R&S: Are you here to debate?

Question

I answered a question earlier today that asked something along the lines of: "In the ongoing R&S debate between atheists and theists, who's winning?"

I never really thought of it that way, because I have no desire to make people believe the way I do, but that's just me. What about you?

Answer 1

i hadn't thought of it as winning or losing. i am hoping that some people will look objectively at what they beileve in and make an educated decision as to whether or not to continue with those beliefs.

i truly respect people who do this, no matter what path they choose!

p.s. but i'm really just here for deke

Answer 2

My reasons for participating in R & S are to inform and persuade. The Gospel is the best news that has ever been announced. Though Jesus initially presented the authoritative message from God 2000 years ago, there remains widespread misunderstanding, distortion, and oversimplification of his teachings.

The virtue of Y!A is that the forum is designed to encourage good questions and civil answers. Nearly every other Yahoo forum, especially those that deal with politics or religion, turn into endless debates where people rarely change their minds. These debates are rancorous and unproductive. Most responses fail to address the points in the previous response.

Y!A works for discussions about religion because good answers are recognized by askers and voters. Serious answerers develop good reputations reflected in their "best answer" scores. Recognizing good answers not only motivates thoughtful writing and research, but it greatly increases the probability of learning.

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 3

No, I am not here to debate.

Don't get me wrong, I like to debate. I did high school and university debating, and ended up coming in #4 in my category at the provincial level. I enjoy debating, but the format of YA precludes debate, for the most part.

There's only enough space here, really, to type quick answers and opinions, with a handful of references at most. A written debate, where you propose an idea (or resolution), make a rhetorical and evidential case for it, and conclude with a flourish is just not something there's space for here.

I like best straightforward non-rhetorical questions. I think that is what the site is best at.

Answer 4

Debates should not be about belief, but truth. It is through argument that our ideas are strengthened and misconceptions challenged. Therefore, if one desires strong, robust, respectable opinion one must defend them with logic against those who disagree.

Religion, according to this conclusion, is a particularly weak opinion that, moreover has had serious detrimental effects on the whole of field of pursuit of truth. It should be argued against whenever possible.

Of course, I suppose, those interested enough in and capable of pursuit of truth have long come to more reasonable opinions on religion, and arguing here is pointless as it is pointless to argue with people who cannot string two clauses of an argument together in general, and few others remain to defend religion. But if even one person is convinced that there is much more to life than the simplistic explanations of the bible, or which-ever text they point to, i will consider my time well spent.

Answer 5

Presently, speaking personnally only; My efforts on here past & present are to communicate to the best of my ability at that time; what the asker requests. I realize that there are 'tests' in Christianity presently, especially here in USA, and I try to clarify those points (deviations from God's word), when the difference is relavant to the question. If that is what one calls 'debate'; then I guess I debate; personnally, I do not consider it such presently.

Answer 6

I am open to debate,but primarily I am participating to share my faith,to enjoy the company of both my brothers and sisters in the Lord,as well as with those who do not believe,that I have come to know and care for. I do not view our "serious" dialoges as a game and am certainly not keeping score. I do pray for others to know God though Jesus,as I do and am not ashamed of my intentions or of my God..I do not however,Push my beliefs on anyone...My thoughts are just that...Mine...They may be received or dissmissed..

Oh,yeah...much of the time..I just goof around and act kind of silly...But I have a lot of fun and have only received maybe 2 negative e-mails in the last 10 months...so that's kinda cool.

Answer 7

Debate is certainly one of the reasons I'm here. I believe that debate is the best way to learn. That's how you test the validity of your ideas. If you argue your position against someone else's and it becomes apparent that his has more merit than yours, then you are compelled to rethink the subject and amend your views. It's very healthy and productive.

Answer 8

I originally came here to grow, to learn, and to share. But there is hatred and anger in this place, and I believe that such an environment makes a beneficial exchange of information impossible, it makes us feel threatened, and our fear gets projected onto others. This is the beginning of negative Karma. So now I am just holding my candle, trying to share the small amount of understanding that I have aquired, and hopefully more people will start doing the same...

Answer 9

Nope. I am here to answer questions. Really. MooOO †

Tts 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Tts 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Tts 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Answer 10

It's a hard question; atheists think they're winning, and theists think they are. It really doesn't matter what either one thinks about who is winning-in the end God has the final say and the end has already been determined.