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Originally posted by network dude
I am a person who believes in God. I even talk to him fro time to time. I don't care for organized religion at all. Mainly because it seems to be driven more by greed and quest for power than it is supposed to be. And I don't care for someone trying to convert anyone against their will. If missionaries were sent to far off lands to help people without pushing their agenda, it would seem more genuine (IMHO).
I can understand why a person who truly believe God is the only way and they care enough to attempt to spread this word around. I understand the agenda there. To save a lost soul or to stop someone from eternal damnation. Right or wrong, I understand it.
What I don't understand is the motive for an atheist to try to convert people to their way of thinking. What is to be gained by this? By all means they have just as much right to do this as someone would to ring your doorbell and attempt to tell you all about God. But what will they gain other than a little company? I would appreciate any and all responses. I am not trying to convert any atheists, or condemn any Christians, just trying to understand this.
Originally posted by nuffsaid420
How can you qualify as being unbiased if you only know your perspective?
Originally posted by network dude
What I don't understand is the motive for an atheist to try to convert people to their way of thinking.
... I can understand why a person who truly believe God is the only way and they care enough to attempt to spread this word around. I understand the agenda there. To save a lost soul or to stop someone from eternal damnation. Right or wrong, I understand it.
What I don't understand is the motive for an atheist to try to convert people to their way of thinking. What is to be gained by this?
Originally posted by wayno
Is it impossible for you to consider that an atheist might, out of compassion for a fellow human, want to "save" that fellow human from having a precious lifetime wasted because of false beliefs stemming from a ruthless and unscrupulous indoctrination?
That could be one reason. I am sure there are many more.
There is an assumption that atheism is somehow morbid and depressing. That is surely incorrect. If it isn't about absolutely reveling in the preciousness, beauty, joy and mystery of this thing called life; then I don't know what it is.
A person believing in the Judeo/Christian/Muslim God, could go through an entire lifetime, and never experience these joys; focusing instead on punishment, rituals and obedience to dogma.
[edit on 10/21/2009 by wayno]