My experience is....99% of them don't want real debate...they only want to demonstrate their PIETY. It's a waste of time.

Only under stringent ground rules which would not allow the theists to escape into irrationality.

"None are so blind as those that will not see."

Debating Christians is a waste of time. If they have questions, definitely offer helpful comment. But they have to find their own way just like most of us have. Debating will only serve to breed dissension. Lead by example.

Most of the time it isn't worth the effort. However, when they start to intrude into our lives and try to determine our rights based on beliefs, it's tiem to really fight back with a fury, in every way we can.

Yes, when the focus is on things that can be debated--should religions be taught in public schools, should religious iconography /messages be visible in public spaces, what comprises the basis of morality, etc. The perennial "does god exist" question can't be settled empirically, so why debate it at all? I can only foresee an endless, fruitless round there--a waste of time, effort, and attention for all involved. Mayhap I misapprehend the nature and purpose of debate; I suppose many debates have covered the eneffable. I just don't see the point of hashing over stuff that you can't agree on because you can't possibly nail it down in any functional way.

No, they preach while we offer evidence and logical reasoning and critical thinking it is a total waste of your time. I would be interested to know if anyone has ever won a debate against one, a win you both acknowledge.

Generally, I don't debate people who don't debate in good faith. Generally, "believers" are stuck and can not change their minds. However, there is one possible good outcome from this kind of debate: it is the possibility that a bystander may learn that he or she is not alone, that they share your perspective, and that it is safe to vocalize that perspective.

To me, debate implies intransigence. Discussions on the other hand can actually lead somewhere, even if it's only better understanding.

Yes, but I no longer use the word 'debate' and avoid its meaning. Debating is a clash; I prefer to make a journey together, a dialog. Lookup Street Epistemology, watch Accidental Courtesy on Netflix, and so on.

If you are in a religion, you have refused reality. If you have refused reality, I'm pretty sure you're going to refuse logical explanations for it.

Of course. How many of us were one time fence-sitters and would have greatly benefited had someone come along and helped us see another point. This was me for years and even though I had a degree in European history (Christian history) and started having doubts I never saw an opposing view. I had to 'hit the wall' so to speak to start on the road to recovery. Now it's my turn to help others (sometime we can do that without saying a word. Just our actions can suffice).

One caveat is that we have to feel the other is willing to listen. My own daughter is religious but is open to my beliefs (or non-beliefs). One just has to learn not to be too heavy handed and in-you-face with others. Maybe even sometimes listen to their point of view.

I care less about what people think than what they do. I would like to be able to ignore the fundamentalist whatever but can't since they are ever encroaching on how I or others may want to live. I think debate would be most likely lumped in with argument on any topic touching their belief. And argument or disagreement no matter how logical would just lead to resistance or worse, backlash. If there is some way to persuade them on actions that are impacting others I would prefer that tack but am not sure how to do that and it would depend on the topic

Yes. There's always a chance we can shed a hint of doubt and get them thinking about what they believe

Sometime, yes. When they get to being petty and threatening us eternal punishment, I think a good debate is good. Sadly, though, they’ll just still think they walked away winning since the Devil got a hold of our souls.

We should be debating them, with ground rules. Certainly don't want to argue with them.

A waste of time. It would be about the same as debating "Flat-Earthers".