How I Learned
To Show Respect
Chad Robb
From: "Chad Robb"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Roaring Lion
Date: Thursday, January 04, 2001 2:29 AM
I just spent hours reading various letters on your site and I noticed how easily you are disgusted with Christian Bigotry.
Just as I would talk more slowly to a child and use smaller, easier to understand words, I do treat Christian fundamentalists as though their belief in my damnation were worth considering. Not because I believe in hell, but because that is how I learned to show respect. You do not even attempt to mask your contempt.
I have Christian and Pagan friends. They respect me and my Atheist friend Brian (we are a small but powerful group) because we listen with interest and have something pleasing to say.
True, I have not endured atheist persecution and Christians in my area are apparently more tolerant than those near you, but ...
Where is my point?
Could you put me on the list so if some crackpot fundie tells you what's what you let me take a shot at talking to them? I imagine you are harassed daily and I never have the chance to deal with flames. I have wanted to deal with flames forever.
I always figure if nobody objects to what I say, I'm not saying it loud enough.
I agree that the Christians can be downright rude but you do appear to be unhappy and bitter in your responses. If you wish to appear in control and positive, treat them as though they were misguided because they are. They are lost in Dogmatic Catatonia. In Stuporstition. Wake them up with something other than thrashing and pommeling. Nobody likes being crushed.
I realize your goal is not to convert them but why treat them like wicked fools?
-- Chad
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