What do you *REALLY* think of Atheists?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

Not the pp, but I would imagine the same as any other human does. Be charitable, help others. Don't judge and be respectful of other religious beliefs other than your own etc...

I think being respectful has a different meaning for people of various religions than it has for people who don't believe. In their case it means pretend you believe in God.

Lol - No they don't! Respectful atheists state they don't believe (if asked) but don't try and force their lack of belief on those that clearly do have a faith or say they are wrong about the existence of God. You can state your own beliefs without offending others about theirs....Being respectful works the same for all humans.

How about when a religious person tells another person of a different religion about their different beliefs? Is that OK? What if someone gets offended? Is it the fault of the person who mentioned their different belief?

You keep missing the point, no doubt deliberately.

Being respectful works the same for everybody, atheists and all religions alike. Go ahead and identify your faith or atheism. Ask questions. Don’t compare their belief in ways they’ve told you a gazillion times is offensive and dumb.

Why is this so hard to understand?

Then why do some believers get all huffy/puffy and claim people are playing ”gotcha games”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

FIL probably doesn't care that you're an atheist, but wishes you weren't so high drama.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

Not the pp, but I would imagine the same as any other human does. Be charitable, help others. Don't judge and be respectful of other religious beliefs other than your own etc...

I think being respectful has a different meaning for people of various religions than it has for people who don't believe. In their case it means pretend you believe in God.

Lol - No they don't! Respectful atheists state they don't believe (if asked) but don't try and force their lack of belief on those that clearly do have a faith or say they are wrong about the existence of God. You can state your own beliefs without offending others about theirs....Being respectful works the same for all humans.

How about when a religious person tells another person of a different religion about their different beliefs? Is that OK? What if someone gets offended? Is it the fault of the person who mentioned their different belief?

You keep missing the point, no doubt deliberately.

Being respectful works the same for everybody, atheists and all religions alike. Go ahead and identify your faith or atheism. Ask questions. Don’t compare their belief in ways they’ve told you a gazillion times is offensive and dumb.

Why is this so hard to understand?

Then why do some believers get all huffy/puffy and claim people are playing ”gotcha games”?

^ they get offended simply by rational discussion.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

Not PP, but
- Don’t insist we argue about faith 24/7. We’re never going to agree, because that’s the nature of faith. While we enjoy explaining our faith sometimes, you insisting we engage with your atheism every time your visit (my BIL) or on DCUM 24/7 is exhausting and pointless. You’re not going to change our minds.
- Go ahead and challenge the basis of faith, but don’t do it by making insulting comparisons to things like Santa Claus.
- Don’t be a bigot who paints all religious people as right wing-nuts and all pastors/rabbis/ministers/priests as pedos.

I’m sure there’s more, but this is off the top of my head based on hourly atheist behavior from n DCUM.

What is insulting about comparing god to Santa Claus? They have a lot in common, as outlined earlier. It doesn't mean that they are the same, but, having supernatural powers, they do have similarities. So do the tooth fairy and the ancient Greek and Roman gods.

You’ve been told this is insulting and you’ve been told why—because it ignores faith.

So very typical of some atheists. And you wonder why nobody likes you…..

Kids have faith in Santa. I was good, so Santa would bring me gifts. I also once had faith in God. My life has been good - with and without God, and Santa. Why be insulted by the comparison? God is supposedly capable of doing more than Santa, but they both do good things and the toys that Santa brought were tangible.

We’ve identified the many commonalities. It’s a legit comparison.

[Anonymous]

IME It's those who have no faith who are the ones with the strong opinions which they can't stop sharing. IMO Atheists are insufferable.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

Not PP, but
- Don’t insist we argue about faith 24/7. We’re never going to agree, because that’s the nature of faith. While we enjoy explaining our faith sometimes, you insisting we engage with your atheism every time your visit (my BIL) or on DCUM 24/7 is exhausting and pointless. You’re not going to change our minds.
- Go ahead and challenge the basis of faith, but don’t do it by making insulting comparisons to things like Santa Claus.
- Don’t be a bigot who paints all religious people as right wing-nuts and all pastors/rabbis/ministers/priests as pedos.

I’m sure there’s more, but this is off the top of my head based on hourly atheist behavior from n DCUM.

What is insulting about comparing god to Santa Claus? They have a lot in common, as outlined earlier. It doesn't mean that they are the same, but, having supernatural powers, they do have similarities. So do the tooth fairy and the ancient Greek and Roman gods.

You’ve been told this is insulting and you’ve been told why—because it ignores faith.

So very typical of some atheists. And you wonder why nobody likes you…..

Kids have faith in Santa. I was good, so Santa would bring me gifts. I also once had faith in God. My life has been good - with and without God, and Santa. Why be insulted by the comparison? God is supposedly capable of doing more than Santa, but they both do good things and the toys that Santa brought were tangible.

We’ve identified the many commonalities. It’s a legit comparison.

And believers have given you one big reason why these have nothing in common: faith in holy scriptures vs a Coca Cola add. Which to anybody but a troll would be dispositive.

Yet you continue to ignore it.

Troll much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IME It's those who have no faith who are the ones with the strong opinions which they can't stop sharing. IMO Atheists are insufferable.

It’s the atheists with no job or social life who are insufferable and hate-trolling here 24/7.

I know thoughtful, respectful atheists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do I think of atheists?

I think/know that some of them hate-troll DCUM 24/7/365 deliberately insulting people of faith, hijacking threads like this one to insult faith, and arguing in bad faith by gish galloping and ignoring all attempts to have a respectful back and forth.

I think they must be emotionally stunted and probably in poor physical condition from being glued to their laptops all day.

Gosh gallop.

Do you get paid every time you use that phrase? You must be loaded.

