Are Christians afraid of discussion or just fraid of the truth?

Question

I've noticed that Christians have blocked many atheists and agnostics and then go and ask questions about science and proof. This to me is a strong indication that they are afraid to hear opposing sides of the argument. Granted, people can be brutal on answers, but that's a poor reason to block. What are your thoughts?

Nice Crusader! When you get a good concept of science we'll talk, but my questions were not the topic.

Sorry, I should have been more specific, there are several active questioners that do this, my bad. I apologize to the Christians that don't do this.
(In my defense, I was trying to be general as opposed to pointing to specific people, the intent was not to "lump all together".)

By the way, I thumbed up Suzi, for calling to attention my generalization error.

Theophilus, you block people from answering your questions in your profile, not sure what this affects as I don't use it.

Honorable mentions to Christopher and Beth on the second page of answers. Nicely put.

Answer 1

I think that perhaps many Christians are afraid of this:

http://www.geocities.com/immortalbygrace/immortalbygrace-trolled-by-atheist-unicru.jpg

(Fun screenshot of "Immortal by Grace"s Yahoo Mail inbox)

Answer 2

I have heard it said that the chances of our existence here on Earth coming from, first a big bang and then evolution from a single celled creature all the way through to today's civilization are much, much greater than the chances of a tornado leaving a fully assembled, ready to fly, 747 after passing through a junk yard (even if all the parts were there to begin with). How long ago was it that scientists believed that the world was flat?
And don't get me wrong, I have no problem with scientific researchers justifying future grant money (which is what it's all about, by the way; absolutely nothing to do with what is true) but do not tout "theory" as "fact or truth".
Did a scientist or doctor build the first airplane? No? Why not? Because they had "proved" that human flight was not possible! Go figure.

Answer 3

Check my questions. I invite discussion and intelligent debate and a lot of the Agnostics on here do offer that only most of them only are trying to offend. Just browse through the questions and look at the hate on there. Too many people who have no respect. I'm not only saying agnostics do it either. There are Christians that get me angry because they act so immature and it really detracts from the point of our religion. But as for being afraid of the truth...remember the truth is in the eye of the beholder.

Answer 4

I am not afraid to answer questions and discuss questions of faith. However, it is important for us all to remember that whenever humans are put together with differing views there will always be those who ask silly questions or who become unnecessarily defensive in their answers.

Let us be honest, there is plenty of mud slinging and over-generalizations from both sides. I am ashamed that some comes from my Christian brothers and sisters. But that is a human condition. We are all flawed and trying to make sense of our world and all its mysteries.

To all the Christians answering these questions, please be polite and answer in a kindly way as we are called to do.

To all the atheists and agnostics here, I hope you find the answers you are seeking.

Answer 5

I think you have a very valid question. And I appreciate your respectful, intellectual way of stating what it is you are asking. I have no problem discussing my faith with an atheist if they are on a respectable and knowledgeable level. I think not all but a lot of atheists are disrespectful and do not know the bible well enough to have a intelligent discussion. Therefore I do not think its a poor reason for blocking those particular atheists because it is a waist of time to discuss religion with people that are not going to do anything but use put downs, name calling and poor use of the bible to back up their statements. I think it is these people that are the ones that I believe are being blocked. At least that would be my reason for blocking someone.

Answer 6

Most of us love discussion, which is why we are here. At the moment I am reading books with views that directly oppose mine so I can get a broader idea of what faith is about.

I don't blame Christians who want to protect themselves, though. Sometimes people are really 'brutal' as you say, and if you're devout it can be very upsetting. I don't mean that we don't want to think, just that we hate blasphemy.

Also, not all Christians refuse to accept science facts. For me they are in harmony with what I believe.

BTW, as far as I can remember, you are one of the kinder guys from the atheist/agnostic side. Thanks for that.

To Liddabet: The idea of hell has never played any role in my faith whatsoever. In fact, I went through a stage that I didn't accept it as the truth, and before that I never thought about it much. It's a complete misconception that all Christians are motivated by fear.

Answer 7

I do not believe that Christians are afraid of discussion for they already know the truth, Christians love to share that truth to all so discussions are always welcome..the thing being avoided is argumentation on proving who is right or wrong where all believe that they are right. True Christians stick to the Bible because it is their very life...what keeps them grounded is their love for God and for His word and once they become sidetracked from the Word of God...well...expect that Christian to weaken in his faith. Even the Bible has discouraged discussions that leads to debate or arguments for surely there will be no end to it nor acceptance. For the truth is always what the Bible says....try to understand why Christians love the Bible and obey it...mainly because they love God.

Answer 8

I'm a Christian. I believe in Truth. Let's discuss it. I won't block unless someone just starts ranting emotionally and stupidity evolves.(ha ha get it)? I have no problem saying ' I don't know' but I don't feel I have to prove anything. Just like to share what I believe that's all. There are lots of people and opinions out there. I know what God has done in my life. That's why I put my trust in Him. So if someone doesn't agree with me, then they don't agree. Although I have to say they don't know what their missing . There is nothing better knowing your forgiven.

Answer 9

U tell me how you go about blocking someones answer. How can I keep your answers from being viewed by others.

If you are talking about reporting, that does not get you blocked unless Yahoo Q|A agrees with the charge.

The strong request for proof is a 'here's back at you' for Atheists always demanding proof that God exists.

I don't need proof, my beliefs are unshakable. You may find that offensive, but I do not see a reason to debate what I know in my own mind to be true.

Greg, your point is well taken, I remember when it was believed that if man were to travel over 25 mph that he would disintegrate.

grace2u

Answer 10

And you suggest that those blocked atheists would give the truth to them?

Let's leave people alone who block us, and let's do not block people if there is no good reason for it. I think I have only two people blocked.

This place would be a better place if people respected each other more and did not read too much to questions and answers.

Answer 11

I don't think they're afraid of discussion or "the truth." Although I'm not an Atheist - (I'm a Religious Scientist) I've talked to a lot of them on here - and in life. In fact - I used to BE one (Catholic).

So many of the Atheists on here are not interested in discussing - they just want to mock. I guess that's why the Christians are not interested in discussion with them. I don't think it's a matter of fear.

As for truth - Christians have what they believe IS their truth - so they are not afraid of it.

What many of them ARE afraid of is hell. I believe that a lot of Christians live their lives out of fear. They believe that anyone who doesn't follow the bible will burn in hell - them included. Not much of a life, in my opinion.