I don't get it...

[free2be]

Hey everyone!

I've been venturing out into places not known to me here in the forum (something I haven't done in my 2+ years here ) and I am quite surprised at the amount of atheists here. I"m not wanting this to be a debate in any way but I just dont' understand. I, personally, would never seek out an atheist forum that could be called let's say, atheistforums.com, and become a member.

It makes me question, are they really atheists? Why would they seek out a Christian forum?

 

[PostTribber]

It makes me question, are they really atheists? Why would they seek out a Christian forum?

...even atheists need love, which is why they come here.

 

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Hey everyone!

I've been venturing out into places not known to me here in the forum (something I haven't done in my 2+ years here ) and I am quite surprised at the amount of atheists here. I"m not wanting this to be a debate in any way but I just dont' understand. I, personally, would never seek out an atheist forum that could be called let's say, atheistforums.com, and become a member.

It makes me question, are they really atheists? Why would they seek out a Christian forum?

I've seen that too free.

I wouldn't either...and I certainly wouldn't be arguing about my "rights" on an athiest forum from a christian perspective.

I think on some level, people are searching for a deeper meaning in their lives. Perhaps they think they will find something here to help them in their journey. I hope that we as Christians would show them Christs love to point them in the right direction.

 

[Hentenza]

Hi free2be,

A lot of them are also former Christians that deconverted. In their own way they are still seeking. I've met several. Hopefully some of them will reconvert.

 

[CyberPaladin]

People are here for a variety of reasons many of the nonbelievers it seem to hang around primarily to mock and insult us while some are interested in learning about our faith.

 

[Macrina]

I imagine there's a variety of reasons, some of the major ones being listed above.

In addition, maybe some see this as a place where they can hang out online and not deal with the unsavory nature of a lot of secular sites; many atheists appreciate "Christian morality" even if they don't believe in the basis for it.

One of my atheist friends here is concerned, from an intellectual perspective, about YEC, and he came here to enter into discussions on Origins.

Others might be invited to join by friends, or find us in a random search for some topic that's in one of the forums.

Whatever brings them here, I hope they are met with Christian love.

 

[Macrina]

People are here for a variety of reasons many of the nonbelievers it seem to hang around primarily to mock and insult us while some are interested in learning about our faith.

Well, yeah, and that's truly unfortunate, because the trolls can make us edgy about the ones who come without such a motive. I guess every internet forum gets its share of trolls, but some just like to get a stick and jab at the Christians till they get a reaction.

 

[free2be]

...even atheists need love, which is why they come here.

I don't doubt they wouldn't find love in an atheist forum...and I think that's proof they're of God.

I've seen that too free.

I wouldn't either...and I certainly wouldn't be arguing about my "rights" on an athiest forum from a christian perspective.

I think on some level, people are searching for a deeper meaning in their lives. Perhaps they think they will find something here to help them in their journey. I hope that we as Christians would show them Christs love to point them in the right direction.

I agree Trekki, it's unfulfillably lonely without God...as St. Augastine says "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

Hi free2be,

A lot of them are also former Christians that deconverted. In their own way they are still seeking. I've met several. Hopefully some of them will reconvert.

If that's the case, I hope they're welcomed with love!

People are here for a variety of reasons many of the nonbelievers it seem to hang around primarily to mock and insult us while some are interested in learning about our faith.

That's very unfortunate. I was selective about the threads I chose to read as some are blatenly started to stir. The posts that I read were very respectful and kind.

 

[free2be]

I imagine there's a variety of reasons, some of the major ones being listed above.

In addition, maybe some see this as a place where they can hang out online and not deal with the unsavory nature of a lot of secular sites; many atheists appreciate "Christian morality" even if they don't believe in the basis for it.

One of my atheist friends here is concerned, from an intellectual perspective, about YEC, and he came here to enter into discussions on Origins.

Others might be invited to join by friends, or find us in a random search for some topic that's in one of the forums.

Whatever brings them here, I hope they are met with Christian love.

I"m not sure what YEC is?

I agree Mac, the only way to reveal Truth is to meet with Christs' love....always.

 

[Macrina]

I"m not sure what YEC is?

I agree Mac, the only way to reveal Truth is to meet with Christs' love....always.

Young Earth Creationism. It becomes an issue that non-Christians have an interest in when it affects what is taught in the public schools, so this is one area in which non-Christians might be particularly invested. I'm sure there are others, though.



You know, I think this is the biggest reason why the infighting amongst Christians, on CF and elsewhere, troubles me so greatly: We have people here who may very well evaluate the Christian faith based on our actions. I fear that we don't reflect the Lord's image as well as we might.

 

[Sketcher]

I would hope they are seeking, but there will be some unavoidable trolls.

There are Christians that do invade atheist forums like Infidels, and I can't imagine that it has made a single positive dent in a single unbelieving soul. They go to those places to breed their hatred of Christianity and maybe a few other religions. Let them. If they soften up and come here and are respectful, then I will talk to them.

 

[free2be]

Young Earth Creationism.

Should've known that!

You know, I think this is the biggest reason why the infighting amongst Christians, on CF and elsewhere, troubles me so greatly: We have people here who may very well evaluate the Christian faith based on our actions. I fear that we don't reflect the Lord's image as well as we might.

I agree...and I think it's something that should always be in our mind...WWJD.

Thank you Macrina.

I would hope they are seeking, but there will be some unavoidable trolls.

There are Christians that do invade atheist forums like Infidels, and I can't imagine that it has made a single positive dent in a single unbelieving soul. They go to those places to breed their hatred of Christianity and maybe a few other religions. Let them. If they soften up and come here and are respectful, then I will talk to them.

My guess would be, for the most part, that a Christian in an atheist forum would be like like throwing a candy in an anthill. Whereas, if they visit a Christian forum, I would think they would be greeted with love and respect...I wonder how they would soften up otherwise?

 

[Hentenza]

I am somewhat mixed in my opinion of why they are in this website. I have certainly met some nice and considerate ones which are truly seeking answers, but have also debated with the downright rude and uninterested. We have to be vigilant when debating them because some come like wolves in sheep clothing. For example, had a debate with a poster sporting an Anglican icon and it turns out he was an Atheist. Thank God I was able to discern him correctly.