Tis the season...deja vu anyone?

[flippyshark]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

And that's why you're my favorite atheist. Most of them are proselytizing atheists, which I can't stand.

I owe a debt of gratitude to a few proselytizing atheists, because I am a happier person as an atheist than I was as a (very conflicted) Christian. But, how does one identify the line? I've upset and offended a few people just by stating my atheist views out loud, sometimes in response to a direct question about my beliefs. ("You have a right to think whatever you want, but you should keep your mouth shut.") This cuts both ways, of course. Back when I was a believer, I ran into "Keep your religion to yourself" and the very popular "stop trying to ram your beliefs down my throat." And this was after saying something as simple as "I'm a Bible-believing Christian." It's hard to know when stating a position turns the corner into treading on someone's toes.

Most people dislike having their beliefs challenged. (They may also dislike having their non-beliefs challenged.) Most people have settled into something they are comfortable with, so this is easy to understand. It's considered impolite in some circles to even bring it up. ("Never discuss religion or politics.") Personally, I really enjoy a spirited exchange of ideas on religion. I never go into it with the aim of changing anyone else's mind. BUT, I must admit, deep down, I would really love it if some argument I made actually DID cause someone to switch over. Really, it would be a hell of an ego boost, because it would mean the other person found me insightful, thoughtful and most of all RIGHT. Maybe they would also find me sexy.

I'm usually pretty good about backing off before things get too heated, but I do so only because I really don't enjoy watching people get upset. I'm almost always sorry the conversation has ended. When that "agree to disagree" line comes up, it's always disappointing to me.

It took me about ten years to complete my journey from passionate believer to contented unbeliever, so I know that no one conversation is ever likely to do the trick. (Unlike my late-teen conversion to evangelical Christianity, which I used to describe as a Road to Damascus experience - meaning it had a lot more to do with emotion than with reason.)w