I am getting bored of all the belief-bashing and name-calling going on, whether it's anti-muslim, -christian, -atheist.\nI enjoy debate about religion and faith but ultimately, I doubt I'm going to change my mind and I doubt others would do the same. It made me wonder - if you could, would you stop someone believing what they believe?
206348
Not forcibly, no, but I reserve the right to both disagree with their beliefs and try to change their minds on certain things (not that this usually does any good.)  For example, I think I'm perfectly justified in thinking that fundamentalist Muslims are dead wrong in thinking that we are the Great Satan.  I wish with all my heart that they didn't feel that way, and if they're willing to listen, I'd do anything in my power to try to convince them that they're wrong.  However, I grant them the right to think that we're the Great Satan and to try to convice me that my beliefs are wrong.  \n\nI understand what you're saying, and I agree that it's usually a moot point to try to change people's personal beliefs...Discussion and healthy debate is great, but all participants have to be willing to be a part of the debate.    Like in just about all other situations these days, people need to stop both making bigger debates personal and stop taking everything personally.  If anyone figures out how to do this, let me know.
294672
While I respect the right of anyone to have a religion, I would like the same respect paid to non-believers. Unfortunately I doesn't always work like that....\n\n\nI will take a stand when dogma overshadows humanity - for example, I will speak out against the homophobia exhibited by some christians.\n\nI used to defend atheism on these boards but now I just can't be ar$ed because there are so many 'atheists are just dumb' comments it bores me.
448864
Well, arguing gives you something to do...you know...pass the time.  I would think believing in religion would be quite boring, unless you're a bible thumping Christian conservative who goes door to door passing out church flyers.  It's close...really close.
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.
293826
Why are you trying to sow dissent here?  There are people on here trying to keep it less like a battlefield and more like a place for important questions on faith, and questions like this don't help.
252362
Problem is everyone wants their truth to be the only truth so then they make remarks such as yours. Why not allow others to believe in what they choose and have faith in God that he is in control and everything is as it should be. People turn away from religion because of all the pushing and condemning that is thrown on them. Try living your life the way you want and just give love to everyone. Maybe they will see how happy you are and how content and come to you to find out why.\nLove and Light to you.
502321
Amen, sister!\nIt soon became obvious the majority(not all) of non -religious Q/A posters are not here in search of the truth/real answers/religious debate...but their motives are strictly  my opinion so I'll keep them to myself\nI used to get extremely annoyed at people for accusing Christians as a whole of being like the few obvious bad apples that are well known...but then God showed me something in the bible to put me at ease\nHe said:\nJohn 15:19-21 \n19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. \n20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. \n21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.\n\ncomforting to know!\n regarding the accusations people make of Christians trying to "shove" God down the throats of others- my experience is most of us aren't like that. Just talking about God and his love doesn't constitute trying to convert people.  But we all have witnessed a few people who ARE like that...He told me to remind them of this-\n\nMatthew 10:13-15 \n13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. \n14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. \n15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.\n\nThat made me realize what a HUGE responsibility we have to say the right thing when we are talking to others about God! So I pray and ask God to make sure when I speak  of Him only what is true comes out of my mouth!  I am sure He answered me too, because a few times I tried to answer posts and it just wouldn't go through, got erased, disconnected, etc! I love God...He saves me from myself regularly  :-)\n\n\nAs long as we do our part to spread the Word of God, we are doing what is right;their judgement will be on them!- we can't worry about people who REFUSE to hear, time is precious! \nSo I stopped arguing with people on this forum about God..I'll say what I want to say in praise of God, and anyone who doesn't like it can take it up with the Judge\nPEACE\n\np.s. I know what you mean about "we've found something and want everybody to get it too"\nIts such an overwhelmingly good feeling that when you try to describe it to people, its like bluh,bluh,bluh  because there are no adequate words!
201648
Have to love christians - follow god or you will suffer for eternity. Please, give us a break with all of your religious crap. Nothing like trying to scare people into believeing something.
481642
I'm not  an atheist. But i can tell you this. This has been going on for years though. People getting mad over peoples beliefs.  Its not going to end ever because people can't accept if people belief systems are opposites there's. They have to show hatred. Which is totally UN called for.  They have do anything to make other people who do not want to believe  to believe in what they do. If you do this your usually are going to make people think your crazy. Then you push them farther away.People should mind there own business  if someones an atheist they can be an atheist is someone wants to be  a Jew Christian Muslim  or any other religion that's what they want that's what they will do. There has been wars over religions current and past. But  when all said in done people have the right to believe what they want to believe in. I'm not going to go up to an atheist make myself look crazy trying force Christianity upon them. People make up there's mines and stick to it most of the time.  Everyone is eqaul in my view not matter sexuality,race,and religion. I have total respect for people who go with something they believe in not what other people want them to believe in.
70597
haha I asked the same question but about fundalmental christians.  For someone trying to figure out my own sprituality I find both sides rather annoying and superfical.  I think the reason both Atheists and Fundalmentals are on here so much is because their point of view is very simple to give a easy answer.  Beleive and don't question for the fundalmentals and don't beleive at all for the Atheists.  To answer many of the deep questions posted on here a lot of thought has to go into those answers.  Even with lots of thought, a good answer is hard to communicate.  Whole books have been written to answer some of these questions.  So it only appears to be narrow minded people in the population but in fact its just easier for them to give their narrow minded answers because to them everything is black and white
352565
Don't give up, I have found that your questions are very good and not one-sided. They make us think. I am a Christian and you give me things to think about. It actually helps me to be more open minded which I sometimes struggle with because I do see so much hate on here. I don't think it is the religion on its own. What society sees is only the bad side of religion and harps on that constantly. It doesn't show the good side at all.
621159
Of course you have the right to believe what you want.  Likewise, Agnostics and Atheists have the right to not believe what you want.  We simply can not understand how someone can believe something for which there is no evidence, much like I think you can't understand why someone can't just take it on faith.\n\nAs far as being mean, I think there are probably an equal amount of idiots on both sides.  It would be much nicer if everyone respected everyone else's right to believe or not believe without trying to convert one way or another or insult.
579457
1. This question is posted many times every day.\n\n2. I realize that no one reads this when I just link to it, so here is my response to a previous version of this question:\n\nI believe that I have been nothing but courteous 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 that. However, I think that this exclusion of other mindsets and worldviews does a disservice to those who would seek such a closed system.\n\nThat's why, as an atheist, I show up on the religion thread.
604121
I can't answer that, but I know you seem to be right.  I try to keep my opinions to myself in public, because I know I cannot be pursuaded to another belief, so why argue?  "They," however, seem to like to get into disagreements and arguments, and I don't give in.  On here, however, I love commenting on some of the silly answers given!  Too bad it isn't like IM so we can discuss some of these things further...
238813
If I am not mistaken, I don't think this was a generalization made that all non-beilievers are mean spirited and cruel.  (At least I hope not)  I think that each religion gets misunderstood at one time by those not of that religion, and some people just don't know how to address what they don't understand. There are those that do.  They respect the fact that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.  I am a Christian, I believe, but i do not force my beliefs on anyone. i may share something about God, but I cannot judge anyone if they do not believe--and I don't think we should judge and ridicule each other.
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.
452929
I agree with you. I'm a christian,but I really don't care what others believe,and the whole argument of who's right,and who's wrong is just stupid. No one is going to change others beliefs when it is something that is such a strong argument as religion.