i don't have any. lol
just wondering if someone did say this to you...
would you would listen with an open mind?
listen but assume the person didn't really have proof?
listen and then search for counter-arguments?
just not listen?
2007-11-13 09:57:27 · 35 answers · asked by JWill 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I always listen with an open mind, but it wouldn't make any difference in my life whether if God is proven to be real or not.
2007-11-13 10:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋
During fifty years of being both a strong atheist and anti-theist, I have read all the "proofs" that Christians have to offer. Nevertheless, if someone were really convinced they had something new and compelling to offer, I would certainly listen -- at least, until I figured out which of the same tired old arguments this particular believer was pushing. Then I would quietly drift off into my own thoughts, nodding my head and mumbling, "uh-huh" every once in awhile.
Truth be told, my few atheist friends have such a low opinion of theism they are absolutely unwilling to ever discuss anything having to do with religion. My numerous Christian neighbors are simply not trustworthy enough to be trusted with knowledge of my atheism. The only place where I am able and willing to discuss religion is this anonymous forum.
2007-11-13 10:29:55 · answer #2 · answered by Diogenes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not an atheist, I'm a Pagan, but I've been asked this question so many times by Christians that I'm simply tired of it. Whenever I *do* listen, it's the same old lame arguments based on faulty logic, manipulative emotionalism, and a lack of scientific understanding.
If I'm friends enough with somebody that I feel like tolerating this, I'll listen patiently for a while but then show them where the faults in their arguments are. If they're unwilling to discuss that, I can only conclude that they don't really care about an honest truth-finding investigation and I stop the conversation.
2007-11-13 10:05:59 · answer #3 · answered by kriosalysia 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I used to have a very Christian roommate, and people from his church, hearing that he had an atheist roommate, would come over to try to convert me. This happened four or five times. Every time, I would listen to them patiently and with an open mind, and when I heard them say something I disagreed with, I would say so. If someone has proof of God's existence, I'd like to hear it, but I suspect that I've heard it before and found it to be less of a good argument than the Christian thought it had been.
2007-11-13 10:03:16 · answer #4 · answered by Gary 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd love to see proof. To bad there isn't any at all. I would listen with an open mind, and then compare it to many other religions that came before THAT religion. I guess I'd just not listen.
2007-11-13 10:02:18 · answer #5 · answered by Buffy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If somebody were willing to offer what they felt was proof that was undeniable, I'd be willing to let them speak and would listen with an open mind.
They on the other hand would have to be open to the same thing when I started poking holes in their "proof".
2007-11-13 10:45:20 · answer #6 · answered by JavaJoe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've tried, but so far anyone who's said that starts out with "The Bible says...", which shuts down rational thought. Still willing to listen, though. I'd listen with an open mind, but not if they used philosophical rhetoric or circular questions.
2007-11-13 10:03:35 · answer #7 · answered by mommanuke 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would not only listen, I have been actively searching my entire life for someone, ANYONE who has proof for God's existence that doesn't start out with "The Bible says....."
I think I'll still be waiting a long time.
2007-11-13 10:02:27 · answer #8 · answered by Elizabeth J 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I would absolutely listen.
I'm not atheist because of any DESIRE for there not to be a God. (I don't desire either way...)
I'm atheist because I have no reason to believe in God. If someone could show me differently, then I would change my mind.
Unfortunately, I see many claims on here that someone has "proof" of God, or even better, that they have "scientific proof" of God. Then, when you read it, the poster clearly doesn't even know what "scientific" means, nor do they have a clue what "proof" is.
2007-11-13 10:02:09 · answer #9 · answered by Jess H 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course I would listen with an open mind. Having virtually no hope for your extended existance is pretty miserable, so if somebody could legitimitely prove to me that God is real, I would jump all over it. Sadly, though, nobody has really been able to as of yet, so it's kind of a waining idea quite frankly.
2007-11-13 10:04:14 · answer #10 · answered by Michael 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, but the proof would have to be substantial - not the mumbo jumbo you normally hear.
Perhaps if He was bought down to my house and knocked on my door and performed a miracle, saved all the starving people in the world, stopped all the sickness and misery and stopped all wars and created peace then I might change my mind.
2007-11-13 10:04:44 · answer #11 · answered by fijibabie 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