(July 8, 2010 at 10:39 am)Godhead Wrote: Atheists seem to want to try the ridiculing approach, and, apart from the fact that if doesn't really work and actually damages the discussion, it shows an inability to properly engage with theists in a way which would both increase the atheist's understanding of what makes theists tick, and their chances of converting them.
Atheists generally ridicule theistic beliefs, because we generally find those beliefs to be ridiculous, i.e. worthy of ridicule. When we are using ridicule, we are not attempting to engage in a constructive discussion so much as simply amuse ourselves and perhaps others. It usually starts off as an honest attempt to, as you say, 'increase our understanding of what makes theists tick', but 9 times out of 10 (to be generous) it soon becomes clear that 'what makes the theist tick' is... worthy of ridicule. It quickly becomes clear that the theist is either unwilling, or unable, to listen to reason anyway.
Take your beliefs, for example. I personally find them seriously worthy of ridicule. At least Christians and Muslims, as nutty as their beliefs are, have ancient texts, traditions, churches, and entire communities of like-minded people to support their beliefs. Your beliefs, on the other hand, appear to be something you made up yourself... or perhaps read in a science fiction novel once. There is nothing (so far as I have seen) to support your beliefs beyond a childish sense of wonder and a 'feeling' that god exists. Just like a kid with an imaginary friend.
Am I trying to deconvert you? Nope. Just expressing my opinion. If it makes you think... good for you. If not... I won't lose any sleep over it.
