Why don’t people simply answer questions?

Question

So many times I see an atheist ask, “Why are some or many Christians like this...”
Or I will see a Christian ask, “Why are some or many atheists like this...”

Either way, there will be host of responses like this:
The atheist: “I am an atheist and I am not like this!” with nothing more
The Christian: “I am a Christian and I am not like this!” with nothing more

It is absurd because:
The original asker (whether an atheist or Christian) did NOT ask:
“Why are YOU like this?” Or, “Is there anybody out there that is NOT like this?”
...making the above responses legitimate.

Why not, instead of getting defensive or taking it personally, answer like this:
“Well...I am an atheist (or a Christian), and I am not like this. However, I think some or many atheist (or Christians) are like that because so and so, etc.”
Or:
“Well...I am a Christian (or an atheist), and I am not like this. In fact, I don’t think many are like that, but you are misunderstanding this and that, etc...”

And MANY times the asker will even specifically state:
“I am NOT saying that ALL atheists or Christians are like this...”

And even right now...I am NOT saying that ALL people do this, but I see many who do.
...and this phenomenon is not limited to just atheists or just Christians...

So, can you simply answer this question?
...or are you just going to get defensive and/or say that you don’t do this (proving my point)?

(Of course, doing this in response to THIS question would be for the sake of humor...)

Answer 1

People, both Atheist and Christian, usually answer that way to deflect the question.

Answer 2

Well a lot of people think that others, especially women, take take things too personally.
But I'm a woman and I don't. So I need to nip that misconception in the bud when I hear it.

So what we are all trying to do here, the ones who answer like that ,is point out the fallacy in the question.

So I'm offended when you say it's my fault because I answer that way. It's clearly the questioner's fault.

Answer 3

I don't know about you, but I am beyond tired of all the atheist vs. Christian remarks. They both end up being more Nazi than anything else. We live in a country where so many people have fought and died for freedom. Religious freedom was how this country was originally started. If you want everybody to believe the same thing you missed the boat.

Answer 4

Most people asking these types of questions are looking to garner a "yes, you are right" answer. IF they were really looking for a deeper understanding of WHY someone actually does something they would explain their own reasonings for why they feel/believe/think the way they do and ask for opposing points of view to garner a better over-all view of the issue.

There you go--a complete and total answer to your question of why do people do this?

*But, if you read between the lines I'm only agreeing with you ; )

Answer 5

I wonder how often it is "for the sake of humor" and how often it is point-gaming. But I agree completely that if you are going to say "We are not all like that," you need to add some details. What is your evidence? What motivates those that are different? What is your understanding of those that ARE like the questioner asked?

Although, to be blunt, many of those questions are more rhetorical than real. They don't really want to know why, they are just making an assertion cloaked in the guise of a question.

Answer 6

But, but, but I am not like this.
I see the same thing... I guess oft time we see these responses because of the implied generality of these questions.
What I freqently see is "why do atheists (Christians) think or act or whatever this way?" the implication being that all are like this.

Answer 7

I think that some people (but not all) are just trying to get an easy 2 points!

I really don't have time to say any more than that since I am "on the clock" right now.

Blessings to you!

Answer 8

I think the reason why people don't simply answer the question is because it's often quicker and easier to type a "one liner" than it is to take time to give a thoughtful response. How's that? Did I do good?...LOL! ..... Blessings!

Answer 9

Some of us pagans think that all of this sparring that the atheists and christians do is for our entertainment so I hope they never figure out your question. We'd have to pick up our folding chairs and find someother bunch to watch......

Answer 10

Because most of the time these questions hit a sore spot with these people, so they answer by defending themselves or with a smart aleck response.