Theists on atheist forums

[rexbeccarox]

I will say this, as frustrating as it is, we atheists can do a better job of leaving emotion out of our discussions for the most part. Focus on the discussion not ad hominem remarks.

I agree big time. My one criticism of this forum is that there is too much of that and worse still, general remarks like "theists are idiots" which is simply untrue.

I remember seeing a lot of that back in the day, but I don't notice it much anymore.  Maybe I've become numb to it.  That member who's sock  we banned a couple of days ago said she came clean because I and another member called Catholics "assholes", but I didn't ever actually say anything like that. I for one tend to be very conscious not to say that kind of thing because I want my arguments to be taken seriously.

As to the poll, I voted yes but it's not so much enjoyment as it is that I see it as a necessity. Contrary viewpoints is what drives discussion. Like any other atheist who is a veteran of forums like this, I do tire of the theist who loudly barges in and proclaims he will demonstrates the folly of atheism and then dazzles us with Pascal's Wager . Yeah, we never considered that argument before. Even then though, it helps the recent deconverts even as us long-time atheists roll our eyes. So yes, I consider theist members a valuable part of the forum and I wish they were treated better.

I don't think we treat anyone badly who doesn't deserve it.  C_L, for example: the only times she's gotten derision are when we've noticed something hypocritical or wrong; other than that, she seems to be a nice person, so she gets treated as such.

Some other people (not just theists) on this forum are absolutely vile characters who come here, disrespectful at the outset.  I have no qualms about telling them exactly how I feel about that, colorful words and all.  People aren't treated badly around here for believing in deities, rather they're treated badly because they treat the community badly.

As to the OP, I think this place would get boring fast if we didn't have things to talk about other than atheism...

"Hey guys!  I don't believe in gods!"

"Hey!  Me neither!"

"Plus one!"

*crickets*

... and religion, or belief in deities in general, being something atheists tend to be interested in, is a much better discussion when you've got theists in the mix.  Yeah, some of them are horrible, but as long as they're not breaking the rules, I definitely welcome them here.