just have to filter through it.

As far as any other public arena where there is responsibility assigned I think most people really feel they are in the right. Those who just have talking points and who have not really done their "homework" tend to be the loudest because they "think" it sounds good and they play off emotion. Those who are educated in the subject tend to be more passive as they have gained wisdom and knowledge on the topic... they know how it will play out and usually, if they are smart enough, they give their opponent enough "rope" to hang themselves with. I guess it all boils down to education... when you have it... you know it and you are secure in who you are and what you stand for. When you don't you think if you shout it loud enough and say it enough times it will "come true".

Answer 5

I'm a Christian, and trust me, I love to have religious debates. The problem is, people tend to take what I say as either 1) blasphemy or 2) immaturity. I don't know who I'd want to represent my side of the table though. I guess someone who really knew what they were talking about, maybe my Sunday School teacher (he has a degree in theology, so I'd be pretty confident in him).

Answer 6

You may have an idea that is good. Lay down what you know that people may learn. Debate normally ends up in status quo on topics that will need to be both proven.
In the meantime, until a definite answer comes out, let us consider even the dullest argument to have its own value.

Answer 7

you are the Pot calling the kettle black again

can't you see?

Atheists feel the same way about the crap religious nit wits post up here ... the atheists may make jokes, but I've never seen one say that Christians will burn in hell if they dont agree

I have seen several Christians infer that

you disrespect yourself and you miss the point ... if you ask a question, you are opening yourself up to whatever chooses to answer ... if you are not mature enough to take what you need and leave the rest, perhaps it is you that can't handle asking the questions

I don't believe you want a debate ... I think you want to tell people how to think, and you don't want anyone disagreeing with you


but that's just my opinion ... I could be wrong

*additional*
yes ... I read your question ... you used language to say " Atheists, please shut up so I can tell you what I think, and then debate why your wrong"

as you sit there pointing fingers ... the fingers all point back to you ... if I were you I would take a look at what my true intent is ... and get honest about it ... this isn't church, you cant just walk in here and snow us with this crap ... or maybe you aren't conscience of you actions ... idk

Answer 8

Agreed.

I can debate my position logically but I can also smash folks who decide to start off a debate by calling me stupid, ignorant, or feeling "pity" on me. Sometimes I also feel like being mischievous and give a smart aleck answer.

As far as my side of the table. I'd start with Dr. Bart Ehrman (see link below) His research about the new testament helped me on my journey toward the light of atheism

Answer 9

I hate to say this, but unfortunately the caliber of intellect here may not be quite to the standard you are looking for.

But then again, the only way to change that is to start asking intelligent questions... which I believe you did.

:0)

Answer 10

i'm American and that i've got consistently hated this us of a by way of fact of our grasping, fat, disgusting, corrupted, superficial, low-existence values sort of existence kind. the type of existence kind that a greed-pushed Capitalist society rewards, no longer by way of fact of our evolution right into a globally huge conscious team. sure, approximately 40% of the people who I meet i could say ARE stupid... did you comprehend that 20% of people won't be able to come across u . s . a . of america on a map?