Why Atheists Debate With Theists

[nailit]

It was suggested in another thread that atheists who debate/contribute to R&S are obsessive and may require therapy. I cant speak for other non-believers but I can speak for myself.
I debate/contribute to R&S for the same reasons that the politically minded contribute to news, for the same reason that right wingers will debate left wingers. I have minimal interest in politics so don't often get involved in those debates. I also don't have much knowledge of politics but I do have some knowledge of religion and in particular the Bible. I am not obsessive, I have stated many times that I have fundamentalist Christian friends and that I work with Christians but the topic of faith/belief rarely crops up in day to day life and I rarely, if ever, think about it. But if questions of faith arise, I WILL, give my viewpoint - as I do on here.
I don't believe in God or some supernatural being, I don't believe in biblical prophecy and I don't believe in miracles...and will give my reasons why when asked. When the Bible is toted as truth I will give my reasons why I don't believe that. When the Bible is held up as a moral guide book I will say why it isn't.
Some people on here seem to have an 'obsessive' interest in other sections of the site. I wouldn't say that they needed 'therapy'. We all have our own interests and mine happens to be R&S mainly because its something that I know a little about.
Hope this helps ;-)

[SparklyKid]

I have never read a bible. I prefer the more believable works of fiction, say Harry Potter.

[Theland]

Khandro - Like me, you must have now realised how lazy some atheists are.
To enhance their self delusion that they are clever, they throw a question criticising God and the Bible and sit back waiting for believers to screw up.
In fact, every question they ask can be answered with a bit of Internet research, but they choose not to do it, preferring instead an attempt to embarrass believers.
I think they are insecure and searching but too hard necked and prideful to humble themselves and admit it

[Theland]

Sparkly kid - why the AVATAR note?
Anyway you stick to Harry Potter and continue to pontificate on the Bible you have never read!
What an admission.
Certainly not a bright spark are you?

[SparklyKid]

All your answers seem to emanate from the bible. An old book with no credibility at all.

[SparklyKid]

I only read and enjoy informative books, biographies etc. I am not interested in old works of fiction.

[SparklyKid]

I would suggest that the first bible readers believed the Earth to be flat, some still do.

[SparklyKid]

Bright enough not to be taken in by a work of utter fiction.

[Khandro]

Spaklykid; Your erudition & compelling assertions lead me to believe you have studied this matter deeply.

[SparklyKid]

Common sense works for me. Believing in a magic sky fairy is just plainly ludicrous.

[Theland]

Bright spark - you should spend a week in my monastery.

[SparklyKid]

What , listening to a load of old blokes in dresses chanting verses from
an ancient book of dubious origin, no thanks, pass on that.

Perhaps a convent to help father superior out with his "duties"

[Theland]

You would enjoy it.
Khandro likes it.

[SparklyKid]

That says it all.

[Mamyalynne]

I've tried to think this through - if I were happy in my atheism, would I seek out a discussion on religion and use it as a place to practise my lampooning and ridicule making wisecracks about fairies etc.

Perhaps I would try to enter into a sensible debate without the need for such mockery or conversely take up macrame or wood whittling (for example) as a new hobby for those boring parts of my day.


Just thinking it through.

[Theland]

"The Part Time Order Of The Socialising Saints."
Our prayer supper is a spread of chicken legs, sausage rolls, various butties and several cases of beer.
Worship is led by a different volunteer every week.

[Theland]

Mamya - How sensible and civilised.

[Mamyalynne]

Don't you start.

[SparklyKid]

Would it be acceptable to offer a sermon in praise of one of the many gods hailed in the past, Zeus eg ?

Stick to songs mammy,lol.

[Mamyalynne]

You may offer a sermon to whatever God you like in my view - with all due respect I'll stick to what I want to.

Thanks for the advice but u=not needed.

[Theland]

Mamya - your posts are always polite, never mocking or insensitive.
A good example to all.