Comment by Kris Feenstra on April 14, 2011 at 2:29pm

"Maybe we could create a sticky thread for theists to read before posting. It could have links to some of the exceptional T|A blogs, list the common misconceptions, list the common arguments, ect ect. . ."

 

I have considered doing such a thing more than once.  

 

Anyone who chooses to post on a forum where they are guaranteed to be the voice of a very slim minority has to accept a pretty large burden.  It's a tough road that requires a bit of novel thinking and mental fortitude.  The odd theist poster on this site can accept that burden with grace.  Most get in over their heads, and either leave quietly (which is fine) or get frustrated and lash out at the TA community (which is not fine).

 

I don't know how many people from the latter group would read such a thing, even if a link was provided for them directly on their account, but if it stops just one Pascal's Wager from being made, I'd be happy.

Comment by Scarlette Blues on April 14, 2011 at 2:47pm

Agreed. The majority of the time, I see the same old bs being posted by theists and arguments that have been made over and over again. It'd be nice to stop a few of those before they are even posted. :)

Comment by Albert Bakker on April 14, 2011 at 3:12pm

No, I don't think that is helpful. Theism has already lost the intellectual battle. Now some overly zealous types seem intent on flashing atheists with rehearsed sophistry. I say it's not safe to go stand in the way of someone determined to shoot themselves in the foot.

Comment by Heather Spoonheim on April 14, 2011 at 3:41pm

At first I really despised the presence of theists here.  I felt this was a nice comfortable place to share ideas with like minded people and sort of reaffirm each other's beliefs.  I still like that aspect of the site, but I find that some of the most profound statements about the Atheist world-view tend to happen in rather spontaneous responses to the theists who waltz through here.  I know it can be tiresome, but stating my position over and over again has really helped me to clarify it - and reading the same sorts of restatements by other Atheists here has really helped me broaden my position.

 

I especially look forward to rebuttals by Reg the Fronkey's Uncle and Dave G (those just happen to be names fresh in my mind on this issue).  I would be a little concerned with putting up a sticky since that would sort of stagnate the development of the rebuttals - although I guess it might be useful to put up some definitions.

 

Anyway, I know the theists seem not to be budging at all - but think about all the lurkers who pop into these continuing debates.  I'm certain these sorts of interactions are entreating at least some skeptical considerations somewhere, as unskeptical as that view may seem, ha ha.

 

Comment by Scarlette Blues on April 14, 2011 at 5:11pm

@Albert- I think it may be helpful for the theists that may sneak a peak at our forums and not post. With a compiled list of what-nots, some may actually be able to see what's wrong with their own thinking.

@Heather-Yes, I will say that reading the debates has helped teach me a few things...& I do look forward to several members' rebuttals (including yours). Yet, most of the responses I've seen from theists are filled with wishy-washy information and "prophecies" from the Bible. It would be nice to see other religions pop in from time to time. The Jesus-spill is getting old.


The posts from theists seem to confirm my atheism more & more. :)

Comment by Heather Spoonheim on April 14, 2011 at 5:16pm

I know what you mean about the Jesus tsunami that seems to be never ending around here.  I would really love to here from some Hindus or Muslims, and especially from some Scientologists!

Comment by Heather Spoonheim on April 14, 2011 at 5:17pm

Oddly I did run into a Scientologist legman a few months ago in the street - he gave me a coupon to get a free IQ test at the Church Of Scientology and I seriously considered it.

Comment by Scarlette Blues on April 14, 2011 at 5:30pm

Me too! I've never actually spoken with a Scientologist but I think it was be really fun. I think their creation story is one of the most imaginative of our day. I doubt we will see many Muslims to post here. If I'm not mistaken, their 'good' book teaches them to kill us on the spot.

You should go take the IQ test. The only thing I can picture is the scene from Men In Black, where Will Smith goes into to take their test hahaha

Comment by Heather Spoonheim on April 14, 2011 at 6:07pm

Yeah, well if I felt confident that they would have English speaking people there and an English version of the test I might consider going in and checking it out but as it is I'm not sure there would be much meaningful conversation.

 

Comment by Scarlette Blues on April 14, 2011 at 8:47pm

Yeah, if you came back a scientologist, I'd be scared. LOL

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