Doesnt bother me. I'd just ignore them if they got preachy. No reason to argue with them.

I think maybe we should have jury system or something. If we started getting persistent trolls professing to try and convert us or something it could get quite obnoxious. A jury system with somewhat flexible rules would allow all view points to be discussed but could prevent certain religious crap from becoming a nuisance or worse.

I am more than willing to intelligently discuss any topic with anyone, including beliefs. If they start quoting scriptures from a book written by someone long dead, I quote scriptures from the holy BOBle.

When I was discussing this concept on a different thread, I was pretty addament that they shouldn't be here, but after stumbling onto lewellyn3's bio I've been rethinking it, and I have a new perspective that I'd like to share.
Some of us (the nons) I'll refer to them as "the lucky ones" have always been in the revered position of never having to waste even one moment on any religious bull shit.
The rest of us got here through various amounts of tough sledding, we've all got our stories. The point being someone/s and/or something/s happened that either started to loosen they're grasp on the dogma and let in a little bit of the light of reality, or helped us to get rid of it epiphany style. Without whatever that was, where would we be without it?
For some people coming on here and politely observing the comings and goings might be what works for them.
I got my epiphany on my own, but then I didn't know what to do with it. Lucky for me I found some atheist 2.0s (Hitchens Dawkins Harris etc.) and some marvelous atheist comics to help nurture my just sprouting atheist seed. And the rest, thank the universe, is history.
So, if they're respectful, and here to learn, and not to teach, then I say let em in. And if they have some other agenda, then kick em the hell off, and let them go with god wherever they what, as long as it's not here.

I welcome the ones who are here because they have actually read their book and are questioning what they've been taught. Many of us were there once.

everyone has a block button use it accordingly

I don't care, but I won't get out of my to make their life's easy. It depends on attitude.
I don't know of a real way to prevent them from joining except to have this site unfriendly to them. Admin has been swift to remove theist offenders in the past. If more join, their plate gets fuller.

I agree. I didn't join this site to argue with people of different beliefs. I don't believe in excluding people but if theists join they need to understand that this is not a forum for them to promote their beliefs.

Yin needs Yang. What good is a seesaw with one participant? Our values are meaningless without an opposing view. I welcome them if their conversations are respectful. Quote: "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer" Machiavelli.

Believers may be educated here; however, I so hope they do not try to educate us.

I think it’s a trap, tbh, just more people probably getting ready to “convert” us since we OBVIOUSLY never heard their pitch.

Let everyone do them. Who ever wants to join... join. Just be mindful of all o hope. I don't push my ideas on to others to convince them of my way. If asked I tell. If interested, I explain more. If not I respect and ask that they respect me differences.

Let everyone do them. Who ever wants to join... join. Just be mindful of all o hope. I don't push my ideas on to others to convince them of my way. If asked I tell. If interested, I explain more. If not I respect and ask that they respect me differences.

Maybe gluten's for punishment?

In general I have no issue with any religious person.
I do take exception to the hubris and dishonesty of anyone that joins a group under false pretenses. I am not interested in debating things that are academic for most who would be here. I find the assumptions of too many of the "questions" offensive in the context of this site. I would prefer to engage in a dialog about what to do and make of Atheism/Agnosticism than any debate with someone's explicit, subjective ideas about gods and the morals they exceed in delivering to the credulous.

Yeah, I suspect that'd be a recipe for a lot of close minded meanness... might be best to keep that on fb...

Fuck 'em. If they want to join, fine. If they don't like what they hear, they can go away. If they post religious drivel, the admins can ban them. Simple.

if they came to learn...but no doubt they would come to argue

They should be free to join, but not if they are here to troll. I don't have a problem with that as it can spark debate and interesting conversations. We have had to do some form of study regarding religion to come to our conclusion, so maybe they feel they need to study the experience, opinions and life of non-believers to come to their own conclusions.

If they join for the purpose of prophesying, then no. They have plenty of other venues.

I don't mind them, as an agnostic I kinda believe as much as not believe. I'm actually quite interested in their views. I've always felt there's a possibility iof something out there, some kind of divine providence or first cause so yeah try and convince me.

Don't mind as long as they don't start preaching it's a real turn off for me.
I'm lightly to say I see you have a view, but quite honestly I have no interest in religion.

I just joined the site today so I'll have to see how it plays out, but I'll probably just ignore those trolling for a fight. Most of the people in my life are theists or believers, everything from fundamentalist Christian to nebulous spiritualists. I can get along with pretty much anyone who maintains a respectful tone.

Great thread. My first thought was no way but when I thought more about it I realized, I'd like to be inclusive even though the cons outweigh the pros. As Silvereyes and others already implied, how else would they be exposed to the incredibly valuable discussions in this community? Also, there might be someone who is struggling with a relationship he/she is working on and wants to learn or understand things. That said, I'm still conflicted about this issue and uncertain how I would vote.

I have to wonder what the motives are of religious people joining a site that is for freethinkers. Are they trolling? Do they want to try to suppress us because they fear that our ideas will gradually spread? Those who brainwash people with their BS always fear the truth coming out.