Why Do Theists....

[nailit]

think that unbelievers are unbelievers by choice?

[andy-hughes]

tomus - // You have to choose to believe, or more accurately you go into a temporary suspension of disbelief - you know that thing you do when you're watching a film that allows you to invest emotionally in it and care about the outcome even though you *know* it's really fiction and everyone's acting on a film set.

That's how I think it works. I'm not a believer myself so can't be sure. //

I don't think your scenario stacks up.

As nailit says, watching a film means a considered and agreeable suspension of belief to invest in the enjoyment of entertainment, and at the end, you re-enter 'real life'.

That cannot be compared with what, for most, is a life-enhancing belief that is with them every waking second, and they believe it to be absolutely the truth beyond any doubt whatsoever.

Somewhat different, I am sure you will agree.

[tomus42]

You're missing the point mate. I'm trying to answer the question you asked and you're arguing with me as if I'm standing on your doorstep trying to foist a copy of the Watchtower on you. Maybe grow up a bit would be step one to finding the answer.

[tomus42]

That was to nailit not AH

[tomus42]

// Somewhat different, I am sure you will agree. //

No. Same thing. You have to make a conscious decision to believe in something for which there is absolutely no evidence. That's what's going on I reckon.

[nailit]

//That was to nailit not AH//
Make it clear then. Still havnt the foggiest of what ur on about tho.
Not been rude , just try to make it clear...

[tomus42]

.. of course when you've done it for a few years it becomes second nature and you're not even aware you're doing it any more.

[tomus42]

//Make it clear then. Still havnt the foggiest of what ur on about tho.
Not been rude , just try to make it clear... //

I can't be bothered nailit, sorry. I think I've had a fair go at it already.

[nailit]

//I can't be bothered nailit, sorry. I think I've had a fair go at it already//
Bye

[Theland]

Nailit, and company, please don't asks me questions like what is the difference re Christianity and whatever.
To answer such questions in one or two posts is impossible as you know.
To not answer invites mockery as in the posts above where you give each other slaps on the back, so I am then put in an impossible!e position.
I would ask other ABers to offer an opinion on this.

[naomi24]

AH, //What you can't do, is say you 'know'//

Yes .. I can… and you can argue if that’s what you want to do.

//Are we done with this now?//

I can't speak for you but I’m done with it.

[andy-hughes]

naomi - // AH, //What you can't do, is say you 'know'//

Yes .. I can… and you can argue if that’s what you want to do.

//Are we done with this now?//

I can't speak for you but I’m done with it. //

If you state again that you 'know' I have not read the bible, that will be a lie, and I will report you to the Editorial team for it.

Now we're done with it.

[naomi24]

Theland, you haven’t been put in an impossible position. You (to use your word) mock Hinduism, and yet when asked to explain the differences between Hinduism’s peculiarities, which are unacceptable to you. and Christianity’s peculiarities, which are acceptable to you, you refuse. You say my studies should have taught me something - and they have. What have yours taught you?

[Zacs-Master]

And do you think your status as a Mod will influence any decision, Mr H?

[andy-hughes]

No.

[naomi24]

andy-hughes, you've doubted my studies - and tried - and failed - to trash them more times than I care to remember, but that's fine. I'm just wondering how would the Ed know if your complaint was justified? Go ahead if that's what you want to do. It won't make your claim any more valid.

[andy-hughes]

So you're not done then.
Carry on derailing...

[Theland]

Naomi, I have learned something of value, whereas all you have learned is how to massage your ego by putting others down.
You have no interest in Christianity, so don't post me about your idle curiosity.

[naomi24]

I look at a comment like that^ - a regular from you to whoever you're talking to - and if I didn't know better I could be forgiven for thinking you're never party to - or indeed often wholly responsible for - derailment. :o)

[naomi24]

Theland, now you're getting personal again. You're here in R&S presumably to talk about R&S so I've asked you a reasonable question. Why that response?

[vulcan42]

Theland, you spend more time explaining why you cannot answer questions than it takes to actually answer them.