I often see a lot of complaints from religious people that atheists and people of other non-religious world-views have no business asking questions or making comments here. Surely this is a place where anyone can ask or answer a question, Religion & spirituality is not a topic reserved just for people who are pro religion is it? think about it.
128867
anyone should be allowed to state an answer, no matter what the believe or don't belive, its called freedom of speach
84656
Normally I would just post a link to the previous answer, but I want to be sure that you read this, so I'm going to cut and paste my answer from a previous post that I made:\n\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=Ah9yXNiCcb0dEXnmauCUf58jzKIX?qid=1006021512780\n\nThe question was: Why do so many athiests, agnostics, pagans, and other assorted scoffers show up on the religion thread?\n\nHere is the answer I gave:I know that I have written several responses to this question. However, I now have too many answers to sort through and find the ones I'm thinking of. (New features needed!)\n\nSo, I'll start from scratch.\n\nFirst of all, I resent being lumped in with "assorted scoffers." I believe that I have been nothing but curteous to the people of faith here. I openly deny their belief-system. They openly deny mine. That's fine. We have, however, engaged in some very respectful debate, much to the benefit (I hope) of both sides. I know that my beliefs have not changed, but my preconceptions about young-Earth Christians have been shattered by some of the people I have found here. I think that they are wrong, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debate with them without resorting to name-calling or rudeness.\n\nGranted, this requires an openness on both our parts. I think that their faith is "wrong." They think that my lack of faith is "wrong." This is where most people get hung up and debate can go no further. If someone disagreeing with you is "offensive," you're stuck. Once you accept this disagreement, you are quite free to exchange ideas. This is what I have found here (for the most part.)\n\nAs for why I spend so much time in the religion and spirituality forum, I see faith as playing a huge role in the lives of everyone in the world, be they moderate Muslims, fundamentalist Christians, Pagans, or Atheists like myself.\n\nIn my supposedly free country I see gays discriminated against due to faith. People who would never think of using the N-word openly hate and criticize homosexuals for what they are, not who they are. \n\nI see medical advances that could help millions of people stymied by arguments that have their basis in faith. Stem cell research could potentially ease the suffering of billions around the globe, but people of faith stand in the way.\n\nWe are currently involved in what may or may not be a holy war. This is an issue of faith.\n\nOur current government supports "faith-based initiatives" in what may be a breach of The Constitution itself.\n\nI know that faith helps people sleep at night. This doesn't undo the tremendous amount of suffering it has inflicted at every turn of history. \n\nI see faith as a problem, and would like to encourage people to put aside their myths and embrace reason. However, I realize that this is futile. As Jonathan Swift said, "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into."\n\nThat said, I think that Yahoo Answers provides a wonderful opportunity to try to see where other people are coming from. I disagree with the Christians (and Muslims and Pagans...), but I think it is very important for me to try to understand them. I would hope that they will try to understand me. Once we find some common ground and some mutual respect, we can truly start to talk about things.\n\nI hate the name-calling. The largest problem I have with religion is that it is divisive. I feel that this is the most important aspect of faith that needs to be removed from the equation. Name-calling is also divisive and does not fit into my attempts to act reasonably.\n\nI feel that I deny, but do not scoff. I embrace and enjoy open debate. I think that the things discussed here are important. I'd like to think that some of the things I have to say are pertinent. \n\nIf you want a place for only Christians (for example) to exchange ideas, there are plenty of places on the web for th
72737
I agree. 100%.\nIf religious people say things, we are swiftly "shut up" and our posts deleted.\nBut secularists can say almost anything and get by with it. They can offend us. They can attack our beliefs.\n\nI have found ridiculous posts on here. Vile posts. As long as it is religion under attack it appears to be accepted on here.
578511
That is a wonderful observation...in my experience with religious questions, it seems people often ask questions to discredit religion.\nI agree, if you are not approaching the qustion with an open heart and mind, then it will always seem like nonesense.  In other words, if you are an atheist or non-believer and are looking to discredit what Christians believe, save yourself time dnd just don't ask.  You will never get me to believe otherwise.  I'm sure I speak for all true Christians when I say this.
56232
Sometimes immature questions lead to mature discussions. \n\nI've found that although some people on here can be awfully immature, you can find so many others who actually have something worthwhile to say. I think keeping religion and politics on here is a must, nevertheless, people will continue to ask religious and political questions--- but just have no where to put them. \n\nThey may be 'hot buttons' or some such, but they are some of the biggest and most necessary topics to discuss, it would be doing a disservice to everyone to remove the categories simply because of a few morons who add nothing to the forum. I think it's helped out a lot of people who find solace in others who have the same ideals, or others who have good advice for them to get through a tough time or understand a certian verse a little better. And although there is a lot of hatred around here, just think that maybe one person will change their mind because of something someone else said (although unlikely haha). I'm just out here to be the logical, unbelieving voice in a sea of very religious people. And if I can make just one person realize that atheisim is just as viable a choice as Christianity, Islam, what have you, then I've done my job. And if I can help stick up for the Muslims or whomever else continuously being put down by ignorant or misled people, then I feel that I have done some service. \n\nIt's a necessary evil to trudge through the junk to get to the real jewels of the forum, but that can be said for everything. Let's not get rid of something only because we're afraid it may offend someone. :)
266768
I'm concerned that you're mistaking criticism for "bashing." While a certain amount of over-the-top, nasty criticism (actual bashing) does happen here, it's not as ubiquitous as some people would have you believe. Also, the Internet is not exactly a place for the thin-skinned to comfortably hang out. People feel that anonymity gives them license to say things that they otherwise would not.\n\nThe fact is that there are plenty of atheists here who are more than happy to respectfully debate whatever you would like (myself included.) \n\nSo, anything you'd like to discuss, send me a message and I'd be happy to get back to you.
