The fascinating asymmetry of theist-atheist discussion

[Astreja]

I've noticed that there's an imbalance in the way believers interact with non-believers on the Internet:

Theists:  Threats, pleas, anecdotes about "miracles," co-opting (and sometimes outright mangling) of scientific theories, and a whole catalogue of logical fallacies:  Argument from Authority, Strawman, Poisoning the Well, Burden of Proof, Equivocation Fallacy, Texas Sharpshooter, Existential Fallacy, the works.

Atheists:  Shrug, smile, and say "Not convinced.  What else ya got?"

As someone who doesn't bother going to believers' forums to try to deconvert them, I find this fascinating.

And amusing, in a sad way.

Believers, why are you investing so much of your precious time in this enterprise?  Surely you've noticed by now that it doesn't work very well at all.  Is it a desperate concern to "save" us, or are you angry that we don't believe as you do, or is it something else?

Non-believers, any particularly funny examples of failed conversion attempts that spring to mind?

[Nay_Sayer]

I've noticed that there's an imbalance in the way believers interact with non-believers on the Internet:

Theists:  Threats, pleas, anecdotes about "miracles," co-opting (and sometimes outright mangling) of scientific theories, and a whole catalogue of logical fallacies:  Argument from Authority, Strawman, Poisoning the Well, Burden of Proof, Equivocation Fallacy, Texas Sharpshooter, Existential Fallacy, the works.

Atheists:  Shrug, smile, and say "Not convinced.  What else ya got?"

As someone who doesn't bother going to believers' forums to try to deconvert them, I find this fascinating.

And amusing, in a sad way.

Believers, why are you investing so much of your precious time in this enterprise?  Surely you've noticed by now that it doesn't work very well at all.  Is it a desperate concern to "save" us, or are you angry that we don't believe as you do, or is it something else?

Non-believers, any particularly funny examples of failed conversion attempts that spring to mind?

When I was 19 I knew JW's (Note: Two older looking guys, probably early 30's) were coming to my door as I saw them through my living room window knocking on other doors.  So, when they got to me I answered the door fully nude.  The highlight was one the JW's saying "Do you mind?"  Me: "No I don't mind at all".

Looking back I'm lucky I didn't catch an incident exposure charge.

[arewethereyet]

Many of the theists are on what they think is a mission from their particular god to convert the heathens. Apparently, it earns you points toward that heavenly reward they are so focused on. Some are actually told they must go spread the word.

I'd imagine that you get more points if you 'get' an atheist than if you just bring someone over from a different cult. Maybe they level up if they get a non-believer.

I find the walls o' text to be annoying and the 'arguments' pathetic.

They seem to not understand how many atheists come from religion and are actually better versed in the BS.

There seems to be a script.

[Angrboda]

What strikes me is how many of them reject their common humanity. If both atheists and theists grow on the same vine, it behooves one to have a little skepticism about one's beliefs on the matter.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

@Astreja

Theists:  Threats, pleas, anecdotes about "miracles," co-opting (and sometimes outright mangling) of scientific theories, and a whole catalogue of logical fallacies:  Argument from Authority, Strawman, Poisoning the Well, Burden of Proof, Equivocation Fallacy, Texas Sharpshooter, Existential Fallacy, the works.

‘One performs according to one’s gifts.’ - Eleanor of Aquitaine

Boru

[Thumpalumpacus]

It's virtue-signaling to themselves.