This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
hartfire · 61-69
I agree with you.
Sometimes, here on this site, I see creationist Christians trolling atheists, agnostics and non-Christian deists and theists. And vice versa.
I don't see it in my daily life.
There are two or three atheists who seem to think it is their mission and purpose to try to undermine faith in any kind of god.
I think a part of their reason for doing so is that they are alarmed by the influence of Creationists and Alt Right style ultra conservatives - the radical far right. These people have given huge support to Trump, racist causes, the gun lobby, anti-abortionists, homophobics and misogynists. They believe the wife must submit to the will of the husband in all matters. They object to the teaching of science in schools. In some cases, such as the Red Barn Baptists, they will let their children die rather than see a doctor to cure measles (see Wikipedia).
Many Christians on the moderate and liberal sides of faith are also alarmed by these trends.
Sometimes these two or three SW evangelists-of-atheism fall from arguments into abuse, like calling the believer stupid and ignorant.This can be a mistake; some believers are erudite and very bright.
It's a huge mistake to abuse anyone for anything they believe. Most people are deeply identified with their their beliefs; they think "I am a Christian", not "I am not my beliefs". Thus, any attack on their belief is experienced emotionally as a direct attack on themselves. It raises adrenaline, literally exactly as if someone had threatened or assaulted them with a knife. It's a stupid way to try to persuade anyone of anything.
If someone has such a passion to try to shift another's thinking, they need to engage with the specifics, the detail.
Or even better, the atheist/agnostic should strive to actively help others at every opportunity. Demonstrate kindness, honesty and open-mindedness towards everyone. There is nothing more persuasive than living a good life that benefits others.
There are many Christians who support social justice and welfare, and actively work in those fields. They are predominantly kind, gentle, honest and decent people who walk their talk. If faith actually helps a person to live a better life and be happier, more constructive and more hopeful, there should be no reason to criticise them.
The majority of atheists have a preference for scientific evidence and logic but also have a strong value favouring freedom of thought and belief. 99.9% are not trolls.
Sometimes, here on this site, I see creationist Christians trolling atheists, agnostics and non-Christian deists and theists. And vice versa.
I don't see it in my daily life.
There are two or three atheists who seem to think it is their mission and purpose to try to undermine faith in any kind of god.
I think a part of their reason for doing so is that they are alarmed by the influence of Creationists and Alt Right style ultra conservatives - the radical far right. These people have given huge support to Trump, racist causes, the gun lobby, anti-abortionists, homophobics and misogynists. They believe the wife must submit to the will of the husband in all matters. They object to the teaching of science in schools. In some cases, such as the Red Barn Baptists, they will let their children die rather than see a doctor to cure measles (see Wikipedia).
Many Christians on the moderate and liberal sides of faith are also alarmed by these trends.
Sometimes these two or three SW evangelists-of-atheism fall from arguments into abuse, like calling the believer stupid and ignorant.This can be a mistake; some believers are erudite and very bright.
It's a huge mistake to abuse anyone for anything they believe. Most people are deeply identified with their their beliefs; they think "I am a Christian", not "I am not my beliefs". Thus, any attack on their belief is experienced emotionally as a direct attack on themselves. It raises adrenaline, literally exactly as if someone had threatened or assaulted them with a knife. It's a stupid way to try to persuade anyone of anything.
If someone has such a passion to try to shift another's thinking, they need to engage with the specifics, the detail.
Or even better, the atheist/agnostic should strive to actively help others at every opportunity. Demonstrate kindness, honesty and open-mindedness towards everyone. There is nothing more persuasive than living a good life that benefits others.
There are many Christians who support social justice and welfare, and actively work in those fields. They are predominantly kind, gentle, honest and decent people who walk their talk. If faith actually helps a person to live a better life and be happier, more constructive and more hopeful, there should be no reason to criticise them.
The majority of atheists have a preference for scientific evidence and logic but also have a strong value favouring freedom of thought and belief. 99.9% are not trolls.