Atheism

[RoadRunner79]

If you look at what is constantly said to Christians here, the attacking of the person, calling them stupid and delusional, assuming motives, rejecting anything that doesn’t come from the atheism echo chamber. Constantly disrespecting our beliefs (not just disagreeing with them).  When you look at the intolerance and hate.   I don’t think that “peanut gallery” is all that bad. I respect Steve’s patience, and wish I was that strong at times. Sometimes it’s tiring just to try and have a conversation and discuss ideas, to ignore those who are uncivil and not interested in truth or rational ideas.

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And just to note K.S.   I’m not saying that you do these things, or that everyone does.  It’s just a little surprising that amongst everything else, you find the comment of “peanut gallery” so harsh and in need of correction.

@ Steve and Roadrunner

I apologize if my post came off as correcting and ignoring negative commentary/behavior by other posters here.  I'd agree that there are plenty of posters here (regardless of label, starting points, etc.) who could improve the manner in which they discuss topics that have the tendency to be  
divisive.  I should have omitted the part of my post about Steve and left the rest, which was really my main point of the post: how can there be reasonable/rational dialog between differing/conflicting sides of an issue if each side sees the other in a negative way, and as a result of that negative perception, engages the other in a negative manner?

Regarding negative behavior on these forums, IMO, it is not my place to police others: I'm responsible for policing my own actions and to ensure that I contribute to these boards in a constructive way.  If others want to follow that example, then that is wonderful; and should they choose not to follow this example and it is in violation of the forum rules, then IMO,  it is up to the forum leadership (not my personal opinion, thoughts, truths, etc.)   to handle the negative behavior accordingly.

I think that it is OK, to point out poor behavior, to show that it is not acceptable and not rational.  I also think that it is respectable to show a certain amount of grace (which I think that Steve shows remarkable restraint; which I wish I could repeat at times).     And when things get heated, in discussion, as they sometimes do, occasionally emotions get the better of us. I don't put too much into a one off comment (unless it is particularly nasty)   I do agree that we shouldn't have a negative view of those who oppose our ideas.   And sometimes we make take more exception because we have a greater respect and expectation for someone.   But we are all human.   And sometimes it is difficult when you are trying to have a discussion, and others are spouting hate and intolerance, trying to derail that discussion.   Sometimes it's difficult to ignore.