Attempting to communicate
I know first of all, that there are real atheist who do not believe in any kind of transcendent reality. This is denied by many, why I do not know, though fear may for some be the reason. For if there are ‘real' atheists out there it could be a threat for some who do not have the inclination or the time to ponder the mystery of their beliefs. Also the reality for some is so immediate and real that true atheism is unfathomable. I have experienced this in reversed form from a few atheists. For them the reality of there being no need of God is so real that for them faith is something mysterious.
I have dialogued with atheist in different forums over the years and I often find it frustrating to do so. Of course I am sure that it goes both ways. Atheist find it frustrating also to attempt to converse with believers of all strips. I would think stereotypical thinking is at least part of the problem, even if unconscious, which at times it is, can cause some real obstacles to seeking to listen and truly hear the other. I know from the reactions I have experienced from those with whom I have debated with that I also fall into the above trap. I have been accused, rightly, of not really listening but only reacting. In any case, I am lousy at debate, though I do like to watch them. If done well, both points of view can be listened too and even if minds are not changed, yet understanding can be obtained.
Often when attempting to communicate with an atheist or perhaps an agnostic, I often get the impression that they are trying to reach or convince all those ‘others' that they have had to deal with in the past; so I often feel unheard. In writing this, I know that I am also guilty of the same thing, for communication at best in the most congenial circumstances can be trying and laborious.
Then there are those atheists who seem to simply reject ‘theism', find all the different theories unconvincing, so they are anti-theistic. I am not sure what that means as far as believing in some form of transcendent reality. For I feel they are too busy simply trying to argue with the often childish and narrow understandings that believers may ‘appear' to have, or in reality that some actually do profess, about the reality of the "Other' the "Eternal one". Often ‘atheists' and ‘anti-theist' have an idea about what believers actually believe about God at the lowest common denominator. In other words, all believers are judged by the most immature believers, not realizing that their faith will continue to mature (hopefully) as they continue on their pilgrimage of faith. Of course more than a few atheist and agnostics have such a low opinion of believers that any kind of real communication is impossible. Like very narrow fundamentalist who can cause grief for all believers, these fundie atheist also cause bad will and further misunderstanding to spread about the nature of atheism. Many believers think that atheist are filled with contempt for those who believe differently, because the majority are judged by an over vocal minority. I guess we are all representatives of any group we belong to. Not always fair, but there you have it.
St. Thomas stated that in arguing about God with an atheist or even any kind of unbeliever, it is useless to use the Scriptures, for without faith in God the idea of a revelation is absurd. Also it is useless for atheist to quote from text that they find helpful in their own form of unbelief. So communication is often very difficult, or even impossible. I pretty much have given up trying, since it has become so worn out, that I think any argument could simply be given a number, and then the numbers of said argument could be flung at each other, it would save a lot of time.
I believe that there are real atheists out there, who are of good will. I know people who simply cannot believe in any form of transcendent reality, even if they would like to. There are atheist who would like to believe but are honest enough to say that they cannot, and those who are very happy in their understanding of the nature of reality. The problem is when ‘fanatics' from both side's debate, then the worst can be and often is brought to the forefront. Atheist can use scripture in the most childish of ways to prove a point, and the other side, well they can do the same thing, accusing atheist of immorality etc. It can become very childish, though I think for some it is a form of sport, for me it just becomes boring. To each his own, for those who enjoy it do so for a reason.
Beliefs are complex, each will manifest his or her beliefs in ways that correspond to their background, maturity, intelligence and a simple willingness or unwillingness to listen and learn from one another. Debating is important, though I have never seen anyone change their mind after such a debate. I saw a debate on the web between an atheist and a Christian in a church, a mega church. Now the atheist did very poorly, not even dealing with the topic, so he did not come across well. What got me and actually made me laugh is that they had the audience, which was made up mostly of church members to vote about who proved their point. What a surprise the Christian debater was held to be the winner! I found it ignorant to do something like that, as if people would lose their faith over one simple poorly done debate.
I to am guilty, pettiness seems to an ingrained human trait and I have my fair share. That is why I stopped debating and visiting yahoo clubs that deal with the whole atheist/Christian debate, after awhile it became futile. But like I said, for it some it is good.
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