A Rarity...On occasion I'll crack. (But I'm curious if there is a trend among atheists. Are more of us "cracking"?)
It's a rare, rare occasion that I will engage in any form of "debate" (I use the word loosely, considering, well...you know) with strangers who are of fundy persuasion. Yesterday, one of my childhood friends (with whom I am Facebook friends--cliche, I know) posted a religiously-natured Facebook status update in the form of a question. I didn't automaticaly comment what I really wanted to write, but I asked if the question was rhetorical, or if comments were welcome. Although she was gracious and said that I could comment; in the same sentence, she also wrote that she guessed that the question she posted could be either rhetorical or for discussion. Out of respect, I wanted to know her original intent, so that I could decide if I was going to withhold my comment, or let it all hang out. (thoughtfully and respectfully. Cuz that's how I roll). I never got an answer, so I did not comment. Welp, another person decided that it was just killing her that I wouldn't comment on the status, and she came to a conclusion about me based on absolutely nothing, except my request of my friend to clarify the intent of her question. Seriously...that's it!!! This is her comment...and then my response. (Only one other comment after this was posted from another person:"Wow".)
"@Andrea, I feel sorry for you, how sad to be that bound up b legalism. I will pray to the God who answers prayer to reveal truth to you. "
"@Jennie: Astounding! You feel sorry for me?! How can you possibly make any judgement about me whatsoever, based on the above conversation? It's quite presumptuous, not to mention rude. For good measure, Jennie, please feel free to also sacrifice a chicken or goat (whichever would please your god more), do a rain dance, light some incense, chant, engage in flagellation, bow five times a day toward Mecca, audit, channel, and cast a spell for me. It's all superstition to me...Now you can legitimately make somewhat of a judgement on my perspective, since I have actually given you something to go on. I'm not sad in the least, since I can say that I'm not delusional...which I am now presuming you to be, based on what you just gave me to go on by your comment.
Any response I would have made on Jeannie's status would have been thoughtful, even though I wouldn't have been in agreement. I am respectful to those who are also respectful--as I know Jeannie to be. You made a choice to make this personal; which necessitated my reply to you to be the same.
Oh, and you might want to stop telling God what to do...doesn't he have his own plans, which would make your prayers useless anyway? Do you think he'll change his already mapped out plans because of your requests?"
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Comment by Mark Bray on October 27, 2010 at 9:43pm -
Great answer! Yes, occasionally I will crack, but not because I get mad. I normally do it when the person is relentlessly being ignorant and requires being knocked down a notch or two, or they make a personal attack, like you experienced.
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Comment by Jon Heim on October 27, 2010 at 9:47pm -
I try very hard to keep my thoughts to myself...the only time I talk about my lack of belief is when people offend me first, get facts completely wrong, or use their beliefs to make an assumption about me. and even then, I try to be very civil.
I haven't really cracked yet but when I do....pshh..it's going to come full force.
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Comment by Jon Heim on October 27, 2010 at 9:48pm
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"I will pray to the God who answers prayer to reveal truth to you. "
Zeus. She means Zeus right? lmao
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Comment by Lindsey on October 27, 2010 at 10:35pm -
Not Zeus, he lied all the time. Apollo more likely, him being the god of truth and all
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Comment by Matt Coulthurst on October 27, 2010 at 10:44pm -
Psshhh. Zeus? Apollo? False idols!
The Invisible Flying Pink Unicorn is the only God that answers prayers...
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Comment by Vernard Mercader on October 27, 2010 at 10:57pm -
I think being slightly cruel just fine.
"What sets me apart from Mr. Dawkins is that I am very congenital when it comes to addressing people to shut the fuck up. It’s my other personality. It’s my preference when dealing with hard-headed fellows. In fact, I think I’m going to get ill if I don’t give myself a chance to profane people ill equipped with high levels of ignorance and stupidity. However, as much as possible I am now avoiding – well not really avoid, but minimize profanity, especially to the rest of the upcoming articles. That goes for Ad hominems and straw-man arguments, too." —Me
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Comment by zoolady on October 28, 2010 at 12:46am
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KUDOS, Andrea! KUDOS! Please let her know we'd LOVE to watch the flagellation! (I love their sweet faces as they grimace in self-inflicted pain...don't you?)
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Comment by Brian Stewart on October 28, 2010 at 1:24am -
Good stuff there Andrea...that's not cracking in my opinion but just being honest and who you are, so don't feel 'cracked' I am constantly confronted by similar questions/comments many from good woo-woo friends mainly as a result of my book "Moses was a Liar". Some of the questions are honest and I deal with them as objectively as possible but when they get arrogant or prescriptive I nail them with hard facts (e.g. the Gospels were written by persons unknown...not by the apostles etc) and beat them to death with some quotes from my book. I realise I lose them along the way, but what the heck it hopefully makes them think before trying it again with some other atheist.
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Comment by Becky Glynn on October 28, 2010 at 1:09pm -
Go Andrea! I'm sick and tired of all of the fundy crap that gets downloaded on my page because of my "high school friends" whom I haven't seen in 30 years - and I sure as hell know why. I can't help myself....I am compelled to make remarks to their postings. That's why I have declared my fb page to be self cleaning! ;) Fuck 'em.
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Comment by Loop Johnny on October 28, 2010 at 3:54pm -
@King Nipple
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