If they join for the purpose of prophesying, then no. They have plenty of other venues.

It cannot be prevented but it can be controlled by the moderators. Taking the position of the devil's advocate is a way of broadening a discussion or debate but does not necessarily express the beliefs of the person taking that position. However, trolls are all over social media and they will find there way here, too.

So I hope the moderators who monitor the site are skilled in cutting off bots and identifying trolls. I will depend on them to identify those who have falsified their profiles or joined to drive divisive rhetoric and dogma with the intention of disrupting the intended purpose of the site.

What somebody believes is not what offends me; it's how they treat people that matters. And you don't have to be a believer to be a jerk. Anyone can do it!

They are either trolls or they may be looking for a reason to walk away from their fairytale.

They should be free to join, but not if they are here to troll. I don't have a problem with that as it can spark debate and interesting conversations. We have had to do some form of study regarding religion to come to our conclusion, so maybe they feel they need to study the experience, opinions and life of non-believers to come to their own conclusions.

I hope this doesn't become common--I used to post extensively on Topix, but haven't for a while because of the toxic atmosphere caused mostly by Christian trolls. I'd leave here in a heartbeat for the same reason.

I think it's ridiculous for them to join here. I don't go on christianmingle and try to convert them. I came here in part to get away from the ignorance of sheeple and to hopefully find someone with a similar life philosophy.

It is absolutely ridiculous to allow "believers " to join. Surely their "god" gave them the first internet when he allegedly sent "tablets" down with messages for them.

Any followers of any religion should not be allowed to join or view members on the site. It not only negates the point of having this site but exposes us to their historically deadly judgment, making it unsafe for all of us. Absolutely no religious people of any sect!!

Ehhhhhhh, it doesn't really matter to me. Since this is a site that exercises the freedom to discuss religion, and our lack thereof, it makes sense that we should welcome the Religious, too. The rules of the site outlaw attacking someone for their opposing views, so a little preach now and then is nothing, as long as they don't get out of hand. But at the same time, they know what they're getting into, y'know, joining AGNOSTIC.COM. So i'm sure they'll behave themselves, lol.

I don't think believers would find this helpful. Often, believers want to convert you to belief. Not all, but many think it's their mission in life. So, I say, no thanks.

If they are here to get a perspective... fine.

sexual intercourse it. the more the merrier. things mostly happen because you-I-we let it or willed it.

I would be suspicious of their intellectual authenticity. Many religions have a virus function which compels them to infect everyone with their beliefs.

They should be discouraged. Their motive for joining has got to be highly suspect.

I don't believe, that being said I do respect those who do. As for believers belonging to this site I don't understand why would they want to belong other than to try to save those who don't believe. Hence please stay away.

I don't think they would want an atheist at their sight or their bible class . I don't need to defend my beliefs however if their questioning their own beliefs and they could see other points of view I don't see any harm in that .

There may be some joining on a mission to save some souls. As long they don't drag the argument with same old tired formulas I don't mind their spying.

I'm agnostic about it

It's kind of annoying because they think somehow they are going to convert someone... the irony is they are more likely to wake up to a new reality than we are.

It's easy to tell the ones who are here to honestly know "how we think and how we got to this place" from the ones who are "on a mission to spread the gospel". I just joined, but if it turns into a place where even 40% of the dialogue becomes blasting other people for what they believe other than constructive arguments, no matter which side it comes from, I am outta here.

I don't know, some people on here were talking about mother nature being a God, sounds fairly ignorant to me. If people of other beliefs are joining we should just give them space, ignore them, or maybe listen to some of the things they have to say.

If a believer comes in to have a discussion because he or she is interested in an honest exchange - which can ONLY mean they are in a possible crisis of their faith, then I think that can be productive... as long as WE don't disrespect their "clinging to hope that atheism is wrong". Many of us have had to plead and beg for years before we realized no "god" was listening.

However, the above, I feel, is HIGHLY unlikely. Therefore I think that any believer that comes on here is looking to crap in our pool.

On the other hand, as you said, Draco, if that happened, the flame-outs would be quick, and if the offender remained, he'd be blocked.

Bottom line.... this is like hanging out at a cafe. Whoever walks in should read the menu before they come in and sit.

Personally, I think any believers who would want to join this site would most likely want to argue their "case". I don't need a "safe space" either, but I really don't want to be bombarded with "arguments" why my lack of delusional beliefs makes me "less than". I can get that just about anywhere. Was hoping to avoid it here.

As long as they are civil, no problem. Jerks of any persuasion ruin conversation.