Don't You Just Love Attacking Christians?

[Theland]

My experiences on R&S are that atheists hunt in packs and love nothing more than to tear into a big fat Christian.
Oftentimes, this is accompanied by an almost world weary sighing impatience as if to say, ''Oh no, not another upstart! Right! Load the guns! Let's give out both barrels!''
Being told that I foist my views on the tired old atheists yet again, is just one of many typical comments.
Then there is the resident atheist ex fundie fervent, with his list of gods, his talking snake routine, and of course, the superior outlook that looks down on Christians as if we were something stuck to a shoe.
So, when it comes to kicking Christians, don't you just love it?

[davebro]

Maybe Stableford is Theland in disguise?

[douglas9401]

A fair degree of foot-shooting as per.

Tres amusant. :-)

[andy-hughes]

Theland - // I would never scurrilously attack atheists ... //

What a short memory you have.

Don't you remember telling me that if I was 'tired I should go and fix a radiator on DIY' and to 'stop moaning, it ages me ...'.

That was less than twenty-four hours ago.

[Spungle]

As a Christian, I feel the premise of this question is a little bizarre. From my observation, most AB'ers (atheists and others) don't comment on posts relating to religion, and when they do it is normally a handful of the same few people espousing views they have done pretty consistently, some for many years. May I also venture that it isn't just "the atheists" who sometimes come across with a superior attitude. Yes, of course, when Christianity is presented there will be opposing views and sometimes you may appear lonely in your views- Christianity isnt meant to be popular. But the Bible does tell us to "turn the other cheek" which is the opposite to trying to score points. As for the "resident atheist ex fundie fervent with his list of gods", well, everyone to their own- this troubled soul has been posting anti-Christian viewpoints since about 2013, if you look back- clearly suffers from mental illness and would possibly benefit from a bit of compassion. And finally, disagreeing, disputing or being downright stupid isn't "kicking" you personally. If you have been the victim of bullying (ie without provokation or antagonising others), it should be reported, rather than posted to an open forum which is openly inviting more- like putting a sticker on your own back saying "Kick Me". Only my thoughts, best wishes to you, brother.

[Atheist]

Spungle, good post. Apart from your reference to a poster having mental illness. It's not really fair to diagnose that from AB posts.
I think conversation about religious beliefs can be beneficial, if people have open minds and respond reasonably to others' points of view. Simple yah-boo like what went on and probably still goes on on the playgrounds of different denominational schools does no good at all.

[Spungle]

Sorry, Atheist, I shouldn't have said mental illness. Mental challenges would perhaps have been more accurate. And fully agree with your sentiments regarding "yah-boo"- it's a lose-lose scenario when we don't listen or respond to each other. There is so much to be learnt from each other, however much we disagree.

[andy-hughes]

Spungle - // May I also venture that it isn't just "the atheists" who sometimes come across with a superior attitude. //

Please don't restrict yourself to 'venturing to suggest ...' - the chippy arrogance and world-weary patronising from the fervents on here is a matter of long and seriously tedious record.

It's that which arouses the ire and responses from 'the atheists' - rather than the other way round!!

[Atheist]

Andy, not all atheists feel ire. It's a personal thing; some people get really cross and some people don't because they are interested in what makes other people tick.

[Atheist]

Andy, if you find a religious person who doesn't fit your idea of what religious people are like, you shouldn't resort to labelling them as 'fervents'. Such an approach is reminiscent of TTT's labelling.

[Spungle]

Thanks, Andy Hughes, may I also venture (lol) your posts do often come across as arrogant, condescending and superior, but am sure, in real life, you're a lovely chap. (Sarcasm intended) But, on a serious note, it appears that sometimes we forget that this is an online forum, an "escape" for some, a hobby, a pastime, and a passion for others. It's also somewhere where we can, pretty much, say what we like and feel better for it. It's also a great place to get an insight into "opposing" views, and definitely not somewhere to come if you're thin-skinned or take things personally! Yes, I am uncomfortable when I see my heartfelt beliefs "attacked", "belittled" or "made fun of", but I also try not to invite it, or take it personally when I do. I don't speak for all Christians, any more than you speak for all Atheists- after all, these are beliefs, opinions and views. I do sometimes see what may appear to be bullying and suchlike, but unfortunately, that's the nature of the internet and online forums, as we are all aware.

[andy-hughes]

Atheist - // Andy, if you find a religious person who doesn't fit your idea of what religious people are like, you shouldn't resort to labelling them as 'fervents'. Such an approach is reminiscent of TTT's labelling. //

It's a convenent label for the four or five individuals who post with the same attitude of sneering superiority.

I don't believe it is a derogatory term - I think it sums them up perfectly.

I could think of far worse labels, but I try not to be impolite, whatever the provocation.

[andy-hughes]

Spungle - // It's also a great place to get an insight into "opposing" views ... //

Chance would be a fine thing!!

The fervents don't give 'insights' - that is entirely my problem with them.

They give faith as facts, beleifs as certainties, suppositions as testimony, opinions as gospels, and all served up with a level of undeserved superiority that would make Louis Spence implode with embarassment.

I would be pleased with an occasional 'insight' - but I'm not holding my breath.

[Spungle]

"Fervent" is an interesting label- but I would wear it. Intriguing that there are "fervents" on both sides of the aisle (so to speak) on this one. But I agree with Atheist- if there is going to be anything approaching productive dialogue or discourse, there needs to be basic respect. Otherwise it's just a bunfight.

[Atheist]

Andy, labelling people doesn't help the world go round. I think it's better to treat people with a bit of respect. If you have no respect for them, it's better to ignore them, not to stoke the fire with 'disrespectful' labels.

[andy-hughes]

Atheist - // Andy, labelling people doesn't help the world go round. I think it's better to treat people with a bit of respect. If you have no respect for them, it's better to ignore them, not to stoke the fire with 'disrespectful' labels. //

As advised, I don;t think my label is 'disrespectful' - it refers to a recognised group of posters and idenifies them to any regulars who may be interested.

We must agree to differ.

[Spungle]

Do you view me as a "fervent", Andy, out of interest? I hold Christian beliefs and views which are unyielding, and unlikely to change but I don't attempt to force them down anyone's neck- it's a case of take it or leave it.

[andy-hughes]

Spungle - // Do you view me as a "fervent", Andy, out of interest? I hold Christian beliefs and views which are unyielding, and unlikely to change but I don't attempt to force them down anyone's neck- it's a case of take it or leave it. //

No, I do not, for eaxtly those reasons.

The main 'fervent' on here knows who he is - I have advised him I am withdrawing from debating with him, because we simply get nowhere, at which point he was rude and offensive to me.

Since you have been neither, I would not group you together with him for a moment.

[Spungle]

Thanks for your reply, Andy. I expect we all have a perception of each other which may, or may not, be accurate. We all have different ways to express ourselves, and a bit of latitude and mutual respect never goes amiss. However, sometimes our patience wears pretty thin, but then it's our choice whether to respond or to crack on with something else. Have a great evening.

[andy-hughes]

Spungle - // Thanks for your reply, Andy. //

You are most welcome.

// Have a great evening. //

Thanks - you too.

[Theland]

TTT - Your logic and reason have so far not produced any answers to any questions, but doubtless your ego is in much better condition.

Andy, you let yourself down with sudden attacks of delicacy, where your feelings appear hurt.
Surely you should toughen up a bit?