What do you *REALLY* think of Atheists?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

OP here. In what way am I high drama?

[Anonymous]

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.

Some key points:

The origin of Santa was NOT a coca cola ad:

https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus

"The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey."

So, that legend is old also....

You can't use "the holy scriptures" as proof that your documents are divine. That is circular reasoning.

"Circular reasoning (Latin: circulus in probando, "circle in proving"; also known as circular logic) is a logical fallacy in which the reasoner begins with what they are trying to end with."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_reasoning#

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Some key points:

The origin of Santa was NOT a coca cola ad:

https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus

"The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey."

So, that legend is old also....

You can't use "the holy scriptures" as proof that your documents are divine. That is circular reasoning.

"Circular reasoning (Latin: circulus in probando, "circle in proving"; also known as circular logic) is a logical fallacy in which the reasoner begins with what they are trying to end with."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_reasoning#

Not sure how you missed pp's language around "faith" in holy scriptures. PP never said it's proof. They're distinguishing between 1. faith and 2. historical evidence about St. Nicholas or Coca Cola ads, whichever you want.

faith: belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/faith

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Funny, because I told my kid about the tooth fairy kind of off-handedly, and he got really into it, always asking me about the tooth fairy. I actually ended up telling him multiple times that I was the tooth fairy and there was no real tooth fairy, and he didn't believe me.

[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.

thoughtful, respectful atheists = those who are quiet and/or defer to religious beliefs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

thoughtful, respectful atheists = those who are quiet and/or defer to religious beliefs.

Literally nobody but you has said that. Many have said the opposite.

Your martyr complex is pathetic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

thoughtful, respectful atheists = those who are quiet and/or defer to religious beliefs.

Literally nobody but you has said that. Many have said the opposite.

Your martyr complex is pathetic.

Believers think it’s disrespectful to compare Santa and god. They want other people to defer to their religious beliefs.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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.

Nobody here has tried to convince people to change teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

thoughtful, respectful atheists = those who are quiet and/or defer to religious beliefs.

Literally nobody but you has said that. Many have said the opposite.

Your martyr complex is pathetic.

Believers think it’s disrespectful to compare Santa and god. They want other people to defer to their religious beliefs.

You keep trolling and everybody who reads you drops their opinion of atheists another notch. Do you think you're having a good impact?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Conversations you have with your family are different than conversations you have with anonymous people on DCUM.

We can be more honest here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Nobody here has tried to convince people to change teams.

All the nonsense about Santa vs. faith is absolutely atheists hijacking the thread to try to convince people to change teams. But, you're so transparently trolling that you're not convincing anybody to join your team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

thoughtful, respectful atheists = those who are quiet and/or defer to religious beliefs.

Literally nobody but you has said that. Many have said the opposite.

Your martyr complex is pathetic.

Believers think it’s disrespectful to compare Santa and god. They want other people to defer to their religious beliefs.

You keep trolling and everybody who reads you drops their opinion of atheists another notch. Do you think you're having a good impact?

So do believers think it’s disrespectful for non-believers to compare Santa and god? You want us to acquiesce to your beliefs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Some key points:

The origin of Santa was NOT a coca cola ad:

https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus

"The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey."

So, that legend is old also....

You can't use "the holy scriptures" as proof that your documents are divine. That is circular reasoning.

"Circular reasoning (Latin: circulus in probando, "circle in proving"; also known as circular logic) is a logical fallacy in which the reasoner begins with what they are trying to end with."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_reasoning#

m

I think you are confusing Sinter Klaas with Santa Clause.

The Dutch Sinter Klaas tradition is based on Saint Nicolas but the modern depiction of Santa Clause referenced was first popularized in 19th century poem the night before Christmas and the current popular imagery was first conceived by Coca Cola.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Conversations you have with your family are different than conversations you have with anonymous people on DCUM.

We can be more honest here.

OP here. Yes. I suppose that's why I raised my question here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Nobody here has tried to convince people to change teams.

All the nonsense about Santa vs. faith is absolutely atheists hijacking the thread to try to convince people to change teams. But, you're so transparently trolling that you're not convincing anybody to join your team.

Pointing out similarities between Santa and god could make someone stop believing in god.

Really? I call BS.