Why do we find atheist-theist interactions so curious and interesting?

Question

I have a reason. Do you? I am sympathetic to the atheist side. I do recall having great atheist and agnostic friends while away for school. I sincerely appreciated the capacity, intricacy, and depth of thoughts generated and I sincerely despised the impulsive subjectivity that *some" did hold, which cast doubts whether the person was trustworthy! The very basis of human interaction was negated once trust of "good will" could not be established because the other person, the atheists, failed to reciprocate it! What ya think about all this? Ultimately, underneath it all, yes I do see the good qualities in all people including atheists. However, that element of mistrust remains a problem for any intimate relationship. If the bible is indeed correct not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever, what is your (atheist) reason not to become involved on a personal level with a theist?

Answer 1

Personally, I find it fascinating that two intelligent persons, one theist and one atheist, can look at the world around them with the body of knowledge they have, and come to two entirely different conclusions. I very dearly want to know why this is.

Answer 2

..what makes atheists untrustworthy?..

for reasons as to why an atheist would not want to be 'involved' with a theist, the only real reason ought to be difference in beliefs that are great enough to cause conflict. however, if these differences can be gotten over, there is no reason either side should avoid relating with the other.

we find their interactions interesting because it is a clash of ideas, and a clash of any kind always becomes a human spectacle, especially if said clash is over an age-old issue like religion that is taken so seriously by so many people.

Answer 3

Can I tell you something? My last 2 relationships were with men who I really have no idea what religion or lack thereof they were. It wasn't important really I never asked.. We held mostly the same opinions and beliefs about life in general it never occured to me to ask if they believed in god. In 3 years and in 2 years it never came up... As far as being unequally yoked, I found it was differences in character that made a bigger difference... Can you really be with someone who lies when you are an extremely honest person? or can you be with a person who hates dogs if you love them?? it's not about what you believe as far as religion, it's about who you are as a person and ultimately no matter what you believe if you are enough alike in personality, morality, character and lifestyle things will work out. My best friend has different beliefs than me, so do my sisters, aunts and other family... it doesnt matter as long as we respect each other for who we are individually. The reason I find interactions between people of differing beliefs so interesting is because of the wide variety... I respect those who tolerate and I do not respect those who do not tolerate but I can learn from them all how to better conduct myself when it comes to accepting people for who they are and what they believe. I have friends who I can honestly say I don't really agree with at all but I accept them for who they are, as long as they accept me.

Answer 4

I find it interesting because it is a field upon which to observe human behavior in action.

We have a tendency, we humans, to divide into "Us vs Them" groups very readily. There is some suggestion that this is a neurobiological predisposition, and that it arose from the primitive brain's "fight or flee" response. This response was a very useful tool in or pre-human and paleolithic survival kit. It has served us well in tight situations ever since.

The difficulty that we have with it is that we tend to allow it, all too often, to override our capacity to reason.

We all want to be on the "winning team," of course, but when there is no conclusive evidence in support of either argument, no one can win. All we can do is enjoy the delights of righteous indignation and the self-congratulatory smirking illusion of superiority.

Answer 5

I think its interesting to try understand the other side's point of veiw. And what do you mean by "what is your (atheist) reason not to become involved on a personal level with a theist?"? Many of my friends are theist. Are you saying that theists and atheists can't get along? That's not true at all.

Answer 6

They separate conclusions on the most important question to mankind. What the answer is, we want to know for sure and if someone else has any insight or can sharpen our knowledge then we can encourage others and feel encouraged ourselves that we are doing all we can to truly know the truth. Hopefully this is enough.

Answer 7

It's interesting to see how different people come to their conclusions in regards to faith. Many factors can contribute to why a person believes the things they do. It's fascinating to see how other people view the world from a faith-based point of view.

Answer 8

I think whatever is true about morality and humanity transends religious differences and this is what should bring us together. However, I feel that religious differences are exactly what masks these universal truths and divide us.

- atheist

Answer 9

I don't really find them interesting; I find them a little tedious, especially as it's quite obvious that one side will never convince the other. I'd find them that way no matter which "side" I took, I suspect.

Answer 10

Everybody wants to know who is right.