Surrounded!

Comment

Comment by Sentient Biped on March 22, 2009 at 9:08pm

Maybe there's something in the water? I had been blithely thinking that no one cared about my life of reason (as ooposed to blind faith), and then cablooie, every day someone is mentioning their faith and god's will etc. Maybe there's a secret movement in the churches to increase efforts at conversion or something.

Christians take advantage of the Atheist's usual courtesy. Sometimes I just want to tell them "I liked you better before I realized that you are such a nut case" but they have no problem saying they want to save my soul.

Comment by Reality Activist on March 22, 2009 at 7:35pm

If you choose to debate them, this is what works for me. The first step is to discredit their source. Educate them on the Bible's history and tell them that you can not accept anything that is written in the Bible as evidence. If they refuse, then end the debate. The second step is to let them make all the declarations. It is their belief not yours and the burden of proof is on them to prove it to you. The third step is to stay away from any declarations. You don't need to prove your viewpoint. It is about their viewpoint not yours.

Someone else may have another method that works for them. Most Humanists will try to intellectualize the discussion. It is a waste of time to try to change their belief with arguments. Beliefs are based on irrational mental processes. Behavior is the only real ace that you have. Show that you are a respectable, congenial and decent person and you disprove the need to follow a religion on moral grounds. Once you show that an atheists can rise to or exceed the moral standards of a believer, you have won the day and you have proven that a large part of their faith is not true.

Comment by Reality Activist on March 22, 2009 at 7:20pm

Be careful! This may be orchestrated. Christians have a tendency to think that you need help if you don't believe in a god. Once the word gets around, they may actually be conspiring to help you.
Of course, the normal reaction is to be pissed off, but if you do this, you play into their hands.
Do you have a group of atheists in your area? If you do, tell them of your situation and ask for help. They are picking on you because you are alone and an easy target. Get other atheists involve so they (the believers) know that you are not alone.
You might also use the same type of tactic that they use. If someone keeps saying obnoxious things then you start saying obnoxious things. But be sure not to lose your temper.
A good friend does not proselytize. Set him straight and/or move on.