Let's just admit it?

Question

I think anyone that says they haven't been shaken by an opposing viewpoint (Atheist to Christian or Christian to atheist) is either lying or or too closed-minded to consider (or unfortunately even read) some of the answers they get.

I like (intelligent) contrary ideas because, somehow, they strengthen my beliefs after I have considered them. And I will admit, some have altered my thinking, at least a little.

Have any Christians been challenged, or even moved some, by an atheist's comment? Any atheists (same Q, but from the Christian camp)?

Aria, I saw your Q. Good stuff.

Answer 1

I haven't been "shaken" by an opposing viewpoint. Mainly that's because my ideas are changeable. I don't assume that I am right. I assume that I hold an opinion that is based on the best use of my brain. Should further consideration modify my viewpoint, then so be it.

Look, being wrong is not bad. We're all wrong. It's the conviction that one is "right" - a.k.a. - self-righteousness - that iis the great plague to mankind. Being "wrong" is the most natural thing for a human to be.

If someone disagrees with me, I can very easily say: "Heck, you may be right. I don't think so, but you may be. I've been wrong before, and I will be again. "

Being accepting of the fact that some of what you believe might be wrong is very freeing, in a sense. We're not right or wrong, we're just doing the best we can.

Answer 2

I'm neither Christian or Atheist (honest, they are not the only two groups who post here) but I have been shaken by some of the things I have read here. Not in a way to challenge my beliefs but surely to strengthen them.

Answer 3

As a Buddhist who used to be Catholic, I consider the opinions of everyone on the board. I have been moved and challenged by many contributors. I wouldn't say that it 'strengthens' my beliefs because at the end of the day all of us want to be loved and free of suffering.

Answer 4

Sadly no, since I have yet to read a christain answer that had any serious logic to it. I've read some good questions and seen good answers, but so far the opposing side has only pushed me farther into what I think. I'd love to find a real challenger

Answer 5

I used to (being agnostic), but I haven't heard any original arguments for quite some time to be honest with you. That doesn't mean that I won't listen (part of being agnostic is committing yourself to finding the truth).

You are correct, intelligent contrary ideas are great, as they can only lead to two different outcomes, both of which are good for you 1) You consider the idea and accept it based upon its merits as a superior idea to yours, thus allowing you to grow; 2) You reject the idea, but only after you compare it to yours, which strengthens your idea, thus allowing you to grow.

Answer 6

I was initially shaken quite often.
Not much anymore, though I'll admit that I work on best evidence. Should overwhelming evidence to the contrary become available, I would change my mind.

Answer 7

Scripture says to flee from evil. To us Christians anything that is against Christ is of the anti-Christ. We can't be lukewarm. True Christians will not be converted to some other belief because Scripture also says: Nothing can seperate us from the love of God and nothing can pluck us from His hand. Once you're His you are his. Judas for example was not Gods which is why Judas ended up betraying Jesus and ultimately killing himself and ending up in hell. God knows His children and we know our Fathers voice.

Answer 8

I think my atheism is already shaken out now after over 30 years of studying religions, from my own on up... so nothing really shakes me up any more, but I used to be! Buddhism simply happily enforces what I already knew, it's like coming home, but whatever works for others... y'know? Peace.

_()_

Answer 9

-Every thing has its own reason that cause it .

-every product or thing has its own creator.

-does pyramids are made it self by it self. for sure there is some create it.

-if we throw lot of stuff in one place would it be a useful thing or product...no...but if we give it to a smart creature he could make a useful thing out of it.

-every one ..look at your body with its complex system how it work and how its functions are all in harmony it is really the most complex mashine in this world the human body .this could only be made by smart thing.

-every body look at the perfiction of the nature ,its own rules and life cicle ,the earth you live in,the constant rules that makes the earth and planets move around the sun.

-look at complex of the smallest part of this world .

-look at how are the humans small in the hugeness of the universe .

-all of this iducate that there is a one who plan and make this world by a cirtian rules .becoase every smart divese or tool had its own inventer .the most smart and complex thing which is the univers with its complex cretures has its own cerater

-This cearter is GOD "Allah"

Answer 10

I am a Christian and sure my beliefs have been challenged and I have had times of reevaluating and determining my beliefs. . .of course they have not been shaken on R &S, I have yet to see very much that is thought provoking on here.