Soon I'll be in college and I'll be having to deal with that. Thank you for the heads up.

Rarely do I spend any time debating with the religious. However, on those rare occasions, it is a sight to behold. Even more rare than the debates is obtaining any form of positive result -- which is one of the major reasons for rarely engaging. Hate spinning my wheels.

All the time. Even in prison with Muslims.

No, its a waste of time.

I will only engage in those types of conversations if its amaong people I know and in a particular setting. We're far more apt to listen to our friends and family than we are a complete stranger when it comes to such topics. Ultimately the debate ends up being pointless so instead I've taken on the philosphy of explaining the process of figuring it out for themselves. Encouraging them to ask important questions about life and showing them ways they can research for themselves. When they ask me what I believe I simply shift the conversation, "More important than what I believe is whether or not you've asked yourself the right questions." It usually catches them off guard and they'll want you to elaborate. At which point I just peacefully start pointing out simple questions like have they ever stopped to consider what life would be like if they didn't exist. Stuff like that. If the conversation goes nowhere than I just politely excuse myself from the situation.

Depends whether or not the person is willing to be reasonable, if not (more times than not) then I see no use.

They have an agenda (these people you're talking about) so they are not really interested in your opinion, or in a debate. I do not seek out religious people to debate and I'm not on a mission to deconvert anyone (but I'd be happy if they all just "saw the light" and stopped believing tomorrow). However, if someone engages me, I'm happy to offer my opinion, which is rather strong. =]

No id rather spend my time with some ladies in a mass--debate

I also never waste my time on the hate-spewers. Obviously, they somehow are getting off on the "persecution" we give them when we shout back... I think if they were completely ignored by everyone they would probably do it less(?). As to the "surveyors" who turn out to be recruiters, I'd also just brush them off quickly as they are obviously neck-deep into their religion to be doing such a thing. The only people I do debate/discuss with are friends/coworkers/colleagues/family... IF they bring it up. If this happens, I just try to focus on what beliefs we do have in common and how we can both be moral despite our differences. I think it's most important for them to see that we non-believers are human and moral; they've had a lifetime of propaganda from the pulpit telling them otherwise, so going in friendly and gentle is one of the few ways I've found that I'm heard.

On a campus I could see possibly being more vocal - just for the reasons you've expressed. Sometimes, the battles seem worth it - at least for a while.

But out in the world in the rest of life, I prefer not to get into random debates, as I see no point. Similar to debating with those enamored with the orange one. Not going to change them - why waste energy, get yourself all worked up, and possibly bring your mood down ?

If it's someone I like, and care about to some degree, that happens to be a "god person", I'll respectfully examine thoughts and ideas, without any expectation of change on either side .

Never. What is the point in doing so?

No.Why? See no value-better things to do.

No, because I believe it's a waste of time. I'll only debate on any subject, when I believe it may make a difference. When someone is delusional they are impaired, and heavily influenced by illogical and/or personal justifications (subjective). Due to this impairment they are less inclined to digest and embrace factual or objective information. The only exception I make is when people try to indoctrinate children they are not the parents of. Though I don't support any form of religious indoctrination

Not unless I’m provoked into it.
I also take liberties with the Jehova’s witnesses. They stand in strategic spots here in Edinburgh and, because THEY’RE the ones putting themselves in a position where they’re open to a debate by trying to shove their bible at our faces, I usually rise up to the challenge.

It's generally an exercise in futility, is it not? So, no, I won't waste my time, or theirs.

My Uncle Doc told me once "Don't ever play somebody else's game." I won't debate anyone about anything where they make the rules and they determine the forum. They've stacked it against you, and that's a bad spot to start from. I do like honest existential discussions in a friendly environment with people who are open to ideas. But this is territory where zealots rarely visit.

No. There is no merit in it.

Learning about street epistemology may be helpful.

Not many nutters around here, or at the very least I don't run into them much. If they wanna go down that rabbit hole of debate then I'll try my best to maintain my cool and discuss with them so long as they aren't flat out stupid. Most of the time it isn't much worth it if you're in it to convince them, I just do my best to correct them on any factual errors and give as many logical reasons why I never drank the kool-ade.

Not a minute!

I use to even had a atheist vs theist debate group on Facebook. I came to the conclusion it’s a waste of time. I now believe people have to come to the realization that religion is bullshit on their own. Or at the very start to realize it. Then you may be able to help then along.

No not at all. Every one is entitled to there own opinion. It is ok if they won't to believe. It is ok if you won't to base your opinion on something else. As soon as you see hate, it is a bad sign. No good will come from this. If you can walk away. Stay away from hate.

As a rule, no. It is more than typically a waste of my time and energy. However, I have had a few conversations with believers that had purpose and went well. Definitely not the typical route that goes however.

No because I'm not clear on my views just yet. And to be honest I might not ever know the real truth, I'm finding out that a lot of the things I was taught throughout my schooling, are not true. With every new piece of Info I learn, it can change my beliefs. So I wouldn't sit there and argue about who's right or wrong. Cause then I could be the one who was wrong in the end. Who knows.

Sometimes, but I refuse to debate and most often do not go into any more detail with them than you see me do on this site. To believe or not to believe is not something that you "win."