Infinity Lover

Sometimes I'm curious about this. Why do people who basicly don't care to have religion play a part in their lifes, spend so much time discussing religion here, rather then to get away from all that.

Preaching to the converted? Wasting time with people you're not going to change or convince? Just blowing off steam?

What compells 'us' to chew this particular rag, when we could be 'leaving God out of it' for a change?

Queen of Swords

Originally posted by Infinity Lover
Wasting time with people you're not going to change or convince?

I've seen enough devout Christians deconvert that I'm always optimistic.

Plus, a rousing debate is often a hell of a lot of fun.

Amie

ahh optimistic that they'll adapt your way of thinking eh?

Is your *NON* belief really that much of a focal point in your life that you would remain optimistic about people potentially deconverting?

Walross

Myself, I am ever curious as to what drives people to do this or that. One of the things that I am absolutely fascinated by is belief in the paranormal, which IMHO includes belief in a deity. That's about it I guess, though I suppose I could expand on it if anyone desires.

Walross

Queen of Swords

Originally posted by Amie
ahh optimistic that they'll adapt your way of thinking eh?

ahh no optimistic that they'll find out that evolution is more realistic that creation, optimistic that they'll learn why people are pro-choice, optimistic that they'll realize religion is not necessary for morality and so on. That's more realistic eh?

My way of thinking is my way of thinking, and I don't hope that anyone adopts it. And unless they have facts regarding the bible or science of which I wasn't previously aware, I doubt they'll adapt my way of thinking.

Is your *NON* belief really that much of a focal point in your life that you would remain optimistic about people potentially deconverting?

Reality, science, tolerance and peace of mind are focal points in my life. I like to see people acknowledging, accepting or using them. To that end, I remain optimistic about fundamentalists recognizing the flaws in their belief system.

"People" is such a generic term eh? I prefer to use the terms "liberal Christians" and "fundamentalists".

missus_gumby

Two posts after the OP and Amie has de-railed the thread. I think this must be a record.

I would recommend we ignore Amie's post (even though we love her lots) and continue addressing the thread as was originally intended.

Martin

Queen of Swords

Originally posted by missus_gumby
Two posts after the OP and Amie has de-railed the thread. I think this must be a record.

I wasn't aware that she had a history of doing this. Amie, if you wish to continue a debate with me as to what I personally hope to achieve in posting on the Internet Infidels Discussion Board, please let me know and I will start another thread devoted to this topic.

Goliath

I lurk (and occasionally post here) because I find it interesting to read some of the threads, and I sometimes find some good new (well, new to me) arguments to wield against xians.

Also, it's good to see the occasional xian deconvert, just as it's good to discuss ways to get as many xians as possible to deconvert (Ah, an atheist America....I can dream, can't I?)

Sincerely,

Goliath

Celsus

I was interested in Christianity before I deconverted, and I'm still interested in it after. One day, I also intend on getting some basic grounding on Islam. That said, I'm more interested in BC&A or PD than I am in most of the other fora. Neither of those prove or disprove the existence of God (although BC&A discussions tend to dismantle specific versions of "God" rather quickly). The arguments against the existence of God do not really interest me, except when I'm feeling bored and need a good debate to occupy myself with. Debates are also a good learning experience since you damn well better research your position on things you don't know well before arguing a specific side. Oh and I also like joining in debates where I know I'm right.

Joel

Infinity Lover

Exqueeze me, baking powder. I do believe I'm the one who determines what this thread is about and how it was "initially intended". People's personal motives for discussing religion here ARE the topic, and one I frankly didn't see Amie (hi lieverd) stray from, considering the hope to deconvert appearantly plays a part.

I'm not going to get into what kind of record you are trying to break though; that would be derailing.