Is There Any Way R&S Users Could.....?

Question

not be so highly critical and mocking of each other?

Think of it this way:

Believers -- you know you're not going to convince non-believers by being self-righteous, attacking, condemning, etc.

Non-Believers - we already know that you think we're idiotic, illogical, crazy, "fundies," etc.

So why don't we just move on from that polarizing, and try to learn from each other?

For example, believers could try to understand HOW atheists came to be where they're at spiritually, and atheists could learn more about the concrete experiences believers have had from God.....it could be a real exchange....

I'm not trying to be all ghandi-esque or like "Why can't we all just get along?!" I'm just saying, we've already traded all the insults we can trade, and each side knows how the other responds by now, so why can't we take a different approach? It would be so much cooler in here if we could....

EDIT: I am not talking about a secular notion of "religious tolerance." I realize that there are HIGH STAKES when it comes to religion. If the Believers are right, there are serious consequences for those who do not believe; if they are wrong, they are living a foolish lie. HOWEVER, I think that by trying to listen to each other, a lot of spiritual work will actually be done, not just mere mudslinging.

Answer 1

Unfortunately a lot of the thoughtful people here end up being deleted and only the extremists remain. Counter-intuitive to the intention of the "report abuse" system, but that's how it goes. I've seen several interesting thoughtful people from all sides of the debate simply disappear. Many of the people in my contacts list have turned into "oops".

If they ever made a "lets just try and get along" forum, I'd sign up right now.

Answer 2

I fear that it won't work :-(

An atheist who doesn't believe in God will, at best, listen quietly to what other seem to have experienced, but he won't believe you. He can't believe in people experiencing a relationship with something he is convinced does not exist. It may be rather like somebody telling you they had a talk to Zeus the other day - you don't believe he exists, so you won't believe it true, right?

I agree that EVERYBODY should be polite, though.

And for the record - I don't think that anybody is idiotic, illogic, crazy and a fundie just because they believe or not. I have, however, encountered idiotic, illogic and crazy people here - on both sides.

Answer 3

The main reason for me is that I believe that religion is the biggest cause of scientific hold backs. I want the world to progress in science and space I want the next generations of children to have science classes so this trend of scientific reserach can continue. Religions seem to want to get credited with their alternative science "creationism" which debunks evolution, which states the earth is 6000 years old and which take away the need for repeatable tests - faith is NOT the same as evidence!!!
Religion is the main cause of bigotry and wars.
That is why I always question a religious point of view - I want to find out how a thinking, questioning human being can actually believe and when they do blindly follow their god how they can pick and choose the parts of their teachings to selectively hate certain people.
I think religion holds everyone back.

Answer 4

Sounds like a good approach. Will try to do my best to provide answers without adding insults.

I know I'm not going to be Billy Graham with my responses - not going to see mass conversions.

And I've actually read some good replies from atheists. I can respect their response that much more when the post lacks the bitterness and mocking tone.

But you're right....I'd like to know more about the motivation about being an atheist. Besides, I can learn more about my own faith, and what motivates me by trying to think my way through their objections

Because I'm not wanting my faith to be an irrational decision, I do thank the atheists for helping me to think more about it and therefore, watch it grow.

I do believe their is hope for a better relationship between many of us (might not be "all of us", but many of us none the less)

Answer 5

Hi.You would probably not have a R&S category because thats what they like doing to each other in the first place.Emotional responses to Religion and Spirituality always precede any logical explanations.
Why do you think the world is in a mess .Study the reactions of people in this forum.God must have had a reason for giving us free will .Some people even curse God for that and other misfortunes they suffer.and some who believed in Him say he does not exist for allowing things to happen in the first place.!(their loving God becomes "unloving") A God who exists or doesn't exit according to peoples feelings and these people are 'Christians"?

Answer 6

I commend you for the good points. I also feel, though God does the true saving, we as christians, do have to be bold in letting others know that the hour is near for Christ's return. I grieve for those who do not at least seek the truth, when the seed is planted, and they make light of it, just like the people did when the flood came, and look what happened to them. We are running out of time, and the prophets were seriously bold in witnessing. Thank you for your loving approach. God bless you always.

Answer 7

You know, you're one of my favorite people on this forum, and I hate to disagree with you. But...

I have been on at times where it was almost nothing but Christians. Or Atheists. Or Muslims. And it was boring because everyone was just agreeing with each other.

It's the rivalry that makes this place exciting. And most of the obnoxious ones either get their accounts suspended or get boo'd off by their own brethren.

This is what I think of religious tolerance--what goes on on this forum. We disagree, we bicker, we sometimes name-call... but we all come back, accepting that the place is as it is.

Answer 8

I vote this best question of the year! It makes me sad to see what a war zone it becomes on here. We can learn from one another, and there HAS to be respect for belief or lack thereof on both sides for that to happen. I hope everyone is game.

Answer 9

Perhaps the religions could act as role models. That would require agreeing with other religions on God.

Answer 10

I totally 100% agree with you. I say if we all follow the same thing, life would be less interesting and colorful.