Christians and Athiests - Mutual Respect?

Question

I recently posted a question describing the nastiness I have been seeing from Athiests. I received some rude answers, but I also received many well thought out and mature responses. There was also a general trend of answers saying that they were tired of being told they would burn in Hell, that they were doomed, and the "believe or else" clause.

If you are a Christian and threatening people, bad form. Jesus taught with gentle persuasion, using reason, parables, and a very fundamental knowledge of human nature. He gave people the choice to believe. Remember, whether you believe in Hell or not, it isn't an effective persuasion method to someone who doesn't even believe in God OR the Devil. Duh. So, maybe we can cut out the whole Brimstone and Fire conversion method? As grandmas always say, you can draw more flies with honey. Talk about why you believe, not why someone else should. Don't say athiest = stupid. Many are very intelligent.

Mutual respect everyone. Try it!

Thanks for the replies everyone. I apologize for my misspelling. Oops.

By mutual respect, I don't mean buy the other sides line. However, a mature discussion of beliefs leads to a respect of the other side. You can learn so much from others without "you will go to Hell" on one side or the "you're an idiot if you believe in that god stuff" on the other. That isn't learning. That's akin to two kids saying, "My dad can beat up your dad"!

Jocko, you need to have conversations with people who don't have avatars like you described.

Canada, you are comparing non religious organizations (Real Christians oppose both) to their oppressed group? That's not an arguement. Also, zombies and talking mules? I understand the homophobia comment, but the Bible and Christianity has its own set of bilaws, like any corporation. You don't need to join if you don't agree, but even the members tend not to agree on everything. Blind faith is just blind, Canada.

We're going for rational arguements and compelling logic, not hate mongering in either direction.

Answer 1

Mutual? I think not, but as a believer I am to respect all other people as a creature of God and therefore, for the most part, try to be at least polite when I respond to some of the less intelligent monologues that we are subjected to on a regular basis.

If I have been rude, I sincerely apologize and request forgiveness.

Answer 2

>Christians and Athiests - Mutual Respect?

Respecting christians isn't a real problem. There are lots of christians who are kind people and look out for others and so on. The hard part is respecting their beliefs. A person and a person's beliefs are two different things, and often you can have a kind, reasonable person who still holds ridiculous beliefs...or, for that matter, an evil, selfish person who has (at least some) rational beliefs.

>There was also a general trend of answers saying that they were tired of being told they would burn in Hell, that they were doomed, and the "believe or else" clause.

We're tired of a lot of flawed arguments on the part of the theists, and that's only one of them. It's kind of aggravating when it seems that people haven't learned why so many of these arguments don't work (the 'believe or else' argument among them). Of course, not all theists do this, but too many of them do, and sometimes it's hard to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.

>Remember, whether you believe in Hell or not, it isn't an effective persuasion method to someone who doesn't even believe in God OR the Devil. Duh. So, maybe we can cut out the whole Brimstone and Fire conversion method?

Exactly! At least somebody understands why that argument fails. :)

Answer 3

Yeah, that sounds good.
My problem is that the whole "he started it" argument is complete BS. I have never told anyone that they are going to hell. I don't even believe in hell. But over the course of two hours last night, I was told that I was stupid, retarded, uneducated, bigoted, racist, a Nazi, a child abuser, illogical, and irrational. And, of course, every one of those posts received thumbs-up after thumbs-up, including the one posted by a guy whose avatar was a close-up shot of an erect penis.

Answer 4

There's a first. Even though I'm not an athiest, I still find some of the questions by so called Christians disturbing. You know the whole "I think I'm saved so I'm better than you" attitude is getting a little thin.

Answer 5

Agreed be wise to outsiders giving the hope that is in you yet with gentleness and reverence, some on both sides vert abusive lets talk about differences not cram it down anyones throat!

Answer 6

I like you, you're cool.

I absolutely agree, but any sort of respect or 'peace' between atheists and Christians would be as shaky as a house of cards- one idiot response from either side and the whole thing comes tumbling down.

Alas, the most we can do from either side is lead by example.

Answer 7

Jesus was not a "gentle teacher' he was a person of great knowledge. That being said - to believe that one belief is superior is erroneous at best. As a community we must all come to truth - that truth will lead us to the real teachings of ... when you see the truth name is insignificant. and all that is left is ...

Answer 8

I'm glad to see someone with sense and honor here, regardless of religion, after reading many responses to questions in this section. Thank you.

Answer 9

I respect everyone. I love the fact that there are many people with different beliefs on here. I have several atheist friends on here. They are nice and respect my Christianity and I respect their beliefs. Thanks for sharing though.

Answer 10

Well, as they say in the military, there are two things that you may not discuss, politics and religion, they are very sensitive and I respect evryones decision and opinions