What motivates theists to come here?

[Neo-Scholastic]

To the OP, robvalue, your questions seemed very leading to me. You seem to suggest that theists, as a general rule, post with an ulterior motive like hoping to convert atheists into Bible-thumping believers.  That may be true for the occasional shit-posting fundie that hops onto AF two days after learning about Kalam or Discovery Institute. However, most of the long-standing Christian members come and stay for a variety of reasons.

Do I hope that someone gets convert? Yes, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you are special. I hope the whole world becomes Christian! But it’s not my job to convince you or anyone else. That work belongs solely to the Holy Spirit.

My specific reasons for participating on AF have changed with time. First, I wanted to challenge my own beliefs. After long debate, I have altered some while others got confirmed. Now I just collect atheist arguments.  I share these with other Christians.  Once they learn how lame those arguments are, how they undermine reason and human dignity, I hope that their faith will be strengthened as mine has been.

I wouldn't say that atheistic position is lame. It is cynical, egoistical and realistical. Martyrdom towards invisible goals is strange and alien.

Some atheists can be nice people, but I see atheism, as an intellectual commitment, bleak and nihilistic and the arguments to support it are what I called lame.