So wreck my finances and stop gish galloping.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

Not the pp, but I would imagine the same as any other human does. Be charitable, help others. Don't judge and be respectful of other religious beliefs other than your own etc...

I think being respectful has a different meaning for people of various religions than it has for people who don't believe. In their case it means pretend you believe in God.

Lol - No they don't! Respectful atheists state they don't believe (if asked) but don't try and force their lack of belief on those that clearly do have a faith or say they are wrong about the existence of God. You can state your own beliefs without offending others about theirs....Being respectful works the same for all humans.

How about when a religious person tells another person of a different religion about their different beliefs? Is that OK? What if someone gets offended? Is it the fault of the person who mentioned their different belief?

You keep missing the point, no doubt deliberately.

Being respectful works the same for everybody, atheists and all religions alike. Go ahead and identify your faith or atheism. Ask questions. Don’t compare their belief in ways they’ve told you a gazillion times is offensive and dumb.

Why is this so hard to understand?

Big plus one - basic EQ stuff that has nothing to do with religious beliefs …

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IME It's those who have no faith who are the ones with the strong opinions which they can't stop sharing. IMO Atheists are insufferable.

It’s the atheists with no job or social life who are insufferable and hate-trolling here 24/7.

I know thoughtful, respectful atheists.

Me too many - it is not an issue at all for many of us.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

I'm the OP and it wasn't me who asked. Another poster (AP?).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Children stop believing in Santa because their parents tell them the truth. Children grow up and continue to believe in god because no one told them the truth when they were little. As adults they might start questioning or might not. It’s called indoctrination.

No, not true. Children will stop believing in Santa by the teen years whether you tell them or not. I never told mine, and he just realized it on his own. He doesn't believe in God either, though, and I never told him God wasn't real. Although I never wrapped Christmas presents and said they were from God.

OP here. Well this is interesting. I never told my kid about Santa, we just didn't do the whole thing. But we did do the Tooth Fairy. When DS asked me what the Tooth Fairy looks like I said "she's 5/7, has brown hair and she loves you very much" so I couldn't keep it going.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

OP here. I think (maybe more hope) that the answer would be they accept that what you believe is what you have chosen as the best choice for you and they don't try to talk you out of it or criticize your choices.

When my in-laws come over for dinner they pray before they eat. We don't pray, but we don't start eating until they're done with their prayer. Giving them a moment to do that without rushing them because we don't do it is something I hope they see as a sign of respect for their beliefs/choices.

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Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

Sorry - the above is not atheists bashing God -- just someone expressing their very cogent views. You don't believe it? fine.

Sadly , some Christians react badly to having their beliefs challenged.

DP. Oh for the love of God stop hate trolling with the twists of logic and ad hominems. You’re everything people think of when they say they don’t like dealing with atheists.

Tell me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems without telling me you don’t know logic or the meaning of ad hominems.

^^ non-answer to a completely accurate charge. This is an example of why DCUM's atheists have such a bad rap.

It’s completely INaccurate.

There were no twist of logic or ad hominens. PP should learn the meaning of words before trying to throw them out as insults.

PP had a good point: certain atheists in this forum create an unpleasant vibe in the religion forum and are unnecessarily defensive, patronizing and aggressive. They definitely do give atheists a bad rap.

I agree. Not all atheists here are hate trolling and aggressively defensive and patronizing, and not all gish gallop through threads deflecting and derailing.

But there are two, maybe more, atheists here who hate troll 24/7, basically all the time. They absolutely drown out the thoughtful, respectful atheists. It’s understandable that they color, negatively, the perception of DCUM’s atheists.

Very well said.

I welcome insights from thoughtful respectful atheists. No one has a monopoly on truth.

Can you give some examples what you consider insights from "thoughtful, respectful atheists?" In your opinion, what would be a thoughtful or respectful insight about religion coming from an atheist?

Questions and tone that suggest a genuine desire to understand/ appreciate different beliefs rather than play Gotcha games with them.

AKA share facts

Exhibit A - no buddy your beliefs are not facts they are your opinion.

No, when we discuss facts, there will be a point where PP has no valid response and therefore claims “gotcha games”. This has happened on multiple threads.

OP (I think) asked me what I would I consider to be thoughtful respectful dialogue and I answered honestly.

You hijacked the reply with derogatory nonsense that theists can’t handle facts.

I know many scientists in both my family and friend group who are devoted theists as well. They illuminate different parts of reality and are Not necessarily in conflict.

Carry on spewing your nonsense that theists cower before your superior grasp of reality but you really are deluding yourself.

And we also have atheists/ agnostics in our extended family and friend circle but thankfully they are kind and respectful.

How do the atheists and agnostics that you know show that they are kind and respectful?

Not the pp, but I would imagine the same as any other human does. Be charitable, help others. Don't judge and be respectful of other religious beliefs other than your own etc...

I think being respectful has a different meaning for people of various religions than it has for people who don't believe. In their case it means pretend you believe in God.

Lol - No they don't! Respectful atheists state they don't believe (if asked) but don't try and force their lack of belief on those that clearly do have a faith or say they are wrong about the existence of God. You can state your own beliefs without offending others about theirs....Being respectful works the same for all humans.

How about when a religious person tells another person of a different religion about their different beliefs? Is that OK? What if someone gets offended? Is it the fault of the person who mentioned their different belief?

OP here. I think it entirely depends on context and tone. I cheer for team ABC and think they're the best team. You cheer for XYX team and have counter points and believe that your team is the best. This can be a respectful conversation without one fan trying to make the other change their allegiance to their team. I realize that when it comes to religion believers think the stakes are higher (the non-believer goes to hell) so I don't mean to make light of it, just to show that a respectful conversation could go like this. I know I won't try to talk a Cowboys fan out of cheering for their team (those are some die-hard fans) so I won't even try. You do you.