Internet atheists.

[flobadob]

I have a question for all the atheists who give answers here on answerbank and who always fervently stand up for their beliefs, or lack of as the case may be. My question is in relation to real life situations where in conversation with someone else the topic of religion comes up. If, for example, you were talking to someone and they mentioned god in relation to what you were discussing would you
1. Just agree with them
2. Tell them you don't believe in god
3. Try to turn the conversation so that you don't have to be at odds with your true feelings;
or something else which may be the case. I find if you mention atheism a lot of people are horrified.
By the way I'm more talking here about in conversation with people you wouldn't necessarily interact with on a regular basis, rather than amongst your friends.

[i zingari]

In any situation that I was being asked to read or listen to something from the bible ( or other religious texts ) i'd insist that they should read the God Delusion by Richard Dawkins in return .

[Doc.Spock.1]

I avoid the topic and won't be drawn into a discussion.

Seems weird to me that supposedly intelligent people can believe in some bearded entity sitting on a cloud controlling everything.


I always think of Ken Bigley...All the members of all the faiths all over the world appealing to whoever. What hapenned, nowt.

[naomi24]

I doubt many of them would take you up on it, zingari. I think you'll find that many believers won't read anything that either is, or that they perceive to be, contrary to their beliefs. Never mind Richard Dawkins - we've had lengthy discussions on here about their refusal to read Harry Potter!

[Octavius]

I always find that in pleasant conversation with people you have just met, matters of religion and politics are best avoided.

Whether you believe the same or otherwise, it would seem pointless arguing the toss before you have found out whether they are likeable, interesting and erudite enough to debate/opine and get along with generally, or just an inbred numpty with a narrow minded �I am right, you are wrong� view.

[keyplus90]

I know this question was for Atheists but would have liked had it been for every one whoever and whatever they believe in and how they deal in the situation given in this question.

I personally in real life do not discuss about religion & politics as I believe that these two subjects are very sensitive. I studied at a church school (in Pakistan) so I had Christian friends even before I came to UK. Since then now I have friends of almost all the faiths including atheists. So I never talk about their belief until someone wants to.

Naomi � nice to hear that your thinking is somewhat changing.

[beso]

If they are expressing their personal feelings then I let it slide. I might even say something along the lines of "if it works for you".

However if they ask me where I stand I will tell them.

I have had deep and meaningful conversations with JWs who left saying they had never thought about the issues I raised and felt that they urgently needed to.

[terambulan]

keyplus90.....at last, a reply from you without reference to koran scriptures ;)

[keyplus90]

Terambulan � At last you can say that. As far as I am concerned then Quran is not just a religious book but a complete code of life. What I said there even that is from Quran. But you do not have to mention it all the time, you should have practicality in your life.

Or did I disappoint you again. �����..

[Quinlad]

"she spoke of her enduring faith which seemed so very genuine that I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't believe in her God. It did go against the grain for me, but she was clearly so content in her faith, that I felt it would have been an act of extreme cruelty to do otherwise than simply listen to her. Had I spoken my mind, I know it would have confused her, and it would have hurt her, and I couldn't possibly have done that to her. Odd really. I spoke to her for only a few moments, but I know I will never forget her. I can honestly say I've never witnessed faith like hers. It was simple, selfless, gentle, and, quite honestly, truly beautiful."

Very well put.

[naomi24]

Keyplus, my thinking hasn't changed at all. Perhaps you haven't read some of the posts I've submitted in the past.

Quinlad, thank you.

[keyplus90]

That might be due to the fact that I have better things to do in my life and with my time.

[naomi24]

Could be. Glad you sorted that one out.

[jake-the-peg]

Well I am an athiest and in almost all circumstances I would tell people that I don't believe in any God and that I don't accept any argument on that premise.

The exceptions would be around where people are grieving and are desperately hanging onto religion as a comfort blanket.

It would be simply cruel to press the point in such circumstances so there I'd probably just agree with them.

But anyone who predicates opinions of ethics or politics or worse still science on religious grounds simply has to have it pointed out that their faith is a minority opinion and actually no not everybody believes in God and we don't all go out raping and pillaging because of it

[brionon]

Theland1
Mon 20/10/08
01:50 TRUE New Testament Christianity never lead to violence.
Pacifism was always the wattchword, unless confronted by evil such as the Third Riech. So how could Christianity be held responsible for bloodshed?

Tell it to the Midianites and the first born of Israel;amongst others slaughtered at the command of your vengeful god.

[LoftyLottie]

I actually would not pursue a conversation if someone brought 'God' into it and it was irrelevant to the subject being discussed. It would indicate that the person I was talking to just assumed that I believed in God and I find that quite presumptuous.

[tigerlily11]

I have been in conversations on here concerning beliefs.
Some good ones as well.
I would never force my beliefs down some ones throat and I am always ready to consider other thoughts on the subject of religion.
I do believe in God but I have an on going quest to find out what exactly he/she or it is.
I find it hard myself to mention God in any other thread if it is not religion based because atheiest tend to come down like a ton of bricks on you if you do.
So I don't.
Every one is entitled to there beliefs and as long as you don't force them on any one else then all the better.
I am certainly not horrified that you are an atheiest Flob. Why should I be.
Did you get your onion rings Bath.

[tigerlily11]

PS Niaomi. I have and do read stuff contrary to my beliefs. I have read Harry Potter because its a great story.
Stories about good winning over evil are good news no matter what form they come in.

[tigerlily11]

PPS what are you still doing here then Keyplus?

[naomi24]

Brionon, Theland's reference to 'TRUE' New Testament Christianity obviously depends upon his interpretation of the New Testament, just as the massive slaughter sanctioned and carried out by the God of the Old Testament doesn't appear, in Theland's view, to be relative to his version of Christianity Maybe God realised the error of his ways, repented his former sins, and turned over a new leaf, eh?

Come back, Theland, dear. I've been baking and I have something nice for you. Hee hee hee........ ;o)

[WaldoMcFroog]

It would depend on the nature of the comment and the nature of the commentator.

The mere fact of someone having a faith wouldn't warrant any reaction. I sat on a train and had a good laugh with a badge-wearing Morman the other day. Didn't feel the need to mention I was an atheist; it wasn't relevant.

If, however, I met someone and they started spouting off about a 6,000 year old Earth I'd feel no qualms in weighing in.

And if you post about such things on a Q&A website then everyone is fair game, of course. It's certainly not analogous to real life.