Question For Fellow Atheists...

[robvalue]

I see no alternative. It's the best method available, and it is working. Of course religion isn't going to die overnight. The better educated people are, the better placed they are to make good decisions.

Overly shunning theists is only going to cause more rifts and polarization. There's no obligation to talk to them more than necessary if they bother you, and certainly no duty to listen to or debate their theistic ideas. But surely we can all at least be civil.

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Personally, I think it's a matter of judgement. Is a theist talking to me because they are honestly open to discussion and new ideas, or are they just preaching?

I've changed the minds of several people on several issues in my life, and every time it has been by being polite, answering questions honestly and then letting people come to me if they want to discuss things further.

On the other hand, I've shut down many conversations because I think the other person is being rude, is too emotional, has no interest in examining their beliefs or is just badgering me.