Why Atheists Debate With Theists

[nailit]

It was suggested in another thread that atheists who debate/contribute to R&S are obsessive and may require therapy. I cant speak for other non-believers but I can speak for myself.
I debate/contribute to R&S for the same reasons that the politically minded contribute to news, for the same reason that right wingers will debate left wingers. I have minimal interest in politics so don't often get involved in those debates. I also don't have much knowledge of politics but I do have some knowledge of religion and in particular the Bible. I am not obsessive, I have stated many times that I have fundamentalist Christian friends and that I work with Christians but the topic of faith/belief rarely crops up in day to day life and I rarely, if ever, think about it. But if questions of faith arise, I WILL, give my viewpoint - as I do on here.
I don't believe in God or some supernatural being, I don't believe in biblical prophecy and I don't believe in miracles...and will give my reasons why when asked. When the Bible is toted as truth I will give my reasons why I don't believe that. When the Bible is held up as a moral guide book I will say why it isn't.
Some people on here seem to have an 'obsessive' interest in other sections of the site. I wouldn't say that they needed 'therapy'. We all have our own interests and mine happens to be R&S mainly because its something that I know a little about.
Hope this helps ;-)

[waterboatman]

There are times when a good ale is sheer nectar!

[tamborine]

Ye have lil faith but neither do my animals that depend on me to feed & succour them. The faithless animals left to their own device would attack, kill & eat each other. Tis only me that stops them but if I weaken I would be on the menu. My faith keeps my resolve to awake each day & live as best I can.

[naomi24]

Theland, //I believe God is good because He loves us enough to forgive us our sin at great cost to Himself.
OK Naomi? //

Not really. You haven't explained why you believe that.

[Khandro]

//Why Atheists Debate With Theists//
Could it be they fear they are missing out on something?

[naomi24]

That would make no sense, Khandro. Religion is available to anyone who wants it.

[Theland]

Boaty - sometimes in my mind I am picking up a can or a glass of lovely beer. Yummy.
The trick for me is to quickly change the scene in my mind and introduce prohibition. Sad but necessary.

[Theland]

Naomi - you are well versed with the bible accounts of the life of Jesus, His death and resurrection.
That should answer your questions.

[naomi24]

I would like you to answer the question, Theland. I've found nothing to support your claims.

[Theland]

I believe it because Gods Word explains it to me. And I trust the scriptures, the very ones you are acquainted with.
Jesus, without sin, took our sin upon Himself, and the punishment for it even unto death. He took our sin and gave us Hks righteousness.
But you know this Naomi.

[tiggerblue10]

//Yes God is the Creator, not Allah or other impersonators.//

Where can I find material evidence that a deity or any deity for that matter, created the universe?

[naomi24]

No, Theland, I don't 'know' that. Remember the other day you were talking about providing chapter and verse? Where are they?

[Theland]

Tiggerblue - it's all around you - the creation itself. Earth Sun Moon Stars. The wonders of nature. The wonderful creation needed a Creator.
Deep down in your mind, you know this. Don't let this knowledge be drowned out by voices of denial.

[Theland]

Naomi - read the Gospels.

[naomi24]

I've read them. Waiting for you.

[SparklyKid]

Ah yes, the wonder of nature, gods supposed superb work.
I am particularly impressed by the parasites which burrow into childrens eyes in Africa etc etc.

[tiggerblue10]

Growing up as a non-practicing muslim I turned my back on it and any other religion many many years ago. My beliefs are based on scientific fact now, however, I still love the thought that Gaia and Zeus etc., were once considered as the true deities ;o)

[Theland]

Then you know about the last supper, Judas' betrayal, Gethsemane, His arrest and mockery of a trial, His scourging and crucifixion. Don't you?

[Theland]

Sparky - Yes and cancer in babies, and children being raped and murdered, and widespread starvation, and never ending wars. The list goes on and on.
This is not the world that God created, it is the world that Man corrupted with Sin, Mans greatest problem.
And part of that problem are parasites in children's eyes.

[Khandro]

//Where can I find material evidence that a deity or any deity for that matter, created the universe?//
You cant, not now or ever, so asking it is a non-sequitur.

[SparklyKid]

Great cop out Theland.