Do you find it better to convert people to your beliefs through sarcasm and malicious assumption?

Question

I am someone who enjoys a good discourse (discussion) on all topics, so why do people answering/sharing their idea and opinions do so with anger? Questions are a way to stimulate ones mind and to challenge you personally to find an answer that corresponds with your frame of reference. My question is if you are answering a question that goes contrary to what you personally believe, why do you feel the need to put both the question and the person asking the question down? Can’t you attract more people to your side of a belief by stating your answer politely and not condemning the questioner for just asking a question?

I put this in R&S because religion tends to be un-debatable and people tend to take the offensive very quickly when it comes to religion.

I think each answer made some valid points. There were a couple that seemed to express that they felt I might be an atheist, which I am not. When I got down to the bottom of all the answers there was a question listed that expressed what angers me and makes me want to forcably stamp out ignorance. Please go look at this question and the first answers.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoR65.iR1ZFamNIyDBjilVzd7BR.?qid=20070616133305AAUMQ8B

Answer 1

I agree... that going to hell threat must just bring in the converts like crazy!

Answer 2

This site is for questions and answers, not debates nor converting anyone. Many atheists seem to not understand the concept of questions and answers, they seem to think its a debate board. It isn't. They really should find a message board for that, not a question/answer board. That's where a lot of the problems come in. People come to the religion/spiritual section to ask legitimate religious or spiritual questions, yet are answered with lame "there is no god" nonsense, which stimulates no one, simply ignorant. So yes, the people who are actually interested in religion or spirituality are constantly being hit with these redundant remarks. Why would an atheist even open a question which is obviously religious just to post such an inane answer? I don't open wiccan, pagan, hindu, buddist, etc., questions because I don't have a clue what the answer would be. I don't open those questions just to ridicule the questioner, so why do atheists do it? I'm sorry, but if you don't know the answer, find a question you do know the answer to, what's so difficult about that? Apparently, its very difficult for the atheists who are under the impression this is a debate board. I really would like to impress upon them that this isn't one, but they simply don't get it. Maybe too lazy to find a message board, or the concept of people arguing back with more than one post intimidates them so they stay here, where they feel safe from rebuttal? Anyway, it obviously ticks off people who are here to ask and answer legitimate questions.

Answer 3

I agree with you. I do not understand why people no matter what their personal beliefs are have to attack one another. There are Christians on here who do it, and Atheists. It does seem to me however (and it could be because of my personal belief which is Christianity)...that all the Atheists seem to believe that Christians are a) dumb b) from to back woods c)are uneducated. Note to asker of this question the following is not directed at you in any way shape or form it is just how I feel, and I hope that you do not find it offensive, or unpolite because that is not my intention.

I have truly yet to witness a true theological debate from an Atheist on this site that is anything other than christians are fundamentalist pigs, who want to shove their beliefs down everyones throats and all they say is that everyone is going to hell boy, aren't Christians dumb...their bible is wrong because it is fiction.. they are all myths that were made up.etc..

Don't tell me that I am dumb...show me why and what makes you believe I am dumb, and I in turn will show you why I believe what I believe...People choose to believe whatever they want, it does not make you any less of a human being. Christians didn't start every war, there has been a war between the Jews and Muslims for Centuries...is that my fault because I am a Christian? Or another great argument I see a lot.. the Holocaust.. Hitler was a bad man. I am of German descent, and a Christian however I am not even 30 years old I had nothing to do with that war eather, or the spanish inquisition. Both of those tragedys were caused by men who abused the name of the Lord for their personal gain...God did not give them permission to start the war or to kill those people they just did it.

I wish people could just pick a good debatable topic, and answer the question with facts, and not with immaturity. Christians use scripture and unbiased facts that are found to support what you believe. Muslims use the Quaran and unbiased facts to support your religion. Atheists, show the facts scientific unbiased facts to support your beliefs..please do not tell me I am brain washed because I am far from weak minded and I am far from brain washed. I looked for facts to disprove the Bible, good news is I can't find them maybe you can help... Lets listen to what the other party has to say and answer them logically if you disagree don't put them down tell them why.. You never know someone you call an idiot or stupid on this site might be someone you really get along with in the "real" world.

Answer 4

You make a valid point. Taking offfense is hard to control by those that cannot cope well, even in a forum of healthy debate. Control of emotions is multi-purpose. First, it shows emotional maturity, which is gains respectable favor even in the face of adversity or disagreement. Second, it allows the person time to cool off and think about the issue with a clear rational conscience, rather than with unreliable erratic moments of passion. Third, it may allow the cultivation of friendships not otherwise expected between two people of polarized perspectives. The latter occurs more frequently between people of high emotional maturity. It does happen. And I've made lasting friendships with those that understand this.

That's my non-pulpit-preaching answer. But I'm not sure if I answered your Q.

May God assist you in your search for an answer!

With Love in Christ,
Your Casual Fundie, PhD

Answer 5

Sir, you mistake me for a(n) ___________ (insert the name of the "opposition" here).

Seriously, I think people get very emotional over issues of religion, and take the offensive quickly, because nothing is more precious to a person than their most deeply held beliefs. Someone who does not believe the same things you do can be seen as a threat...especially if, in your perception, that person or that group might have any power.

Answer 6

There's no doubt that sarcasm can be used to hurt someone. But, sarcasm can also be a very effective tool to drive a point home. It all depends on the motive. I can usually tell the difference between the two. The apostle Paul used sarcasm a few times. Still, I would consider it more of a teaching tool, than a witnessing tool.

Answer 7

Your question is well designed to obtain through sympathetic though a desired answer. Since you don't know me--there are somethings you cannot know. What makes me angry--how do I respond to anger--what language I use when I am angry. So you interpret as ANGER--a strong rebuttal to any argument you put forth--when you assume the anger you devoid the meaning of the answer. Self satisfaction is what you seek instead of a good rebuttal. Have a great day.

Answer 8

Of course, I can't speak for everyone but I know most people I talk to anymore are wound pretty tight.
I think some people come here just to blow off steam.. sounds healthier to me than to be aggressive in the 3-D world.
I take most of what people say with a grain of salt.
Besides, I think most people get emotional when their personal decisions are questioned. No one likes to think their opinion is wrong.

Answer 9

I don't give two shakes of a monkey's tail about converting people to my spiritual beliefs. I can just try to live my value system and if anyone sees something that may be useful to their lives, then I will freely share it. Otherwise, to each his own.

Answer 10

My religion does not reach out to convert others. Those who come are called according to their own nature. We don't want those who have to be convinced of our beliefs.

Answer 11

Going on the offensive over religion more quickly ? ? ? Try Politics .