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Question 34

Do any atheists in this newsgroup start religious debates or sit back and wait for others to make comments first? Or, do some of us remain quiet so as not to make trouble?

• I wait for somebody to post an argument, then I tear it apart. It's fun. (HazChem #39)

• I do not start debates, but then again, I do not hide the fact that I am an atheist, nor do I back away from anybody who wants to start such a debate. (Puck #162)

• I usually let it go, but occasionally ask questions. Actually, I ask questions a lot, because I really want to know what other people think. And generally, I just listen. Most normal people (not the fundies around here) have good reasons for their ideas, though I might not believe in the supernatural elements of their religion, usually it does contain some "wisdom" depending, of course, on the wisdom of the person who is talking about it. By wisdom, I mean understanding of people, human nature, how the world works, and how to solve problems (Lisa Star #190)

• I don't start them, but it sure is fun to jump in on one. Chani (Atheist #1118)

• I have started threads, but generally not as bait for theists to bite at, although they tend to bite anyway. Much of the time, I believe myself to be mostly on-topic in my replies. I hope that intelligent debate might open up the possibility of theists to see the error of their ways. Occasionally, I will take a strong tangent towards some of the glaring fallacies and inaccuracies in theist thought, or in support of one of the topics I may have some greater knowledge in (I read a lot). And even less frequently, I resort to flames, but only if I see them as strongly provoked by blathering, bleating idiots. In other words, only when deserved. But I usually try to talk civilly, even to the likes of Spammy and . ( Mr Peebles #1086)

• I tend to wait for people to make religious statements and then respond to them. If they stay polite, I stay polite.

  In real life, I tend not to mention atheism much, even if people are discussing religion. There have been a few rather enjoyable exchanges when some loud, irritating [1] person starts making religious statements.

  In one case, I trapped a loud religious person at a party after he started on about religion, and argued with him for several hours. The trapping refers to the fact that the third person in the conversation was a very reasonable Taoist, who also wasn't having any truck with this person's expression of his beliefs. Between the two of us we pretty much destroyed everything he had to say, to an interested circle of onlookers.

  It was, alas, an all-too-rare pleasure, as normally I don't say anything. (Vincent Cunliffe #358)

• I don't start debates myself, but will join in the rare event that a rational theist happens to bring up an interesting subject - or when atheists debate religious matters and I feel can contribute something.

  Same with flaming: I do not toss general insults around, or go trolling xtian NGs. But when some idiot fundie catches my eye, I see no reason to hold back.

  In RL, I don't make a point of challenging theists, either - but neither do I hide my atheism. And when I hear or see something I don't like, I don't hesitate to make that clear. (Sarah Jaernecke #1102)

• In aa, I tend to jump into debates if I see something interesting or something disturbing. (I don't consider taunting our regular fundies "religious debate", I do it for fun.) In real life, because religion is considered a private affair around here, I don't get much chances for a debate (starting one would be considered 'making trouble' in itself), but I enjoy ocassional chances. (Daneel #323)

• I guess it really depends on the type of debate as to whether I will jump right in or not. If I decide to get into any discussion, I usually try to get in at the beginning before the thread has expanded to where it is next to impossible to keep track of.

  Most of the time I ignore the religious debates as I am not too interested in debating with fundies or creationists, as it is like arguing with a brick wall. Of course, if I see a really stupid one (example: Nameless) or a real lunatic (examples: Gladys, Veridican) I will occasionally flame, I mean, make a comment about their post.

  Of course, like many here, I do like to "comment" to those first-time theists who coming here and post Pascal's Wager, or some other idiocy, thinking it is something "new and wonderful". I do notice that most only post once, and then are gone. I believe the threat of "read the FAQ" sometimes helps to drive them away (of course, they aren't likely to read it, as it is written by "those evil atheists").

  Hmmm..., seems like I mainly prey on the weak (minded). Seriously, I sometimes with get involved in discussions with the more open-minded theists, but I would say they are generally philosophical or defining a position type of discussions.

  Mainly, I like to get involved in atheist to atheist discussions, whether religious or otherwise. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be enough of these type of discussions. (Keith Brannen #713)

• I am much more likely to start a debate in R/L as opposed to this newsgroup. I have never learned the art of discretion when it comes to expressing my opinions. My mate swears that I stop strangers in the mall to discuss religion. (I only did that once and only because every other sentence I overheard from them was: "Praise Jesus. Praise the Lord..")

  Then, of course, there is Monica, my fundy secretary, who is always irritatingly eager to try to "convert" me. I think that I have actually made some progress on that front. She finally understands that I hold all gods (not just the Christian one) in equal disregard. This was a big step for her.

  On this newsgroup, I tend to look for discussions which I think will be personally interesting or I find personally irritating rather than starting them myself. I like threads that make me think. Unfortunately, those seem too few and far between. OTOH, a.a. contains a LOT of posts that really make me laugh. 8-) Since finding a.a., I have discovered that most atheists have wonderful senses of humor. (Liz Huth #658)