We do need to be kind whenever possible. Still, we do need to be constructively critical of fallacious reasoning, misinformation, false beliefs, and bigotry

Nah, we're just as dumb as any other group. It doesn't take a special intelligence to figure out atheism. I'm certainly not highly intelligent.

You're right that things get a little too heated, too quickly here a lot. I've seen it, been a part of it. However, I think that's the internet in general. I have been working on injecting politeness into each of my posts that could be considered part of an "argument" because sometimes ill intent is taken where none was meant. I guess it's hard to discern sometimes.

Thanks though, it's always good to have a reminder.

I blocked my first idiot the other day who was arguing for no reason. I've had several men on this site be jackasses to me about things like abortion, misogyny, and racism. They may have taken the self righteous religious wool off their eyes, but they have a few more layers to go.

Unfortunately, close-mindedness and atheism are not mutually exclusive. I call myself an atheist because I am 99.9% sure there are no gods. I do leave that miniscule grey area because, hard though it may be to believe, I have been wrong about things in the past, but for all intents and purposes, based on rational reasoning, I am convinced there are no gods. It would seem that. percentagewise, there are almost as many atheists who "know the truth" as there are theists who "know the truth", and people who are all-knowing are usually not very tolerant of those who don't know everything, whether the question is how to deal with believers, how to deal with non-conformist children, or how to bake a cake. No one is omniscient, so when it comes to the existence of supreme beings they cannot possibly "know", whether they think they do or not. It would be nice if atheists could adhere to a higher standard than theists, but unfortunately we're dealing with people, and there are going to be some people who suck, no matter what they do or do not believe.

I am trying to get better, but when I see gender bashing, or gun loving nut jobs, or some of the backward thinking conservatives spewing ignorance, I will get angry, and I will not hide it.

That's the new secular form of self-righteous expressing itself in the same way as the old.

"I'm so right I don't even need to be mannerly".

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

That said, a thicker skin is definitely something worth cultivating.
Most people don't care about the delicate sensibilities of others.

Unfortunately being kind and polite seems like a lost art for some; especially on the internet, where many choose to unveil their insecurities by lashing out. I know it seems easier said than done at times, but try not to let the comments of people that don't know you personally, affect you personally. There are also people who will claim that the problem is your interpretation of their words. Whatever the case, just know that some of us are "actually" here for enlightenment, camaraderie, and community, and know how to be kind.

Sharper minds tend to have sharper spears.

In almost every group there will be nice people and mean people. Agnostic.com is not a lot different, but on the average a little more intelligent. So, I appreciate the nice people and ignore the few assholes we have. And I made it to level 7 without blocking anybody.

I go to the profiles of people I observe being rude, lewd, or crude to me or other women, and block them so we can't see each other's posts. If they have been offensive, I also flag them to the admin.

This may be due to poor communication skills or not fully knowing one’s self. The latter person strikes back at others, believing THEY are the reason for an uncomfortable or even angry feeling that comes up, from a thought or opinion. I think this is common through society. Hopefully maturity will help.

Agreed. Sometimes printed words sound mean because there's no inflection. Sarcasm and irony are two hard ones to pull off in print.

We should all try to keep in mind that there are many Christians who are intelligent, decent, reasonable human beings. Just as in any group, there are very many individuals, each one of whom is unique. Although some Christians deserve heavy criticism or perhaps contempt or scorn, the same is true of some individuals in any group. Many Christians deserve a fair measure of respect, and don't deserve to be dumped upon.Try to avoid judging unfairly, or over-generalizing, or lumping good people in with the bad.

I think when atheists go overboard with being contemptuous or "mean", that it does make us look bad, and really works against us in trying to be better accepted or respected.

I agree wholeheartedly! I used to meet up with some angry atheists...but I came to realize that they just wanted to bash the religious...so I stopped going and am much more content to be the pleasant atheist.

I've tried to work on being less condescending in my approach to believers

There are mean people everywhere. Also good people. I have to weed out the people who have an agenda and also be very discerning about who I respond to and why.

I have noticed a similar patern or percection. Its exasperating trying to discuss or continue a discussion when this happens.plus I'm as stubborn as a new born mule which doesn't help.

You want to see as mean dogfight. Watch an Atheist debate an Agnostic. Atheist now days seem even angrier towards Agnostics. Its quite funny.

You are not wrong.

I've found that Atheists come in many stripes. Some still embrace magical thinking (Satanists, Pagans, Spiritualists). Some seem dogmatic, almost mechanical ... say a word on their "wrong word list" ... like say "soul" .... then no matter what you mean by it, you are damned!! Some are really Christians trying to build "creds" for their return to their flock as "a former Atheist".

If you are patient, you will find a few that are more to your liking. Enjoy!!

As for me, well, I like to think I reflect the other side of the conversation. If they are nice, I try to stay nice. But if they are nasty, ..... I'm not entirely sure I do it on purpose, but I've found myself being pretty nasty in return ... frankly, I often regret it. Will I change?? ... I don't know.

Thank you, Mom. Is this dress too short? Can I go over to Joanie's after school?
Maybe I have good reasons for feeling cranky, and maybe people telling me how I can live up to their standards is one of them......

I think it is easy for people to be mean on line. Usually they don't have a picture of themselves either, so it is easy for them to hide, as the cowards they are.

What I’ve concluded ..if from around here, are there being two kinds of Atheists. Those who value knowledge, science, and look for social opportunities to promote the best of humanity. And, those who don’t get along well with others… I’m afraid we’d best get used to the others ..as the good ones have made it safe & easy for them.

Very well said Paulette. Let’s change the perception that’s out there.

There is an aggressive tendency creeping in of late. As you won’t get any meaningful discussion from them best to just block them. I promise you won’t be missing anything!