This is likely contentious, but it needs to be asked. As this is a site "...promoting universal truths and peaceful life without religion" how do you feel about people of faith joining here?
I'm no shrinking violet and I don't need the sort of safe space that so many people believe they do now, but I also don't want to have to engage with people who have been inculcated into some form of unscientific, simple-minded view of the natural world.
I joined in the belief (cough) that this was an exclusive club where I could escape from these folk - but now I find they are joining - with a view to what, I don't know although my hackles are raised.
Not only is this sort of thing wasteful of resources, but if they are here to try to convert or preach at us, that's likely to result in a dissemination to all-out flame wars in a post or two.
I didn't think this was a site to convert people from one way of thinking to another (that sort of thing is nigh-on impossible by the time we're in our 20s anyway.)
I ask because I'm interested what my fellow angostic/athiests think.
I've noted that "theists" tend to butt in to these conversations with their ignorance and that's what I came here to avoid.
I'm getting too old to argue.
Let em join if they want. Some may be seeking for knowledge but some just want to argue. Still, everyone deserves to be respected. If a person is a troll, I don't really care. It's not me they have problems with. It's defending their belief that causes them angst. You can also block them (I think I saw that feature).
They would only come here to try to convert us. No thank you. Been there, done that.
When I run into a person (on this site) who expresses a dislike for atheists and tries to degrade the value of science I feel obligated to demonstrate their position (which implies the person) is flawed. This takes a great deal of time and usually results in them feeling angry and bad. I really wish they were just not here.
I've only been a member for a few hours. If I was accosted by a believer, I have some tactics that I use to dampen their ardor. Sometimes I say to a fundamentalist trying to get me to accept Christ in my heart, "I believe in evidence; when you ask me to have faith, I will tell you that I have faith in science based evidence that can be proven via visual and auditory perception". I am also comfortable saying that per such evidence, no one has ever proven or disproven the existence of an omnipotent entity who created our universe, solar system, and Planet Earth merely out of its own free will. I also believe that any entity that creates a race of beings, gives that race free will, then punishes those whose exercise of free will does not follow some arbitrary religious commandments, is a psychopath.
Only if they are serious about wanting information. NO threat’s, trying to convert us, or lies. I’m willing to have a philosophical talk.
Unfortunately it is often NOT information they want but reassurance over the potentially very threatening things that can happen like death. Would you deny them that reassurance? remember you cannot prove what death will be like - not the last time I tried anyway.
If they join, they should be made to wear the mark of the cross on their foreheads, so they can easily be identified (and ridiculed).
if believers join, then its fine but don't call this agnostic.com call it people.com
I’m kind of undecided about it.
They are not all bigots and some of our 'side' ARE bigots.
I think you don’t appreciate my sense of humor
I think it would add to the conversation and bring on the converters....I learn a lot from people who try to convert....that's like a carnival of conversation. Why isn't Carnival Of Conversation a Grunge Band in the 90's?
I don't care as they can clearly see what the sites about.
I have no issues with it..maybe they can come to their senses....and actually maybe we can get them to at least start questioning why they believe.
Are you not a 'Believer' by holding to your own pseudo relgious beliefs? In my mind by holding yourself up as the 'Anti- Religionyou are identifying yourself as a Religion. And finally are you not as guilty as religions when you hold yoursef up to the same exclusivity that you rail against in religions?
Hi - is this one of those "believers" you were talking about? Found one! Found one! LMAO
I don't see why they would bother. What would they find for them? It wouldn't bother me as long as they don't go around posting hateful comments or trolling people. If they simply want to learn and grow I feel that a non dating type of site would be better.
I must have this uncommon sense in this over ego world. Why not respect everyone and be open minded.
Why not allow the 85precent of your fellow man(Religious) on this site for discussion?. Not for an argument that is an angry discussion. You set the rules for a change.
Atheist forum have their largest categories topics (by far)on Religion. They have alot of fun mentality torturing their religious guests and many do change their way of thinking.
Don't be a bigot, this site complains alot about Religion, who likes a complainer. Take action and educate your reasoning.
If a believer comes in to have a discussion because he or she is interested in an honest exchange - which can ONLY mean they are in a possible crisis of their faith, then I think that can be productive... as long as WE don't disrespect their "clinging to hope that atheism is wrong". Many of us have had to plead and beg for years before we realized no "god" was listening.
However, the above, I feel, is HIGHLY unlikely. Therefore I think that any believer that comes on here is looking to crap in our pool.
On the other hand, as you said, Draco, if that happened, the flame-outs would be quick, and if the offender remained, he'd be blocked.
Bottom line.... this is like hanging out at a cafe. Whoever walks in should read the menu before they come in and sit.
It's easy to tell the ones who are here to honestly know "how we think and how we got to this place" from the ones who are "on a mission to spread the gospel". I just joined, but if it turns into a place where even 40% of the dialogue becomes blasting other people for what they believe other than constructive arguments, no matter which side it comes from, I am outta here.