Are there any Christian proselytizers left in this subforum?

[robvalue]

I organized such a discussion. It was set-up as a panel discussion among Christians to discuss a topic relevant to Christians. The topic was why Christians participate on AF. Some non-Christian members were upset because they weren't invited. Other non-Christian members didn't appreciate the existence of a discussion they couldn't derail. And a couple non-Christians were appalled that Christians would consider fulfilling their duty in the Great Commission as one of their reasons for contributing to AF.

It became clear to me, from comments on the parallel 'peanut gallery' thread and private messages, that a very sizable number of prominent AF members resented our presence on AF. People I thought were my friends, or who I respected despite our philosophical differences, actually held me in contempt...not just forum trash talk or playful banter,...no, real true contempt. My experience was not unique. Other Christian members seemed equally dismayed. Lots of PMs were exchanged. Many of us believers have either scaled back, withdrawn, or opted out entirely.

That's fucked up, Neo. I was honored to be a moderator in that debate, and any atheists who resent your presence on the forum ("your" meaning theists) need to consider the fact that a dialectic is the only way we can honestly unearth truth via interaction. And there can be no dialectic without disagreement. I, for one, don't resent theists' presence here. I'll admit, I've gotten angry/flustered during the course of a debate with a theist (last one I can remember is Alpha Male) but usually this indicates investment in the discussion and is a good thing.

I want to hear from anyone who has the balls to answer these two questions, and I promise a response: Do you think this forum would be better without any theists? How?

I think the polar disagreements make things interesting, personally.

edit: I only promise a response if you quote me so I get notified. (Didn't think to say that.)

Wow, I didn't realize things got that bad.

Personally, no, I don't think the forum would be better off with no theists. The more points of view we have, the more opportunity there is for discussion. It's good for everyone. As long as they are obeying the forum rules, then they should be as welcome as anyone else.