Why do some religions find it necessary to "convert" people...

[Thorn]

Merkat,

I'm always open to discussing religious views, that's one of my favorite topics. I'm just very tired of the behavior of certain members on this BBS. They don't want to have civil discussions, they just want a fight. I've never busted out someone's windows because they have something on their car that I don't like. In fact, the only time I've ever commited physical violence on anyone (due to a religious matter) was when a Jewish friend of mine was jumped by some skinheads in a Sears parking lot... I got stabbed in the side and he got his jaw broken (all four of them went to prison).

Anyway, I'm just going to discontinue my discussions about this issue with certain people otherwise I'll say things that I'll feel badly about later.

 

[Athanasius]

Some degree of ad hominem trolling is inevitable when politics, religion, and other passionate beliefs are discussed. As a rule, ATOT is just what it advertises itself to be: a "pub" for free, unfetterred discussion.

Because ATOT is what it is, I expect some level of ad hominem. I try not to engage in it, but I expect it and it typically doesn't bother me. Chess9 sometimes laces well thought arguments with a healthy dose of ad hominem. Red Dawn is the master of personal insults.

But they communicate a genuine respect for people. It is not a matter of needing someone's respect; it is a matter of presenting oneself in a way that signals that one is genuinely interested in people and honors diverging points of view. Without these things, no profitable dialogue can occur.

Whether it is a Christian trying to "convert" someone or a miltant atheist trying to demonstrate the "absurdity" of religion, the proper signals must be sent if one wants to be heard.

If one doesn't care what others think or want to be heard, then why does that one speak? Silence is an option, particularly on a BBS. Just don't click on the thread.

 

[ArkAoss]

geez athansius, well put, yet again. . .