How to Talk To Atheists

[Voyager]

@raindrop

So the point of the article was a political one? M’kay, I must have missed that too. Besides, I don’t see how an atheist political agenda can be served by trying to appeal to proselytizing Christians. Or have you noticed a sizable number of pamphlet-wielding proselytizers in political circles?

I was responding to your question about why it matters what Christians think of atheists. I agree the article was not political. If you are making a point of the similarity between proselytizers and political canvassers, I agree. They both are looking to convert and to drive a specific action. However political canvassers also have to understand their target audience

I never implied any of those things so I still don’t get why you’re taking those issues up with me. Or would you like to hold me accountable for those who accuse atheists of having behaviors (that they really don’t) just because I described some loudmouths on this board as “a bit much.” Or would it also be reasonable if someone confronted you about unfairly describing them as “a bit overboard”?

Sorry, this was a general comment.

My original point was that it’s ridiculous for atheists to try to appeal to proselytizing Christians, because that’s the group of Christians that is LEAST likely to be swayed by atheists. IME proselytizing Christians simply have a mindset that atheists can’t ever hope to budge, no matter how well they frame their arguments. And if atheists really want change, (political or otherwise) I’d think it’s much more reasonable to attempt a dialogue with Christians who are more moderate in their views. Besides, there is a much larger population of moderate Christians than there is of the fringe proselytizing Christians, (which is another reason it would be more effective to appeal to the moderate ones).

But we don’t have a gripe about the general run of Christians who live and let live, and who would probably agree with the article. (A lot did in the comments.) So, targeting the moderates is preaching to the choir. They may not understand atheism, but they behave as if they do.

Um, ISTM that gay theists have their own gripes about the extremist Christians. Are you really so sure that’s what you want?

Straight moderate theists, like Kerry, has trouble with extremists. I’m only talking about getting elected.

BTW I once read a psychology book that explained why some of us tend to seek something from those who persistently demonstrate they won’t ever give us what we seek. Just let me know if you want the book title.

I didn’t write the article. I don’t have a problem with these people, for they come to my door only once. I think I’m on some sort of proselytizer blacklist. I’d actually welcome more proselytizers, since I love to debate and feel I could give them some of the points in the article directly. But they all run away from me.