Why I Don't Bother
To Argue With
People Like You
[unsigned]
From:
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: This is why i dont bother to argue with people like you (response
appreciated)
Date: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 1:05 PM
I didn't really become interested in Christianity until about age seven. In my particular denomination of Pentecost you're taught that God is to be feared, Hell is eternal, and everyone does not go to Heaven.
When I was about twelve I saw a television show that explained all the miracles of the Bible and how and when they could have happened. Everyone was real happy about it but me cause if you can explain it from a mortal point of view then it becomes hard to believe that God had anything to with it. Likewise most of the Bible was written hundreds of years after the fact so naturally there are tons of inaccuracies.
And then with every religion you have the fanatics -- Protestants of the witch trials, Catholics of the Inquisition -- so that makes it hard to believe.
And then the Bible has been printed and reprinted so many times that most of it is probably nothing like the original.
"So why do you still believe and why are you wasting my time?"
Well the fact is I respect people like you because while you argue your point you don't make a big deal out of trying to de-convert people.
Simply put you have logic and I have faith. You have about a million ways to disprove me and all I can do is quote a book you dont believe in any way. The only real way to prove you wrong would be when Christ comes and then it'll be a moot point.
So just wanted to let you know you have one all most supporter in the Christian community. Good luck, and while this may be a contradiction of terms, God Bless.
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To:
Subject: Re: This is why i dont bother to argue with people like you (response
appreciated)
Date: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 1:41 PM
Well the fact is I respect people like you because while you argue your point you don't make a big deal out of trying to de-convert people.
You are correct in observing that we at Positive Atheism are not trying to de-convert anyone. This magazine has, as its target audience, people who are already atheists.
Since the late 1970s, I've said to myself, "What if this is how some poor clown is staying off drugs?" and my attitude has grown significantly over the years to include many solid reasons for not trying to de-convert anyone. Most importantly, the issue of whether or not a god exists is the stupidest thing to get into an argument over; we all do well to set this discussion aside and work together to solve the pressing problems of day-to-day living.
I will, however, gladly discuss the issues with any theist who wishes
to engage me: the theist is the one making the claim, so it is always the
theist's first move. Mine is only to respond to the theist's claims, and
only if I choose to do so. Thus, I restrict my involvement in this discussion
to this forum.
The only real way to prove you wrong would be when Christ comes and then it'll be a moot point.
This is one of the problems I have with the concept of Hell: God doesn't
go out of His way to reveal Himself to me; but if He is real, I'm in big
trouble because when he does get around to revealing Himself to me, it's
too late for me to benefit from the knowledge of His existence.
So just wanted to let you know you have one almost supporter in the Christian community. Good luck, and while this may be a contradiction of terms, God Bless.
I appreciate your sentiments. I wish I could hear from more like you.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.