"Thank you all for your good advice. I think I'll go for a gentle Socratic dialog, agreeing with them first on common ground issues. For Christians, I'd like to start with introducing them to the notion of inculcation ("If…"
-
Rich Orwell
- Male
- Castro Valley, CA
- United States
- Blog Posts
- Discussions (2)
- Events
- Groups
- Photos
- Photo Albums
- Videos
Rich Orwell's Discussions
Debating
Started this discussion. Last reply by Rich Orwell May 18, 2012. 24 Replies 0 Likes
I wonder how much and often you like to debate atheism/theism. Do you seek it out or avoid it? Are you "naughty or nice" (Santa Claus reference) about it? Do you operate from "Well, isn't it…Continue
Tags: rhetoric, argumentation
Gifts Received
Rich Orwell has not received any gifts yet
Rich Orwell's Page
Latest Activity
Andrew Goldman replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I enjoy a good, well thought out debate, however that is rare on the part of the theist. I try to always be considerate and openminded, but it definatly isnt easy. I like the technique of getting them to agree that the bible is law, and then bust…"
Wallace Beauregard replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"In the past I have debated several topics but not atheism. The only reason for that is I am within a couple of years of coming to my senses. My approach has always been to be somewhat diplomatic. I believe atheism or agnosticism or any topic you…"
Becca replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I don't typically debate atheism or theism anymore. Theism is clearly absurd but trying to convince a theist of that is like trying to nail jelly to the wall. You won't get anywhere but frustrated and you'll leave a big mess behind.…"
the Jumping Atheist replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I spend what is probably considered an un-heathy amount of time reading the bible and anything Bart Ehram has written. Knowing the bible better than Christians, if a debate or discussion on religion ever arises, is aways…"
Dale Headley replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'" I don't seek out debate with people who don't initiate it. What they believe is no business of mine. But I relish any opportunity to argue energetically with anyone who tries to convert me. Jehovah's Witnesses…"
Obfuskation replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I've found that the best thing to read if you're going to have conversations with theists is the bible itself. The best way to have an impact with them is to have an obviously more thorough knowledge of it's contents. It…"
Cheryl Feather replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I like #8!
I tend to use:
"Jesus Christ jumping up and down on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!" or whatever comes to mind that he should be jumping up and down on at the time....LOL"
Eric Diaz replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I tend to avoid it if the person is too religious. If I sense the person is open minded I will give it a try. I noticed if the goal is persuasion then is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to be very respectful even to the most idiotic statements, and shut…"
Unseen replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"All too often, you're just giving them a chance to prove their faith, that their faith is strong enough to withstand evidence. And let's face it: the stronger the onslaught they withstand, the stronger their faith. I feel almost everyone…"
Craig Nomazlab replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I used to look for a challenge by actively seeking debate and logically destroying whatever arguments were thrown at me. However, it became repetitive, and I got sick of hearing the same idiotic, ignorant poor arguments over and over, and having to…"
Ron V replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"I try to avoid it in person. On blogs, where my identity is not publicized, I go for the jugular."
Raptor Jesus replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"Well, I'm not the argumentative type but I have always imagined if I were debating with a proselytizing Xian, Jehovah's Witness, etc I would propose that if they were to disprove the existence of Zeus, Krishna, Allah, Odin and the many…"
Kirstyn Wood replied to Rich Orwell's discussion 'Debating'"To answer your question, Rich, I love to wait until people have expressed their opinions as bigoted and ignorant as they are, and then ask them politely to explain how their faith chooses to explain a whole realm of evils that can be attributed to…"
Profile Information
- Your Religious Status
- Atheist
- About Me:
- I used to be a smart computer guy (since 1968). And then I became a smart stand-up comedian (2009). I'm not smart anymore and pretty soon I won't be here at all (early onset Alzheimer's). I can't remember them, but I know I wrote some *great* atheism jokes -- they're on my computer. I just don't know where. Can I get back to you on this?
- Age
- 59-64
- Relationship Status
- Married
- Why are you here?
- I like being around smart, enlightened people. It took me until around age 60 to: join Mensa, start doing stand-up comedy, and seek other atheists. My wife says I "pro-cras-ti-nate." I keep meaning to look up what that means.
- The religion you left
- Was never a part of one
- How did you hear about Think Atheist?
- A Facebook post mentioned JJ Krenek. A Google search led me here.
Comment Wall
- No comments yet!
What's new today
Forum
How to acknowledge good fortune?
Started by Melvinotis in Philosophy. Last reply by Ron V 13 minutes ago. 21 Replies 0 Likes
Blog Posts
So the Pope said I can go to heaven...
Posted by Misty: Baytheist Living! on May 22, 2013 at 6:56pm 5 Comments 0 Likes
Events
Services we love
Check out our new mobile/tablet version of Think Atheist! www.ThinkAtheist.com/m
© 2013 Created by Morgan Matthew.
