Why did "Why so many Atheists" thread got deleted?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

The OP asked “why are you here?”. I answered for myself. Am I supposed to answer for others?

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

I did directly answer OP. A couple of times.

What did you say?

[Anonymous]

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:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

The OP asked “why are you here?”. I answered for myself. Am I supposed to answer for others?

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

I did directly answer OP. A couple of times.

What did you say?

I said OP’s premise was wrong. Atheists aren’t “on” the Religion board. I ignore most Religious topics but get drawn in by atheist-hater threads and posts. I post on Religion threads to address those posts. That’s why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

After the straight-up atheist trolling and proselytizing, this form of derailment (and pp isn’t the only atheist doing it) is the biggest impediment to having discussions in the religion forum, IMO. PP’s obliviousness to the fact that she’s off-topic is symptomatic. Others may be doing it to proselytize. Whatever. No, not every religion thread can or should be a vehicle for “why I’m an atheist.” Some of us are on the thread because we’re interested in the thread topic.

Disagree that removing the forum from Hot Topics will help. Only atheists seem to be pushing for that, and the religous folks think it will be useless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

I'm sorry, but that is rather ridiculous. It's a thread asking about Atheist reasons for taking in interest in religious subjects, and for most people, their personal background and history is very relevant.

Clearly there were people of faith that came to post in that thread, even though the question was not asked to them. Are you similarly calling them out for their lack of adequate response to the thread? Since the question wasn't even asked to them in the first place?

[Anonymous]

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:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

The OP asked “why are you here?”. I answered for myself. Am I supposed to answer for others?

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

I did directly answer OP. A couple of times.

What did you say?

I said OP’s premise was wrong. Atheists aren’t “on” the Religion board. I ignore most Religious topics but get drawn in by atheist-hater threads and posts. I post on Religion threads to address those posts. That’s why.

Op here - you do not speak truth. You lie. Anyone can go to Religion forum now and can see that there are no atheist-hating threads. In fact, 99% of atheist threads are started by atheists themselves. I was the first person ever to start a conversation about atheist hostility on the forum by asking what compels atheists to relentlessly derail all topics. Again, I stand by by my request to Mr. Steele to create two separate forums: Atheism and Belief forum.

[Anonymous]

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:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

The OP asked “why are you here?”. I answered for myself. Am I supposed to answer for others?

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

I did directly answer OP. A couple of times.

What did you say?

Different poster who did answer, but why does it matter now? No answer was "good enough."

Now the.... discussion... continues here.

FWIW, part of my answer had to do with questions regarding others who do believe. I don't know how it wad worded.

I did go on that forum to ask questions, respectfully, a few times. One thread gave me the answers, one ended up with pretty much a "Why do you care"? attitude. Before anyone can get into the lines about why ask questions if I'm confident in my beliefs: because others I know and love are believers, and I was trying to understand things from that perspective.

I, for one, am glad they have the comfort their faith gives them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

I'm sorry, but that is rather ridiculous. It's a thread asking about Atheist reasons for taking in interest in religious subjects, and for most people, their personal background and history is very relevant.

Clearly there were people of faith that came to post in that thread, even though the question was not asked to them. Are you similarly calling them out for their lack of adequate response to the thread? Since the question wasn't even asked to them in the first place?

My issue is that you guys give “Why I’m an atheist” on practically every thread on the Religion forum. Not just the deleted thread. Some of you are oblivious, and others are proselytizing. Both ways, the threads get derailed.

Please explain your issue with giving direct answers to thread questions. And why OPs asking why you’re here, or where to take the kids for Christmas services, would be interested in your path to atheism. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

I'm sorry, but that is rather ridiculous. It's a thread asking about Atheist reasons for taking in interest in religious subjects, and for most people, their personal background and history is very relevant.

Clearly there were people of faith that came to post in that thread, even though the question was not asked to them. Are you similarly calling them out for their lack of adequate response to the thread? Since the question wasn't even asked to them in the first place?

My issue is that you guys give “Why I’m an atheist” on practically every thread on the Religion forum. Not just the deleted thread. Some of you are oblivious, and others are proselytizing. Both ways, the threads get derailed.

Please explain your issue with giving direct answers to thread questions. And why OPs asking why you’re here, or where to take the kids for Christmas services, would be interested in your path to atheism. TIA.

You first.

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with asking where to take kids for Christmas services?

Some parents want to let their kids decide for themselves. Either way.

[Anonymous]

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:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

The OP asked “why are you here?”. I answered for myself. Am I supposed to answer for others?

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

I did directly answer OP. A couple of times.

What did you say?

Different poster who did answer, but why does it matter now? No answer was "good enough."

Now the.... discussion... continues here.

FWIW, part of my answer had to do with questions regarding others who do believe. I don't know how it wad worded.

I did go on that forum to ask questions, respectfully, a few times. One thread gave me the answers, one ended up with pretty much a "Why do you care"? attitude. Before anyone can get into the lines about why ask questions if I'm confident in my beliefs: because others I know and love are believers, and I was trying to understand things from that perspective.

I, for one, am glad they have the comfort their faith gives them.

I actually said on that thread that I’d be happy to go out for a drink with several of the more thoughtful atheists. Unfortunately there were only 3-4 sincere AND constructive atheist responses. (“Why I’m an atheist” pp may have been sincere but she still doesn’t get why she’s off-topic.) I do appreciate your participation and that of the other 2-3 who made an effort.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of thoughtful replies and responses from Atheists.

