Do you guys read atheist boards?

[Alien]

On behalf of India and all women everywhere,

[mossrose]

Now, THAT'S the proper response.......

[Bob Jenkins]

Seriously, I have wondered, and asked some, if non-theists spend as much time on other "religious" boards trying to convince them that they are wrong, as they do on Christian sites trying to convince us we are wrong. I have yet to receive an answer.

The answer is no, in general. The reason is (it was in my case at least) that even an atheist that was raised as an atheist, in our society knows quite a lot about Christianity and therefore feels capable of debating with Christians. This is not so much the case with other religions.

Another reason is that, as Christians tend to have a large influence politically (in the USA anyway), atheists often feel oppressed by them. (Yes, really). No-one thinks we are in danger of becoming a Buddhist theocracy anytime soon! (And please, no-one try to tell me that isn't true, I'm just talking about perceptions).

I have stopped trying to convince Christians that they are wrong by light of my TWeb experience; I have not the background nor scholarship to convincenly communicate what I have come to believe.. But more importantly, I now consider Christianity rather than being right or wrong to be an essential part of some people by providing identity and purpose. A persons self-worth and the peaceful maturity that goes along with that is a commonality that I can embrace. To one who is secure in thier person and in Christianity, it should be rather easy to recognize the same level of humanity I share with them.

I have to echo Alien's observation/perception about the societal influence of Christianity. For some Christians in society, the authority of Christ and the biblical Word is prime. While I will not contend with a persons belief, I do oppose some beliefs being forced (my word, my opinion only) on the rest of America. My authority is the secular US Constituition, the one I have defended and the one for which I will speak.

[mossrose]

Thanks, Bob. I appreciate your input to my question. And you know I appreciate you, yourself, very much!

[mrsticky005]

No, I don't. Atheist boards are a place for atheists to gather together and call Christians stupid and immoral and get a few LOLs out of it. However sometimes the boards get stale and dull because just as "not collecting stamps isn't a hobby" so is atheism
not really much to discuss besides "I don't believe in God and here's why." That's when they send "missionaries" over here
to troll these threads in the hope that someone will say something stupid (or at least apparently stupid) and then they
can go back to their own boards and have a good hearty laugh over whatever some dumb Christian thinks.

Of course I do imagine that some of the atheist board members are actually trying to have a rational discussion
of whether or not God exists. And there ARE atheists who frequent these threads because for whatever reason
they are interested in Christianity and want to know more. But visiting atheist boards is likely a waste of time.
They aren't there because they want to know about God. They are there because they hate God and those who love God.
I just stay here and discuss Christianity and if atheists want to join the threads then they are more than welcome to.
Even if it's just to troll it's nice for you to stop by.

To be fair I don't doubt there are many Christian boards that do the same. Avoid those as well. They are a waste of time.

[The Polimist]

Hey everyone.

Quick question to you all- do you read atheist message boards? I hear quite a few of you guys discussing what this or that atheist said over at II or some other atheist related site. Just curious- do you read them? Why? Do you participate or just lurk?

Absolutely! I have lurked at some, and then only responded at intelligent posts and commentaries. At others I never respond at because they have absolutely NO common decency. And there are others that I frequented quite often as a member, and a few that I am still a member at. But, for the most part, very few will tolerate a long running intelligent discussion on theological topics OR the empirical evidences for materialistic origins.

What amazes me, is the large amount of trolls from atheists sites, that come to Christian sites just to cause trouble. Or the many who come to Christian sites to recruit (atheistic missionaries if you will).

Don’t get me wrong, there are many atheists who are looking for answers, are curious, or are simply into friendly discussion. But they can be far and few between at times.