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Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

This is likely contentious, but it needs to be asked. As this is a site "...promoting universal truths and peaceful life without religion" how do you feel about people of faith joining here?

I'm no shrinking violet and I don't need the sort of safe space that so many people believe they do now, but I also don't want to have to engage with people who have been inculcated into some form of unscientific, simple-minded view of the natural world.

I joined in the belief (cough) that this was an exclusive club where I could escape from these folk - but now I find they are joining - with a view to what, I don't know although my hackles are raised.

Not only is this sort of thing wasteful of resources, but if they are here to try to convert or preach at us, that's likely to result in a dissemination to all-out flame wars in a post or two.

I didn't think this was a site to convert people from one way of thinking to another (that sort of thing is nigh-on impossible by the time we're in our 20s anyway.)

I ask because I'm interested what my fellow angostic/athiests think.

I've noted that "theists" tend to butt in to these conversations with their ignorance and that's what I came here to avoid.

I'm getting too old to argue.

Draco 6 Sep 25
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577 comments (326 - 350)

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2

Welcome one and all as far as I am concerned. I would think coming to a place where evidence is king would deter most, but some might want to see if we are plotting Armageddon. Others might want to explore doubt in a setting where they won't get preached at. As long as people are not jerks I would not vote to exclude anyone.

1

Dialog between two people should always be by mutual consent. If and when that mutual consent exists, no third party should interfere to prevent it. That is the principle which should prevail here.

2

Not an issue. Stay open minded.

2

I have recommended to some Christian friends that they browse the postings here to get a less distorted view of atheism/agnosticism. For much of the Christian propaganda I have heard is that nonbelievers are those who have knowingly rejected the truth to become their own god in order to enjoy the short-range, sinful pleasures of earthly life. I feel they would be less obnoxious and argumentative if they had a less distorted view.

3

I am more than willing to intelligently discuss any topic with anyone, including beliefs. If they start quoting scriptures from a book written by someone long dead, I quote scriptures from the holy BOBle.

3

I think maybe we should have jury system or something. If we started getting persistent trolls professing to try and convert us or something it could get quite obnoxious. A jury system with somewhat flexible rules would allow all view points to be discussed but could prevent certain religious crap from becoming a nuisance or worse.

4

Wouldn't bother me not in the slightest.

3

Doesnt bother me. I'd just ignore them if they got preachy. No reason to argue with them.

4

As long as they do not come here to preach...

6

Absolutly NOT ! We don't argue in this venue...we debate...we console...we support one another...why screw up a good thing ? Not to mention they would troll the hell out of this site...could you just imagine them in some of the groups ? Somehow I don't think they would fit in to Sexual Devients or BDSM or any of the Religious Bashing groups.

Bad idea.

6

I don't think those who are believers should be involved in this organization. They have an agenda. Those questioning could gain info and insight into how they truly feel. If they feel they are believers there is no reason for them to stay on.

6

I don't like the idea. I joined because the site advertised as a place for non-believers to be away from all that. I've seen a couple recent posts, such as the "how do you recognize design" question, that just make me feel like I'm going to be subjected to the same things I avoid other sites because of.

IF they are allowed in with blatantly religious posts, I will challenge them ruthlessly. I don't go to their sites to proselytize, if they come to mine I will give them only the respect they give us, and i don't consider preaching to be respectful of the agnostic.com mission statement.

4

Depends on how disruptive they intend to be.
If they want to ask questions and have a dialog, let them come. If they want to preach the truth of the bible they can take their evil superstitions and lies and stick it somewhere no one can see.

2

I have no objection to a statement of belief. I do not, however, see this as a place for debate. Read, think, but if you wish to proselytize, take it elsewhere. I'll be happy to argue by email. (More appropriate forum anyway.)

3

As long as they can be civil, let them join.

2

Agnostic
a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.
I say, let them come.. The whole idea of agnosticism Agnosticism is the view that the existence of God, of the divine or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable. Everybody is wrong and yet everybody is right.. So what is wrong with a little debating and sharing thoughts and ideas.. Otherwise you are just preaching to the choir.. But then of course, without any differences in ideas and thoughts and beliefs, everybody can stay comfortable and content. Right.? And that sort of feels like a rutt to me.. Don't get me wrong.. I am huge anti religion.. But it is not from religion that I learn and grow, but from people..

2

I also want to point out to the naysayers, how many times I have read the words, "FREE THINKERS", and "OPEN MINDED" on here, of which I am truly impressed, so lets keep it that way, for all..

5

We all have obviously managed to get this far with out getting sucked in.. So what safer place than here is there to have a little bit of religious debate.. I, personally don't believe in ANY religion, or "God" OR the bible.. I do how ever believe in Jesus, the MAN" and what he stood for and the MOVEMENT* NOT RELIGION, that he TRIED to create.. Everything about the man, including HIS NAME was hijacked by religion, when TRUTH be told, the man was more AGAINST organized religion than we are.. LOL So let them bring it on..

4

Why not let them hear a worthwhile idea or two, as long as they are not rude to others and don't waste peoples time. And I am sorry to disagree, but I have changed my opinions on several thing since I was twenty, (long time ago) and hope I always will, that is what keeps you alive and moving forward.

4
  • I don't know what the rules presently say, but so far I haven't run into too many covert or overt theists.
  • If a theist wants to join as an overt up-front theist, I might be ok with there being some limited capacity for them to do so, perhaps in a cordoned off area where they can engage with atheists/agnostics who do want to engage with them. It is possible that someday I suppose I could enjoy some discussion with them, but it will damage the usefulness of this site for me if the site just becomes a broader mixture and if I am not able to zoom in and engage only with atheists and agnostics as the main activity here.
  • I am against theists covertly pretending to be atheists and joining, but it is something that is going to happen from time to time. I also usually succeed in avoiding wasting my time trying to figure out if someone I am speaking with is not being up-front aboout their theism. I guess I just focus on the topic at hand and eventually if they're a theist, hopefully they will just realize I'm not interested in their nothing game.
kmaz Level 7 Oct 11, 2018
2

My Feelings, easy answer:
"Open To Believers by Non-Believers" means
"Open & Mutual Respectful Open Minds"

11

I don’t really want them because I come here to get away from them. I do know there are wonderful religious people. I have to deal with them all day. I need a break from them when I am on my own time. You are called Agnostic.com the dating site for agnostics. Be what you call yourself, or what’s the point of this? They have their dating site already. They don’t need to be here too.

5

Don't mind. Good debate with a hapless theiest is enjoyable sometimes.

Echo7 Level 3 Oct 13, 2018
9

There are plenty of churches and places of worship for them to congregate. For us there are almost none. I vote NO.

MizJ Level 8 Oct 16, 2018
6

It depends. I'd always chat with seekers. But not with those who wish to proselytize or covert.

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