I think I may have caused someone to quit DU... (is that bad?)

[elfwitch]

In the What are your thoughts on Christianity thread on GD (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1344818), someone posted
"I know loads of Christians, Jews, and Muslims personally. Some are very nice. It's not the people I dislike, rather it is their primitive superstitions."

I asked if he/she showed contempt for his/her religious friends beliefs in front of them. You know, told them that their beliefs were primitive... It was an honest, not trying to start a flame question. I really wanted to know if this person denigrated other people's beliefs like that to their face.

His/her response: I didn't come to DU to discuss this crap. Bye bye.

Was I too harsh? I don't think it was. But I could be wrong.

Have you ever had this happen to you?

[rock]

1. No. You weren't too hard

It's a tough world. What ever your opinions and beliefs, you need to be abel to defend them.

[ChompySnack]

2. Nope

If he didn't come here to discuss that 'crap' then why did he make a post discussing said 'crap?'

Do not worry sweet elfwitch, some people are just thin skinned.

[GOPisEvil]

3. "I didn't come to DU to discuss this crap. Bye bye."

But you'll note they clicked on the thread and participated. I avoided that thread, because I knew it was something I didn't want to discuss.

Don't feel guilty; if that person couldn't stand the heat, they should have stayed out of the kitchen. They'll probably reconsider once they cool down anyway.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

4. His problem, not yours.

Maybe he's one of those posters who has no interest in real debate, just spouting their own views. It really isn't your problem how he reacts to a perfectly civil question.

[Book Lover]

5. Speaking from the other side of the issue

Religion on DU is exactly why I rarely post anymore. I honestly think we all (I absolutely include myself in that category) cannot hold quiet and rational discussions about it. I recognized my weakness in this area and chose to withdraw. That poster should have done the same.

on edit: No, you were not overly hostile or anything; as an angry atheist, I think your question was fair.

[Florida_Geek]

6. Bad Witch No Donuts

:evilgrin:

The good thing about DU is it is mainly Democrats. But there still remains the mixing of religion that upset people. But that poster will post again.

[Pale_Rider]

7. Don't think so ...

swag is still around!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=43614

BTW: I avoided that flamefest thread myself.

[elfwitch]

9. Okay, so maybe he just bailed on the discussion...

Still, I think my question was valid and reasonable.
I want to know how DU Atheists and Agnostics deal with their believing friends.

I completely understand how people could be Atheistic, there is a lot in the world that would indicate no divine influence.

I would never pick on an Atheist for not believing. I just wonder how this person could make such a blanket statement about ALL people of faith.

[VelmaD]

8. Two thoughts...

First, I don't think they were leaving DU...just leaving the conversation with you.

Second, while you claim you weren't trying to start something, the way you asked some of your questions, while not necessarily "too harsh", could be percieved as incredibly snarky.

[elfwitch]

11. I'll cop to snarky...

But the original statement was pretty offsides.
The implication was that people of faith (any faith) are backward and simple for believing in something.

[amandae]

10. Maybe said "bye bye" and clicked ignore?

I also try to stay away from religion on DU. There's pretty much nobody to talk to about religion so I just don't think about it .... when I find a friend who's interested in being honest about religion, spectacular conversations ensue. Most of the time it just gets people angry.

BTW, I think you had a good question. One that makes me curious all the time. I'm agnostic leaning more towards athiest and questions like that make me curious ....

:hi:

[Moderator]

12. locking this

Reason :

continuing a flame war