Debating with Atheists

[SupernovaK]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

 

[razzelflabben]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

Personal opinion here so take it for what it's worth. I love challenge and have found that it only strengthens my faith. However, I also find atheists for the most part very inflammatory, obstinate, rude, and disrespectful in a lot of ways. My son says (he is agnostic) that atheists are the most hateful people to try to talk to so much so that he usually doesn't even try anymore.

Maybe....just maybe, if the atheists want an honest discussion (and I am speaking as a whole here) they should drop the nasty stuff and have an honest discussion.

 

[SupernovaK]

Personal opinion here so take it for what it's worth. I love challenge and have found that it only strengthens my faith. However, I also find atheists for the most part very inflammatory, obstinate, rude, and disrespectful in a lot of ways. My son says (he is agnostic) that atheists are the most hateful people to try to talk to so much so that he usually doesn't even try anymore.

Maybe....just maybe, if the atheists want an honest discussion (and I am speaking as a whole here) they should drop the nasty stuff and have an honest discussion.

Perhaps you shouldn't stereotype atheists like that. If my own threads included things that were "inflammatory, obstinate, rude, or disrespectful" then it would make sense to delete them, but they didn't -- I'm well-aware of my audience.

I did try to have an honest discussion... I've tried to have several of them... but that's clearly unwelcome as well.

 

[razzelflabben]

Perhaps you shouldn't stereotype atheists like that. If my own threads included things that were "inflammatory, obstinate, rude, or disrespectful" then it would make sense to delete them, but they didn't -- I'm well-aware of my audience.

I did try to have an honest discussion... I've tried to have several of them... but that's clearly unwelcome as well.

actually I specified not all because I have had the occasional good discussion with an atheist. In fact, a year or so ago my husband and I taught Sunday School in which there was an atheist in the class who attended because his wife and son wanted to go to church. The man has sense become a believer and we have always gotten along well with him. You however were in the OP talking about a group of people not an individual. A group of people who are as best I can tell known for being nasty. That is why I responded as I did. No one wants to be disrespected and treated badly, why should they? If the group in question has that reputation why would anyone willingly put themselves through the nasty just so they could be ignored and insulted? Why not focus on a group that is known for listening?

 

[mukk_in]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

Sorry, wrong post.

 

[Theodoric]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

Religion (not only Christianity, any religion) is faith-based.

Atheism is a view arrived at by a rejection of faith.

It's fine with me if you want to live your lives that way, we'll see how it turns out in the end. But these are two completely opposite things, there is no point in trying to argue from a faith position with somebody who has already rejected faith.

 

[razzelflabben]

Religion (not only Christianity, any religion) is faith-based.

Atheism is a view arrived at by a rejection of faith.

It's fine with me if you want to live your lives that way, we'll see how it turns out in the end. But these are two completely opposite things, there is no point in trying to argue from a faith position with somebody who has already rejected faith.

but, isn't living a life where one does not believe in faith, an act of faith?

Faith is complete trust in something or someone...don't the atheists put their faith in themselves, science, or something like that? So they are still living by faith they just put their faith in something other than a deity

 

[Theodoric]

but, isn't living a life where one does not believe in faith, an act of faith?

Faith is complete trust in something or someone...don't the atheists put their faith in themselves, science, or something like that? So they are still living by faith they just put their faith in something other than a deity

They would say not, I'm sure. Mostly they just like to argue and make other people say foolish things in the heat of that argument. Then they can point and say, "See, see how silly you Christians are."

There's another recent thread on this forum where I actually came in on their side. But my definition of Atheism wasn't nuanced enough for them, and they pounced on me like a pack of guard dogs who got ahold of a squirrel.

From now on I'm just saying, "not of the Elect", shaking the dust off my shoes and moving on. They can live their lives as they choose.

 

[Hieronymus]

Religion (not only Christianity, any religion) is faith-based.

Atheism is a view arrived at by a rejection of faith.

O really?
Many of them, especially the loud (famous) ones seem to be very convinced God does not exist, or just that God is unworthy to worship.
For those who are convinced God does not exist, there are gaps to be filled in their beliefs regarding the origins of things.
Atheism of the gaps, so to speak.
So they have to be convinced the origins of our mindbogglingly complex common reality are somehow mindless and purposeless causes.
They spend tons of money and hours to come up with naturalistic answers to fill the gaps.
You can fill libraries with atheist Scripture.
They often (seem to) have more faith than Christians do.

 

[Sanoy]

Personal opinion here so take it for what it's worth. I love challenge and have found that it only strengthens my faith. However, I also find atheists for the most part very inflammatory, obstinate, rude, and disrespectful in a lot of ways. My son says (he is agnostic) that atheists are the most hateful people to try to talk to so much so that he usually doesn't even try anymore.

This^. So much this. Filters are used to weed out these types so you can actually dialogue with an open minded individual. Even through the filter the majority of those I have spoken with have no interests beyond a mental fist fight. There are truly only a limited number in which dialogue could be profitable and they won't be there. It is not the work of the Christian to dig one out of the grave but to help one climb out of it.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

Have you never heard of the Bible Answer Man radio show? It's an evangelical call-in show which has been around since, I don't know, the 1980s ...

...that's one.

There's also a Catholic one which I hear on the radio from time to time: Catholic Answers Live

...that's two.

