The Proselytizer's Dream

[Trog31]

The point (to me anyhow) ISN'T to convince Theists of their folly, rather to become better at refining the arguements and logic down to a clean cut.
There are a finite list of religious arguments (and most are variations on a theme). To be skilled at recognizing and refuting these
arguments as quickly and cleanly as possible is a value to you personally. When confronted with a zealot IRL you
can turn the tables on them very quickly and show those he was trying to bamboozle that he is a snake-oil salesman.
(I'm reminded of that scene in Good Will Hunting when Will out quotes, out thinks and out plays the 'playa' in the bar)

If they want to run in here with their latest and greatest "gotcha" to beat the Atheists, let them!
I can use the target practice.

[fr0d0]

The pit doesn't work like that unfortunately.

I just followed a recent nutter to his own forum. I was surprised to see, even from such an idiot, a kind of similar thing in reverse to what we see here. People all of a similar mindset convinced of their own POV, and producing a wall of supposed evidence that the minority visitors trolled and rarely faced of with reasonable argument.

[Trog31]

The pit doesn't work like that unfortunately.

I just followed a recent nutter to his own forum. I was surprised to see, even from such an idiot, a kind of similar thing in reverse to what we see here. People all of a similar mindset convinced of their own POV, and producing a wall of supposed evidence that the minority visitors trolled and rarely faced of with reasonable argument.

That is unfortunate, but completely expected. People are herd animals and they seek out others that are similar to themselves.
Then perform a self-perpetuating affirmation of their own ideologies and predjudices to strengthen the group cohesion and villify
those not of the group. It's simply too easy to cast dispersions in online forums (You are a tool, moron, ID10T , etc) to get a true debate
but we'll take what we can get I guess.

[The Magic Pudding]

I've seen the posts from atheists living in the bible belt who complain theists think they are evil and can't have morals without god. Hopefully a forum that welcomes theists on an equal footing can help dispel this a little. Reasonable theists serve to remind us they exist. The not so reasonable can be ignored or used for amusement.

[Justtristo]

I've never heard of a Atheist getting converted to Christianity in my whole life, if so he must have not been an atheists.

An atheist is essentially somebody who believe there is no god or gods, it is very likely IMO those who said they were atheists before they converted to a religion, were not particularly well thought out (there are plenty out there).

[Napoléon]

It's bad you twat.

You're harsh man!

In relation to the op, I think it would not be good to immediately demote theists to the pit. I don't think it sends out a great message. However if they immediately respond to assertions that they are out of their mind, with little more than personal attacks or point dodging tactics then by all means we should be swift about demoting them there.

Maybe though it's the people responding to these trolls (myself being one of them on several occasions) who need simply not even bother with them?

But overall yeah, we do need to perhaps kick these obvious wankers out a little sooner.

[Doubting Thomas]

I'm against the idea of confining theists or even all newbies to a certain part of the board until they gain our trust. I don't even mind theists coming here to argue their beliefs as long as they listen to counter arguments. But ones who refuse to listen and are just here to preach should be banned immediately. I think if we get too strict with our rules we run the risk of becoming like Rapture Ready, where just about anything you say that's not in line with the mainstream gets censored, and atheists are not allowed to post anywhere but to one small section of the forum. And even then, I think you get banned if you start making too much sense.

I know it's annoying to see these people come here to preach, but I actually do like listening to the arguments that Christians and other theists make in favor of their religion. Whenever I hear their lame arguments, it just reaffirms my belief that there are no gods and their beliefs are solely based upon emotional wanting.

[Ace Otana]

I've seen the posts from atheists living in the bible belt who complain theists think they are evil and can't have morals without god. Hopefully a forum that welcomes theists on an equal footing can help dispel this a little. Reasonable theists serve to remind us they exist. The not so reasonable can be ignored or used for amusement.

Aye, I think we should always be open to people and their beliefs, no matter how strange and....insane they maybe. Besides, the staff team are always vigilant. One quick click on the report button from a member of the community will alert the staff.

Don't think we need to take any extreme. Some theists have come and started off very ignorant but adapted well. Besides, what makes this forum so damn fair is that it gives everyone a chance, unlike most or if not all christian forums.

[Faith No More]

I'm against the idea of confining theists or even all newbies to a certain part of the board until they gain our trust. I don't even mind theists coming here to argue their beliefs as long as they listen to counter arguments.

Yes, we shouldn't judge people on their message, but their ability to have an open and honest debate. This means listening to the other side and respectfully replying to their arguments without completely dismissing them as stupid. This criteria would weed out the undersirable non-theists too.

[Minimalist]

Reasonable theists serve to remind us they exist.

They aren't the ones that cause the problems.