Arguing somebody's beliefs doesn't mean you don't respect their beliefs. How does that make sense? The only way we can move forward in our thought processes is if we debate and challenge each other, just like with everything else. Religion doesn't get a free pass from that. Just because where we go after we die is a serious topic doesn't mean that challenging someone's opinion isn't allowed.
There's a difference between a constructive dialectical debate who's purpose is resolving disagreement, finding common grounds and finding solutions. And a meaningless religious debate between "I believe" vs "I don't believe".
LBSH This is how theist vs atheist usually goes:
P1: I believe in god
P2: Well I think you're stupid for believing in a fantastical/mythical creature without proof
P1: Well this sacred book is all the proof I need
P2: lulz but that was written by men u noob. You can't really believe it's the word of god.
P1: Well yes, that's kind of the point of having faith.
P2: So like do you believe in magical fairies as well?
P1: Well no because those are inventions..
P2: LOL don't u realize how retarded you sound. It's the same thing noop.
P1: I disagree I think there's a difference
P2: Well there isn't. If u believe in ur god then u have to believe in goblins and fairies as well.
P1: But goblins aren't in the bible
P2: Who cares about ur bible. It was written by drunken monkeys and it's full of shit.
P1: I care.
P2: Who cares about you u just a stupid brainwashed stuck up little bitch.
P1: Fuck off man
P2: Oh oh oh are you going to murder me like your people murdered millions of people?
P1: Why are you so sure that god doesn't exist?
P2: If there was a god there wouldn't be so much injustice, poverty and illness.
P1: So you think god would just let everyone live eternally and equally regardless of their sins?
P2: Are you saying ppl who die deserve it? man u really make me sick.
P1: I believe in god's plan
P2: Well he isn't a very good planner LOL.
P1: He is kind and just.
P2: u mean he's a fucking selfish monster who wants ppl to suck his dick and kills ppl who don't.
P1: If you're so sure that he doesn't exist why don't you prove it?
P2: That's YOUR job retard. I don't need proof.
P1: And I'm supposed to prove it with science?
P2: DUH? Science is like the answer to everything dude.
P1: So like, do you want a blood sample or a hair from his beard?
P2: Yes I want you to put it in my mouth.
P1: So are you saying you can't believe in something that isn't physical?
P2: That's right. I'll believe it when I see it bitch.
P1: So you really don't have faith?
P2: Damn right I don't believe in any stupid god.
P1: But you understand why some people do believe in god?
P2: No I don't get it. That's the whole point.
P1: What is it that you not get?
P2: I don't know what it's like to be completely mental.
P1: So why are we having this discussion again?
P2: Because we are trying to "move forward" and have a "good and interesting debate"?
P1: Of course. I don't know why I thought you were ill intentioned.
P2: I'm glad we had this enriching conversation. My explicit atheist identity has been solidified and my opinion that religion is full of shit remains just as strong as ever. I thank you for making me feel good about myself and making me feel temporarily superior.
P1: And I thank you for solidifying my faith in god and my unconditional love for my religion. I will go to church even more often and I will pray for you!
P2: Haven't you learned ANYTHING from our conversation?
P1: Not really no.
P2: lolz u are helpless. I pity your kind.
P1: And I pity you.
P2: Keep your pity for yourself fucktard.
P1: I hate you.
P2: I hate you more. (man I'm so good I just OWNED this random christian! Wait 'til I tell this to Becky she gonna be all up in my dick!)
edit
Honestly the only atheists i see arguing in this thread have been logical and respectful (admittedly haven't been watching intently). While I agree that atheists who are aggressive about it in the manner your example showed are just as bad as religious people who are aggressive about their beliefs, don't you think you are stereotyping a little bit?
Of course I was stereotyping for humour. I think it was pretty funny and accurate.
Change the discussion where the religious is the close minded one and the result is the same. Change it were both are open-minded and the result is still the same.
There is nothing good to ever come out of such religious debates. You either share their belief or you don't share it. And even amongst people who identify as atheist or theist there is always disagreement and conflicts. The only possible outcomes are that both parties solidify their original stance and renew their hatred toward each other (radicalization of atheism and religious people). Or that one or both parties eventually realize they are closer to neutral agnostic than hardcore atheist or hardcore theist.
So I think subliminally people just want to appease religious tensions and keep each other in check, but they end up increasing them more often than not.
btw I wasn't accusing atheists in this thread. Most of those who replied said they respected other people's beliefs and didn't argue much with those who believed. So wait am I saying some atheists are actually reasonable people?! Yes. But that doesn't change the fact that debating religion doesn't get anyone anywhere. It always goes in circle and you see 0.01 agnostic/religious conversions in like 100K threads locked. Yet people still feel like doing it over and over again despite how obviously unhealthy it is.
