Freethought & Rationalism Archive

livius drusus · 09-30-2003, 08:54 AM

Again I remind the participants that this thread is about responding to atheist stereotypes, not any one user.

brighid · 09-30-2003, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Amen, sister. Not only is it a good tactical maneuver to display a keen understanding of the Golden Rule and its humanistic grounding outside of any one religion, but I find discussions that hinge on this premise far more interesting. Frothing anger may be understandable, but its stubborn immutability and constant use of well-worn responses to equally well-worn claims make for stultifyingly boring conversations.

Thank you! And a hallelujah to you!

As usual, excellent point.

Brighid

andy_d · 09-30-2003, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by brighid
After all, rationality, logic, evolution, etc. stand upon strong, factual evidence (even if some refuse to see it.) The truth is what it is.

Damn right. Showing a lack of respect to others does nothing to convince them that our arguments will stand on their own.

Heathen Dawn · 09-30-2003, 11:07 AM

Hey, that’s my words he’s quoted in the OP! Apparently, when one tells him the truth (evolution), he regards that as an insult. Tough on him!

Dargo · 09-30-2003, 11:12 AM

My parents (both fundies) heard a debate back in the 1960's between Madalyn Murray O'Hair and a Christian. The only thing they remember about the debate is how angry and rude Ms. O'Hair was to her opponet. A bit more tact, and perhaps some members of the audience might have learned something or perhaps not. I can remember growing up, she was portrayed as the stereotypical angry atheist.

Rational BAC · 09-30-2003, 11:55 AM

I don't know why anyone would want to "spy" on Magus when he is posting on a Christian forum.

Tacky at best.

Roland98 · 09-30-2003, 11:59 AM

The only way to dispel a stereotype is not to be one.

Rusting Car Bumper · 09-30-2003, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roland98
The only way to dispel a stereotype is not to be one.

OH!

:notworthy :notworthy

genius! pure genius!

DC

Biff the unclean · 09-30-2003, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Heathen Dawn
Hey, that’s my words he’s quoted in the OP! Apparently, when one tells him the truth (evolution), he regards that as an insult. Tough on him!

Me too. I guess we are the ones that he longs to see roasting in Hell. It's interesting at RR that when they "do unto others" they get so pissed when the others treat them the same way.

Gunnaheave · 09-30-2003, 01:15 PM

Negative characterization of unbelievers is a core part of the rhetoric used in all the Abrahamic religions, and the significance of unbelief is accordingly shaped in that tradition rather than as a response to actual varieties of unbelief. One thing to keep in mind when we see these stereotypes is that it often has little to do with us. They are following the logic of their own beliefs, which describe life without God as inherently evil or at least unwise. Therefore those who do not believe are evil or unwise by definition. This isn't a mistake they make in trying to read our own behavior. It is a logical deduction they make within the paramaters of their own beliefs. Unbelief is the boogie-man they talk about on Sundays, and they usually talk about us when we are not present. Thus when you try and debunk the stereotype you are simply refusing to follow their script (How rude!). Some will adjust there beliefs in response to evidence regarding the actual behavior and beliefs of unbelievers. But others couldn't care less what you say or do; the script is what it is, and any deviation therefrom simply has no role in the drama that is their lives.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

09-30-2003, 08:54 AM	#21
livius drusus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Selva Oscura Posts: 4,120	Again I remind the participants that this thread is about responding to atheist stereotypes, not any one user.

09-30-2003, 11:07 AM	#24
Heathen Dawn Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 4,656	Hey, that’s my words he’s quoted in the OP! Apparently, when one tells him the truth (evolution), he regards that as an insult. Tough on him!

09-30-2003, 11:12 AM	#25
Dargo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 713	My parents (both fundies) heard a debate back in the 1960's between Madalyn Murray O'Hair and a Christian. The only thing they remember about the debate is how angry and rude Ms. O'Hair was to her opponet. A bit more tact, and perhaps some members of the audience might have learned something or perhaps not. I can remember growing up, she was portrayed as the stereotypical angry atheist.

09-30-2003, 11:55 AM	#26
Rational BAC Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tampa Bay area Posts: 3,471	I don't know why anyone would want to "spy" on Magus when he is posting on a Christian forum. Tacky at best.

09-30-2003, 11:59 AM	#27
Roland98 Contributor Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Gilead Posts: 11,186	The only way to dispel a stereotype is not to be one.

09-30-2003, 01:15 PM	#30
Gunnaheave Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: AZ Posts: 3,250	Negative characterization of unbelievers is a core part of the rhetoric used in all the Abrahamic religions, and the significance of unbelief is accordingly shaped in that tradition rather than as a response to actual varieties of unbelief. One thing to keep in mind when we see these stereotypes is that it often has little to do with us. They are following the logic of their own beliefs, which describe life without God as inherently evil or at least unwise. Therefore those who do not believe are evil or unwise by definition. This isn't a mistake they make in trying to read our own behavior. It is a logical deduction they make within the paramaters of their own beliefs. Unbelief is the boogie-man they talk about on Sundays, and they usually talk about us when we are not present. Thus when you try and debunk the stereotype you are simply refusing to follow their script (How rude!). Some will adjust there beliefs in response to evidence regarding the actual behavior and beliefs of unbelievers. But others couldn't care less what you say or do; the script is what it is, and any deviation therefrom simply has no role in the drama that is their lives.

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.