Reply #92: Monty Python Argument Clinic [View All]

[FM Arouet666]

Many debates reduce to emotionally charged exercises in contradiction, loads of ad hominem from both sides of the debate, and little common ground gained. So why do I return? I certainly do not wish to convert others to atheism, proselytism is best left to fundamentalists. I guess I return because I am uncomfortable accepting the broad brush stroke of generalization.

Christians are all bigots, they hate gays, hate atheists, if you don't accept christ you go to hell. etc etc. Well, some on this board would agree, but many do not. "Christians believe this or that," tends to be as accurate as "people with moles believe this or that." Seems to me that we are all individuals, some believe, other do not, individuality is still alive and well. An experience unique to a progressive blog, perhaps? ;)

I hope believers have had similar perceptions concerning atheists?

You may choose to avoid this forum, close the debate. Atheists and believers may never fully accept the other's position. Isolation allows one to paint an opponent into a comfortable stereotype, conversation forces one to consider the individual, it may not bring agreement but it is a step toward tolerance. Perhaps tolerance is the best we all can hope for in a debate about religion.