There's also Dr. Michael Brown, a Jewish Christian, who offers a part of his show for call-ins ... ASKDrBrown

...that's three.

There's also the evangelical CSNradio Live Talk Show called To Every Man An Answer

And then there are various Christian radio-shows and podcasts, some of which may offer some form of Live Call-in and/or blog interaction ... [the Big List]

...or even just google the term "christian call in shows," and start going through the selections on the first several pages worth of entries.


Also, don't stereotype Christian thought. Obviously, from what I've provided above, it is diverse. Sure, I will grant you that some segments (denominations) of Christianity are only willing to field certain questions from their own theological point-of-view, and to some extent, what you've said here is partially true. However, don't assume that ALL Christians are attempting to squelch inquiry ... some, like those at BioLogos.org, actually invite various kinds of dialogue.

[p.s. ...and yes, I was already aware of "The Atheist Experience" show and have been for some time. ]

 

[Theodoric]

Maybe "SupernovaK" and "Gary Davis" can room together in eternity? That would truly be Hell for both of them...

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Perhaps you shouldn't stereotype atheists like that. If my own threads included things that were "inflammatory, obstinate, rude, or disrespectful" then it would make sense to delete them, but they didn't -- I'm well-aware of my audience.

I did try to have an honest discussion... I've tried to have several of them... but that's clearly unwelcome as well.

If you want to have a discussion with a Christian who is willing to field just about ANY issue, and you feel that you can't get a fair shake out in the 'open,' then PM me, and we'll have a discussion on whatever points you want to discuss. However, just know ahead of time that, as most of my fellow Christians here who are familiar with me know, I am not going to deliver to you the typical Christian view ... In fact, we can start existentially in our discussion, whether that be with Sartre, Nietzsche, or whoever, or even scientifically, and go from there, if that is you want. We can even talk about the so-called "Outsider Test for Faith," and discuss it's underlying assumptions... Or you can just bring up an issue that bugs the heck out of you and over which you'd like some open and honest, bilateral philosophical discussion.

 

[durangodawood]

...However, I also find atheists for the most part very inflammatory, obstinate, rude, and disrespectful in a lot of ways.....

Do you think the average atheist on this forum is like that?

 

[Theodoric]

Do you think the average atheist on this forum is like that?

I think anyone who self-identifies as "Atheist" and then hangs out on something called "Christian Forum" is looking to pick a fight. Otherwise, they'd call themselves something less inflammatory, like "seeker".

 

[durangodawood]

I think anyone who self-identifies as "Atheist" and then hangs out on something called "Christian Forum" is looking to pick a fight. Otherwise, they'd call themselves something less inflammatory, like "seeker".

So.... your answer to my question is "yes"?

 

[RgM3]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

I accept your challenge.
I will debate you, and you can discuss with me anything your heart so desires about God, the bible and all
that pertains to them.

Make your opening statement.

 

[Tom 1]

Were you aware that there's a live internet show that runs every Sunday afternoon @ 4:30-6:00pm Central Time called "The Atheist Experience"? If you wanted to try to convince a bunch of atheists that they are wrong, you could call in (1-512-686-0279) and challenge them with your evidence for the existence of God, live and without a screener to weed anybody out. Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

There are, as far as I can find, over 10 atheist forums on the internet. Not a single one of them excludes Christians, and most of them are very welcoming of them. On the other hand, there isn't a single Christian forum that welcomes outside views. Most of them quite openly say that they are communities for Christians only. You may think the obvious, "you're not a Christian but you're allowed to post here". Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith -- and it is exactly that. What are Christians so afraid of? If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced? And why are atheists, if their beliefs are so obviously wrong, far more welcome to outside challenge of them?

? This forum has a lot of threads with questions, assertions, challenges etc from atheists. They’ve all been on here since I first joined. If you do some searches on YouTube etc you’ll find endless debates of this sort.

 

[Kenny'sID]

Were you similarly aware that there's no corresponding Christian show that allows callers to call in and challenge their beliefs? Have you ever wondered why?

If you've heard one "free thinking" Atheist, you've herd them all, and some of us don't care what they think/what's the point? That sound about right? We're secure in our beliefs...you?

Yes, but only if I don't speak about theology. In fact, there's a good chance that this thread, which doesn't discuss any specific bible passage or Christian belief at all, will get deleted because it's a challenge to Christian faith

You or your thread is not a challenge to our faith, nothing even close.

What are Christians so afraid of?

See reply #1.

If your beliefs are so rock-solid, why do you try so hard to keep opposing beliefs silenced?

First, we don't do that here, why do you claim that? Secondly, why are you so concerned about convincing us there is no God, are you concerned about our well being? As was already brought up about Atheist being generally mean, I have to think it's not our well being at all, but what you're really doing is trying to convince yourself God/Hell doesn't exist....not much else makes sense. I mean, why even come here at all, if your secure in your beliefs?

If your beliefs are so rock solid, why aren't you secure enough with them to live and let live? Why do you feel you need to constantly reaffirm them by trying to convince others? Even if you made every one of us not believe in God, he would still be there, and that Hell you are so afraid of will remain as well. You cannot reason God away.

Do you get a lot of Christians on the Atheist boards?

 

[RgM3]

I went on several atheist forums
and they quickly banned me.
They could not contend
with the wisdom of the Spirit of God.