The Problem of Evil combined with the problem of Free Will

[Valyza1]

You don't think there could be some confirmation bias here?  Because you're looking for the comedy, is it possible the search may be leading you to ask the kinds of questions which would most likely result in buffoonery?

They could always..you know, decide -not- to be buffoons....now couldn't they?  Let's assign credit where credit is due.  The fisherman doesn't make the fish.

Is that really the best analogy? A fish can't decide to be something other than be a fish and do what fishes do, a process which is exploited almost entirely by the fisherman for purely personal gain. You're saying it's the fish's fault for getting caught by the fisherman??

If we're going to extend the analogy, I would say I'm less of a fisherman and more of an aquatic observer. I don't want to necessarily catch a fish, but I do want to learn more about how it lives.

The reason I ask is because my goal is a bit different.  It's to learn about their (and your) POV, and I rarely come across backpedalling or other such defensive moves, when I'm posting with that aim.  I would personally find it pointless to come on a forum to ridicule or denounce others for what they believe, because if they truly believe it, it'll just manifest itself elsewhere in a less ridiculing environment.  Rather, I prefer the legitimate non-presumptuous question and answer model, because it seems the only possible way that one, if not both of us, can learn something and/or legitimately change something.  It isn't believing what they believe, but neither is it setting fire to what they believe.  It is simply gathering information and learning.  

Ah, I see.  Well, GL with that, maybe one day we can get a summary of what you learned? 

Were I more interested in the theist POV than the skeptic POV, I'd actually have entered this process with theists and have something to show you right now. I can't remember, however, the last time I had an in-depth conversation with a theist. Not because I find the theist impossible with which to have that kind of conversation, but because I find the skeptic side far more fascinating. I am not religious, but I'm pretty sure I'm a theist, but more importantly, someone who's fascinated by the questions raised by the dichotomy of theism and atheism.

And the way I see it, if just one of those interactions leads to a better understanding from either side, then it's worth it.  

Excellent, plenty of that is happening.  Now, if just -one- instance of ridicule actually leads to a better understanding, namely, that Nutter A reaches a better understanding of themselves and their position, and it;s place in the world and society and governance.............is it worth it?  

IF an instance of convivial interaction can't accomplish the same thing, then yes. That's a big if, IMO