Freethought & Rationalism Archive

danielius · 05-30-2003, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Many people who study Christianity in depth end up being atheists

Hi everyone. I'm new to the Infidels site and forum and would like to briefly introduce myself here.

My name is Daniel, I live in the UK. I'm well-read, well-travelled and a Christian. I wasn't born into a religious family, though I've studied religion for the past decade.

I noticed here that there have been in the past publicly-available written debates between theists and atheists. I wonder if there is any opportunity for me to debate with one of the forum's many 'infidels'?

I would like the opportunity to discuss a number of things, from both perspectives, and feel that a formalized debate of some kind helps give shape and definition to any dialogue.

Best wishes,

Daniel

Luiseach · 05-30-2003, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by danielius
I wonder if there is any opportunity for me to debate with one of the forum's many 'infidels'?

I would like the opportunity to discuss a number of things, from both perspectives, and feel that a formalized debate of some kind helps give shape and definition to any dialogue.

Hi Danielius:

Welcome to the forum.

As for your question, I think a moderator or administrator would be able to answer your question about 'Formal Debates' best.

Debates abound here (as you've no doubt noticed), so why not start a thread outlining what you would like to discuss?

Best,
Luiseach

Shake · 05-30-2003, 11:30 AM

Of course, we also have a forum dedicated to formal debates here.

danielius · 05-30-2003, 01:03 PM

Many thanks for your replies.

I am happy to engage in an informal debate here as suggested, but would like to limit it to myself versus one other person, as with the formal debates at the forum cited.

As I have read a lot that isn't flattering, and a lot that is just plain misleading, about Christianity at this site, I would like to propose a debate 'Christianity v. Free-thought/Atheism'.

Would any freethinker/atheist like to debate with me about our respective positions?

Best wishes and thanks,

Daniel

Mageth · 05-30-2003, 01:07 PM

Welcome, danielius. I think that, for a productive debate, you would need to narrow the field quite a bit. Why don't you think of a few specific topics as proposals and see who bites? And a one-on-one debate would belong in the Formal Debates forum.

keyser_soze · 05-30-2003, 01:14 PM

I would suggest posting on various topics, to give everyone an opportunity to get to know you. You an easily get a formal debate going on a particular topic(although your preferred topic seems oceanically broad), but an informal debate? People generally want to find out if you are worth debating(i.e. that you won't cop out, use poor logic, or are just looking for a means to get your particular flavor of xianism a billboard). My advice would be to spend some time getting to know everyone, and to let everyone get to know you. You'll fit in fine, I'm sure..and get what you want in a more genial manner. I asure yo uthat if respect is given to us, it will be given to you. Just be honest.

Luiseach · 05-30-2003, 01:22 PM

By the way, where does the quotation you posted in your OP come from?

Namely,

'Many people who study Christianity in depth end up being atheists.'

Sabine Grant · 05-30-2003, 01:30 PM

Welcome Danielus! You will find this forum to be a great tool to learn how to explore your own belief as it will undoubtly be challenged. I have met evenhanded and sociable debaters in several threads and it is always a pleasure to expand on several topics.
May I suggest you choose your own topic and open a thread inviting all to participate? You will benefit of encounters with both theists and non theists who are longstanding members of the forum giving you a better idea of the vast spectrum of thoughts which energize those debates. It is a good place to learn to avoid generalizations and stereotyping as you will with time appreciate the individuality of each member you debate with.

A bientot, Veronique.

Luiseach · 05-30-2003, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Luiseach
By the way, where does the quotation you posted in your OP come from?

Namely,

'Many people who study Christianity in depth end up being atheists.'

I answered my own question.

The quote appears here: http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.p...threadid=54701

Is there something about the quotation that interests you?

livius drusus · 05-30-2003, 02:04 PM

Hello Daniel and welcome to IIDB. If you'd like to introduce yourself to the general readership, please feel free to swing by The Lounge.

Regarding your interest in a formal debate, please contact Dr. Rick, moderator of the Formal Debates & Discussion forum Shake linked to above, preferably with a specific debate topic in mind. You might want to peruse the fora for something that piques your interest. That's probably the best way for you to find a congenial opponent as well.

Best of luck to you.

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05-30-2003, 11:30 AM	#3
Shake Contributor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Folding@Home in upstate NY Posts: 14,394	Of course, we also have a forum dedicated to formal debates here.

05-30-2003, 01:03 PM	#4
danielius Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 51	Many thanks for your replies. I am happy to engage in an informal debate here as suggested, but would like to limit it to myself versus one other person, as with the formal debates at the forum cited. As I have read a lot that isn't flattering, and a lot that is just plain misleading, about Christianity at this site, I would like to propose a debate 'Christianity v. Free-thought/Atheism'. Would any freethinker/atheist like to debate with me about our respective positions? Best wishes and thanks, Daniel

05-30-2003, 01:07 PM	#5
Mageth Contributor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the heart of mother-lovin' Texas Posts: 29,689	Welcome, danielius. I think that, for a productive debate, you would need to narrow the field quite a bit. Why don't you think of a few specific topics as proposals and see who bites? And a one-on-one debate would belong in the Formal Debates forum.

05-30-2003, 01:14 PM	#6
keyser_soze Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: god's judge (pariah) Posts: 1,281	I would suggest posting on various topics, to give everyone an opportunity to get to know you. You an easily get a formal debate going on a particular topic(although your preferred topic seems oceanically broad), but an informal debate? People generally want to find out if you are worth debating(i.e. that you won't cop out, use poor logic, or are just looking for a means to get your particular flavor of xianism a billboard). My advice would be to spend some time getting to know everyone, and to let everyone get to know you. You'll fit in fine, I'm sure..and get what you want in a more genial manner. I asure yo uthat if respect is given to us, it will be given to you. Just be honest.

05-30-2003, 01:22 PM	#7
Luiseach Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: limbo Posts: 986	By the way, where does the quotation you posted in your OP come from? Namely, 'Many people who study Christianity in depth end up being atheists.'

05-30-2003, 01:30 PM	#8
Sabine Grant Talk Freethought Staff Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 32,364	Welcome Danielus! You will find this forum to be a great tool to learn how to explore your own belief as it will undoubtly be challenged. I have met evenhanded and sociable debaters in several threads and it is always a pleasure to expand on several topics. May I suggest you choose your own topic and open a thread inviting all to participate? You will benefit of encounters with both theists and non theists who are longstanding members of the forum giving you a better idea of the vast spectrum of thoughts which energize those debates. It is a good place to learn to avoid generalizations and stereotyping as you will with time appreciate the individuality of each member you debate with. A bientot, Veronique.

05-30-2003, 02:04 PM	#10
livius drusus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Selva Oscura Posts: 4,120	Hello Daniel and welcome to IIDB. If you'd like to introduce yourself to the general readership, please feel free to swing by The Lounge. Regarding your interest in a formal debate, please contact Dr. Rick, moderator of the Formal Debates & Discussion forum Shake linked to above, preferably with a specific debate topic in mind. You might want to peruse the fora for something that piques your interest. That's probably the best way for you to find a congenial opponent as well. Best of luck to you.

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