Do you give people the benefit of the doubt when they ask about your beliefs?

Question

Or do you just assume they're trying to make digs at you?

See this question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhhqWw0eMgxh4G055.z9xlnd7BR.?qid=20070824124618AAHDlKm

Some pretty defensive replies.

If you don't think someone's question is sincere, then just don't reply.

Answer 1

I hate to say it, but if I was an atheist, I would have been pretty defensive in answering that question, too.

I equate that question with something like, "Christians, why do you believe in stupid fairy tales? Were you abused as a child, is that why you have to have an invisible sky daddy to bail you out of trouble? What is it about you that makes you so insecure? Why are you so afraid of death?" et cetera et cetera. Wait....I HAVE seen those kinds of questions from atheists!

I try to ignore them. There's just no point. People who would ask questions like that aren't doing so in order to "understand" someone else's beliefs, no matter HOW much they might claim that.

Edit: Yeah, that's why I generally don't answer people like that. If there's any doubt whatsoever as to whether they're sincere or not, that'll shine through in my answer, and that's the last thing I'd want.

Answer 2

Well for that question I did, because it didn't seem very condescending just inquisitive, but I can understand how others can read it to be rude. Because most of us are used to questions that are extremely rude. So I think at times it's a defense mechanism, but if the question is read carefully one can see that it's just an honest questions as to what atheists have to hope for in their lives. I answered nicely and honestly, if you'd like to read.

Answer 3

The questioner seemed sincere to me--to answer your question, I'll usually give people the benefit of the doubt in any situation.

Answer 4

She did say some things against atheists. Read her long rant.