To those atheist and agnostics among you?

Question

Are you willing to have an open discussion ( it appears there are some out there) or do the rest of us just have to put up with the smug comments by those whop hold to the same belief? I know some of you are decent respectful people and I would love to have an open discussion on religion with you, but so far answers are either ignored, mocked or given an ad hominem answer. Are there any of you willing to just discuss the subject without this? I doubt I would end up changing your basic mind on theology but I might change your mind on those of us who hold those ideas and we both might learn something.This is not an attack on all of you, but you know that there are some who you wish would believe something else so they don't embarass you with their conduct (been there done that) Is anyone up to discussion rather than mudraking?

I apologize if I made it sound like only agnostics and atheists spoke this way. I have friends from many beliefs and have been involved in many beliefs. But I keep reading snarky remarks about the others belief. I dobn't see how it answers the question( example a question asked yesterday people from many beliefs(as far as I could tell) answered the person but rather than consider any of them he chose the one that proved his point and denied any rational) On another the person insulted the people answering and chose an answer that said ignore history go with what you want to believe. This is post modern rationalism.. We could try picking a question and each answer it from our view.

Answer 1

I love open discussions. Of course, this really isn't a discussion board. It's just for answering questions that are asked.

However, I do try to give straightforward answers to any questions asked. People frequently don't like honest answers, especially when it doesn't show the respect for their superstition that they're used to at church.

Answer 2

HI Yes I understand somewhat where you are coming from, may I first say conversations about differences in religious beliefs are very dangerous or at the very least cause extrem anger. I grew up in a great family where my parents chose not to attend any certain religion, my father had no view, my mother thought highly of the Mormon faith. My grandparents were assembly of god, and my other Grandfather was Baptist, and Grandmother had no use for any of this. So on one weekend it was assembly of god, then Baptist, and then my choose which was hang out with the Grandmother that chose no church, and the Mormons who loved me by no affiliation, I know you did not ask for my liefs story, but without it how can we talk religion, you see I've heard the word atheist many times, and could not understand why one who disagreed with the other was called this, so two weeks ago after all these years I looked up the word Atheist, and found I no longer have to fear this word. I am sorry that chatting about religion is such a difficult subject, and I am extending an invitation to you to join me on yahoo 360 as a friend and maybe over time in a friendly way we can have great conversations. sincerely cd.rozetta yahoo 360

Answer 3

It actually sounds more like you're looking for an angle. We're used to that. Many who'd like to "hold an intellegent debate" on religion turn out to be nothing more than recruiters. To many Atheists including myself, conversion attempts are extremely annoying. And they are condescending in that no matter how you approach it, you make the statement that we're all fools unless we do it your way.

If the above observation doesn't apply to you, please understand that I'm generalising in order to make a point. If you're serious about simply carrying on a conversation and getting to know another person's take on something, there are a few things you have to consider first.

1) You can't be offended that an Atheist doesn't believe, or that an Agnostic has doubts. That's the point to talking with them, right? To find out what gave them that disbelief or doubt. But you can't announce that you'd like to make omletes, then complain when someone breaks your eggs.

2) There has to be mutual respect. Everyone walks through life on their own and has different teachers. We all see different things, and interpret them our own way.

3) Atheists aren't struggling with the idea of God; they're pretty much convinced there is no such being. Agnostics either aren't sure, or they believe that God hasn't been properly described by practiced religions. I bring this up because many Christians who regularly email me with hate mail for my comments fail to understand the definition of their supposed enemy.

4) We're all human beings. No one has the right to judge anyone else. Not even Christians, who should understand that according to their own beliefs, judgement is God's domain--not theirs.

"Mudraking" happens when one group attacks another, and the attacked group retaliates.

Answer 4

I believe in a higher being for sure, but.....I think it's about time we stop respecting religion. I am so sick of it. Really, what is religion? It's a faith based organization. Key word: Faith. There is zero proof that anything these religions preach actually maps onto reality. Until god comes flying out of the sky shooting lightning and saving countless lives, then it's a purely a myth. You can put it in the same book with big foot and the Loch Ness Monster.

Besides religion getting involved in the

Answer 5

Sure, ask some theological questions and I'd love to respond. I didn't take college level biblical study courses just to do nothing with it.

I'm disappointed by the lack of serious questioning that's on topic here. Mostly it's Christians and Atheists (with the occasional Muslim) trying to push their points, or non-serious/humor questions.

I'd love something more along the lines of, "Hey, these passages say this in the Bible, but these passages in the Bhagavad Gita say this. What are the commonalities and differences in light of these sayings?"

Answer 6

Always up for open discussions, the problem is that when I'm actually talking to a person in real life, I have problems speaking (due to problems breathing) and my memory isn't that good. Therefore I like online debate because I can reference things said at the beginning of the convo that I might have forgotten about in real life, plus I don't get out of breath. (No I'm not overweight, just born with bad lungs :(

Answer 7

This is, unfortunately, not the place for open discussions. It's simply asking a question and get answers. You should try finding a chat room or group for a discussion.

Answer 8

If you ask serious questions with some thoughtfulness, or give answers that are considerate of the presuppositions and arguments of both sides, you'll find some are willing to debate you intelligently.

Many won't, no matter what. That's what you get on a free website. Take it or leave it, eh?

Answer 9

Sure, I'd like to - its quite horrible to see so many atheists mocking the religious. Unless the questions actually begs a sarastic reply (such as the person asking why we believe we evolved from fossils), I try to reply thoughtfully.

What would you like to talk about? You're right, you won't change my mind - I have too little trust for that - but I like to learn about other people, the way they think and why they do so. It fascinates me, actually.

Answer 10

Want to talk to atheists and agnostics? Adults, and not the child-infested majority of people on Yahoo?

http://www.iidb.org

The Internet Infidels discussion board. We love to discuss topics with religious people.

Warning: Do not open with a post in creationism or age of earth topics. you will have your *** politely and thoroughly handed to you. Many many many people with relevant degrees there. Geologists, anthropologists, biologists, geneticists, etc. Most with one or more PhD in their field.
If you think Answers In Genesis or Dr. Dino (Kent Hovind) make sense, you are far too ignorant of science to try and compete there.
Stick with general religion, morals, and philosophy.