It did devolve into "I don't believe you, here's why you're really here" completely ignoring those responses, and presuming bad intent.

There were at least a couple responses by people of faith that actually read and understood the atheist responses, but it was overrun by (some) people so insecure in their faith that they couldn't digest alternative ideas or viewpoints.

Please. The atheist responses on that thread are easily categorized.
1. Let me ignore the thread topic and tell you why I’m an atheist
2. Oh goodie, another chance to troll believers
3. If you don’t like my bad behavior, it’s because you’re insecure in your faith, not because my derailments and trolling are making it impossible to have a conversation (see above).
4. Some thoughtful replies by atheists that could be counted on one hand.

Only a tiny percent of the atheist participants on that thread actually wanted to join a discussion on the thread topic. Wish the moderator had left it up so this would be evident.

Case in point.

Exactly.

Wish the thread were still up so people could read exactly how you guys behaved on it.

I behaved fine in it, I responded to OP's question, I engaged in zero name calling. And now I'm being told again, "I don't believe you, here's what really happened" as pp proved by being dismissive again. Some people are so resistant to hearing differing ideas, that they immediately assume mal intent.

So many of you think that ”behave fine” means responding to every and all thread topics with, “I’m an atheist because...” and “religion is fairy tales.” Wish that thread were still up so we could see this in action.

What's wrong with someone telling you why they're an atheists? It was pertinent to OP's question. For me, I mentioned that I take an interest in religion because I come from a mixed religious background/family, and it caused rifts in our family. And that I find the "loyalty" to a particular religion, or how people draw their conclusions, interesting. It's personal and not disconnected from my own identification to being an atheist. I truly fall to understand how someone's anecdote is irrelevant - it's *completely* relevant.

As for the latter, I did not read every post (but like 75% of them) and I never, ever saw someone post "religion is fairy tales."

What I did repeatedly read, are a lot people lump summing Atheists as one lump, monolithic other, and not responding to people individually. You can see that in this thread as well.

The thread question was “why are you here?” It wasn’t “why are you an atheist?” If the answer is, “I’m here because I want to talk about myself,” or “I’m here because I’m proselytizing for atheism,” then you need to own that, and respond directly to the thread question.

This happens every day on so many threads, where some subset of atheists thinks the answer to any question is to talk about themselves.

The OP asked “why are you here?”. I answered for myself. Am I supposed to answer for others?

You didn’t answer the thread question. Your answer, apparently, is “I come to the Religion forum to talk about my atheism.” Which would have been a fine, appropriate answer if you had given it. Can you see the difference?

The upshot is that so many religion threads get clogged with “I’m going to tell you why I’m an atheist” no matter what the thread topic is.

Nobody has asked you to respond for others.

I did directly answer OP. A couple of times.

What did you say?

Different poster who did answer, but why does it matter now? No answer was "good enough."

Now the.... discussion... continues here.

FWIW, part of my answer had to do with questions regarding others who do believe. I don't know how it wad worded.

I did go on that forum to ask questions, respectfully, a few times. One thread gave me the answers, one ended up with pretty much a "Why do you care"? attitude. Before anyone can get into the lines about why ask questions if I'm confident in my beliefs: because others I know and love are believers, and I was trying to understand things from that perspective.

I, for one, am glad they have the comfort their faith gives them.

I actually said on that thread that I’d be happy to go out for a drink with several of the more thoughtful atheists. Unfortunately there were only 3-4 sincere AND constructive atheist responses. (“Why I’m an atheist” pp may have been sincere but she still doesn’t get why she’s off-topic.) I do appreciate your participation and that of the other 2-3 who made an effort.

Yes... I did see your post and appreciate it.

See, everyone? We're not all out to bash each other.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Some of the atheist expressions are like a broken record:

"I don't believe in organized religion"

"Religious people here are crazy cakes"

"Religious nutcase"

"You religious people have Stockholm Syndrome"

"It's a fairytale" (insert whatever religious practice)

and all time favorite "There is no god".

We get it. You don't believe. It is fascinating that you have uncontrolled need to explain and expound your atheism on every single thread, even though one of you started a thread about what led you to atheism
I asked you to explain why you have that compulsion to explain your atheism and put down every believer.
We almost got somewhere before the thread was deleted.
I would like Mr. Steele to create tow separate forums: Atheism and Belief.

[Anonymous]

^^two

[Anonymous]

I think y’all are misconstruing the Religion forum as being the Christian forum. It’s all kinds of religions, many of which don’t align with Christian doctrines. So there is a possibility that it’s not solely atheists coming in threads debating topics debunking theories and derailing threads, hell it could very well be Buddhists or Hindus or Jews or Muslims or Taoists confronting commenters. Why the presumption that it’s only atheists up to no good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think y’all are misconstruing the Religion forum as being the Christian forum. It’s all kinds of religions, many of which don’t align with Christian doctrines. So there is a possibility that it’s not solely atheists coming in threads debating topics debunking theories and derailing threads, hell it could very well be Buddhists or Hindus or Jews or Muslims or Taoists confronting commenters. Why the presumption that it’s only atheists up to no good?

Op here - you are wrong. Someone with a belief in reincarnation was told that they have Stockholm Syndrome. Muslims have also fled the forum long ago. It's all around. The compulsive need that atheists have to bash faith and belief. That's why I think they should have their own forum.