616502
I'm kind of puzzled about why you, as a self-described "non-religious person," would go into a site designed for religion and then ask this question.  I mean, aren't you asking why you're here, too?\n\nFor me, I think it's partly about education.  I'm not an Atheist, but I like that there are Atheists here, posting to the Religion & Spirituality board, because their POV is a part of the whole picture.  And everyone has a spiritual side, even if some people like to claim otherwise.\n\nIt's also partly about taking people down a notch when they get really smug.  That's petty, I know, but some of the so-called "Christians" on this site\nseem to spend a lot of time asking questions that are designed to just make them feel better about themselves, and that does breed resentment.  Especially when they wrap their prejudices up in the guise of piety, which I see a lot of.\n\nAnd, yeah, partly it's out of a resentment of the damage that religious fundamentalists seem to be doing in this country and the world.  And in a sense that's not fair, because the real damage is being done by leaders and fanatics, but then in a sense it is fair, because a part of the way they do this damage is through the voters, and that's all of us.
435741
THIS - IS - NOT - A - RELIGION - BOARD - EXCLUSIVELY - FOR - THE - RELIGIOUS.\n\nWhy must people be reminded of this fact every day??\n\nNow LISTEN... this is a place in which question -PERTAINING- to religion may be asked.  You don't have to adhere to a religion in order to ask a question ABOUT religion.  GET IT??
153176
I don't know why it is not on the category list on the front page. I find it strange that it isn't there, because there is a Politics and Government category listed. It could be that general rule, that you do not talk about Religion and Politics because you might offend someone. If that's the case, I don't think it is fair that you have to look to find the  Religious category. So maybe Yahoo Q&A has not figured out how valuable it would be to them have it listed on their front page. I would think there are a lot of people out there looking for spritual answers.
382570
Yes, if we want to really learn about the other religion ask questions instead of bashing the other person or religion. I think is the best way to go. Ask with out insulting or cursing which is very possible to do. I know cause I've seen many questions on here that have asked very nice religious questions on here that want to learn about other religions that aren't there own.
599534
I am an atheist and any true atheist would not preach like that.  Those people are probably just looking for attention or they do not know what to believe so they chose to attack someone elses beliefs.  I generally stay out of the religion v. atheism  debate... although if anyone wants to talk about it I am happy to give them my reasons for my beliefs... but I will refrain from attacking them or their religion.  That is what a true atheist would do anyway.
295168
i think i understand. your right, it would seem this is supposed to be an open forum to discuss various religions openly without hosility, but some people just can't keep it friendly. debate is natural, but bashing is just silly. it would be nice to be able to learn about others beliefs with out having to weed out the slurs.
592398
I've been told I was upset.  For me it's not being upset, it's having questions.  Since Christians are the majority here it makes no sense for one to ask many questions about other religions as they would just get scrolled over.  Even questions about Christianity that require actual knowledge or thought get scrolled over, so most questions end up being either funny or blatant attacks.  It seems that is the only way to get heard.
358617
well..first of all its important to remember religion IS a VERY sensitive and personal matter to talk about and discuss. so i guess it only natural for people to be defensive about it. not only for christian, but for any religion and believes.\nthat's why i think we should be really careful and sensitive in posing Q and A in this topic. Especially if its not about yours. \nin critical matter...guess its just part of our curiosity towards the whole thing. sort of our way to understand and  find believe, by relating it to the facts an evidences .and i strongly believe no one have the right to be rude about it!
139702
firstly,no one knows anybody here.secondly this a place where you can either be yourself or pretend.you can speak your mind without anybody debating or arguing  with you on any issue.you can unload all your frustrations too.i think its great,quite healthy to let off some steam.also,it keeps entertained,some of these questions are whacky and some are educational.take your pick.
350561
I've seen some abusive answers and questions, it's expected due to this online open answer and question forum.  Don't take offense to any answer, people are just sharing their opinions.  Don't give them any of your personal information, be careful and just don't give them the time of day.
652834
It's the same thing with every other category here (especially religion and politics)...people just like getting their two-cents in, I guess, whether you want their opinion or not.  I understand your frustration, though, people could make better use of their time by answering questions that they know something about or where their opinion is actually wanted.