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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 (201 - 225)

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4

Well, my co-workers signed me up here to eliminate having to wade through possible matches on other sites to find a non-believer, so if the search function is improved enough that it can not even put percentages by faces of believers the way they don't for dudes, then sure, but I don't know what they'd want here.

4

I got a believer asking me questions I suspect were a lead-in to talking about religion on my second post. Like, I literally said that coming out of religion felt like coming out of darkness and they wanted me to defend myself. Theor profile listed them as a believer.

Look, not only am I a new atheist so not up for debate yet, but I live in Texas. If I want to talk to a believer, I can literally go outside, talk to a random person, and find a believer in seconds. I came here to be around non-believers. I think believers here are out for conversion and that, in this environment, is predatory and disrespectful.

I'm not sure if I'm asking for a safe place or just for simple basic respect but, either way, I don't think practicing theists without doubt or skepticism belong on this website.

4

For the record, Draco, as a Christian, I'm here to learn from you, not convert. I joined because I recently read an article about the discrimination atheists have experienced over the years, which is wrong, considering we're supposedly living in a country valuing freedom of (or from) religion. I realized after reading this article that I probably have said something to offend atheists in the past due to my own ignorance and stupidity and I want to change that. I don't think one needs to be religious to be moral, as one of the most moral people I know is an atheist friend of my husband's. I expect to be met with suspicion here, that's only normal after the crap most of you must abide. People on this board have already given me food for thought and I appreciate it. I believe its very unhealthy if we don't evaluate our beliefs regularly. I feel that if we respect each other, don't try to change each other, and try to understand different points of view without judgement (which I'm sure you've had often enough), we can learn from each other. I don't discuss a lot of my beliefs even with my Xtian friends, either. Some would even call me a heretic! (Besides, I've also been known to enjoy a sacrilegious joke every now and then with the best of them! I'm not afraid to poke fun at myself.) The truth is, believers have been lied to, conned, and brainwashed by religious leaders, even had the Bible changed, re-worded, edited to suit them to manipulate/control us more... How can there NOT be non-believers? But even so, you have a RIGHT to believe or disbelieve whatever you wish without owing anyone any explanations. However, if the administrators think I should go, I'll go graciously, without hard feelings and will still wish you all the best. As you deserve. Peace.

3

Althought I would think they would not wish to be here simply because we wouldn't be their cup o' tea, to put it gingerly, in all honesty, if we cannot stand up to their arguments, what good are our beliefs (or lack thereof) to begin with?

Sadoi Level 7 Jan 18, 2018
3

Why would they want join, unless it was to point out the error of our ways. This should be a safe place for us

3

They haven't bothered me yet. Maybe they want to secretly explore the real world.

3

From everybody's comments I think the answer most of us could agree to is" as long as you keep it to yourself and don't bring it up in conversation". Now weather or not they could actually do that is a entirely different story.

3

Although most theists drive me insane, I believe it is wrong to deny them the right to be here. I feel that, as members, if our feathers are so easily ruffled that we cannot be open to honest, logical discourse regarding our beliefs, then clearly we must not put a lot of stock in what we believe. It helps to give you a healthy practice of understanding your belief system and learning how to better defend it. To me, that only serves to make My beliefs even stronger and more steadfast.

Sadoi Level 7 Jan 19, 2018
3

Just one guy's opinion here Draco, but I think we have to at least listen to 'believers' as there are one heck of a lot of them out there. But yeah - if their goal is to do missionary work or something in attempt to bring us back into the fold, then that is going to be problematic, and quickly.

It's something that I hope not to see here.

3

They are already on Quora asking annoying questions to atheists trying to troll, they have also hijacked NASA's Facebook comments section, they are really annoying and there must be atleast one forum without them purely for atheists.

6

I am a new member. It took me a while to actually sign up because I have joined "atheist" groups before to chat and meet new people only to have the groups trolled by "believers" and fake atheists who just ruin the community for everyone. I am also looking for a non-combative place to relax and enjoy the world around me and the people in it. I don't enjoy bashing anyone for their beliefs and I don't expect anyone to bash me. I was a little put off when the sign-up process included the 'spiritual' and 'religious' options but I decided to give it a chance.

I too am too old to argue. I have no patience for religious rhetoric. If someone is taking a tally; I vote no.

6

As a person who prefers to be inclusive rather than exclusive, I think anyone should be able to access any & all information. That said, tolerance can lead to submission. Let anyone in & the waters get muddy. I fully encourage anyone who is questioning the world in which they live to reach out, be curious, ask questions but for the love of Pete, keep the judgements to yourselves.

3

as long as they know what they're getting into.

5

Everyone is entitled to their views....and as we’re all intelligent human beings....some people’s views might give one a slightly different view....I personally don’t believe in god....but I’m always interested in other people’s beliefs and y they believe....

3

Hang believers... Burn them at the stake!

3

Oh hell no..Fb is overwhelmed with them..can't an atheist get safe place?..after they have their Churches..

3

I don't mind debate. But I thought this place wasn't for debate.

5

To each their own. as long as we can keep discussions and debates meaningful and respectful, I won't recoil. there was once a time when tribes followed whatever they wanted and did not try to convert anyone to their own faith. I think as agnostics or free thinkers, we can be better than the others, and try to find balance and understanding. let the religious websites be exclusive, we can be inclusive, share our knowledge and refrain from bigotry here. I do know what you mean though, I think most of us here did not join this site with the intention of being born again lol.

3

it's up to them

3

Personal opinion is that they should stay on their own forums or join forums created in which believers and nonbelievers can discuss things.
I did not join this site to have to worry about believers coming on here and antagonizing those of us who want civil discourse with those of like mind.
Just my opinion.

5

Its a free country as long as they aren't disruptive

4

Okay, but there should be a disclaimer such as: This is not a safe space for faith. Believers may encounter reality, facts, and logic. In the face, of these things theists may have to make extra effort to close their minds to reason and maintain a relationship with their imaginary friends.

JimG Level 8 Feb 2, 2018
6

They're kinda like the herpes, if you ignore them they won't go away completely, and they'll show up at just the wrong time to be annoying and unwanted.

5

I think believers should be kept out; but, I wonder how long they will stay believers once they hear views not from their "holy book"?

6

Overtly religious people make my skin crawl anymore after the direction politics has gone in this country this last year. I don't come here to feel bad.

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