Does anyone else feel out numbered?

[achilles12604]

Its funny. According to the stats, there are more christians on this site than atheists. But from the posting on the forums it sure doesn't feel that way. I feel out numbered. Anyone else feel this way? Why do you suppose there arn't more Christian apologists? Are they busy doing good deeds or do you think they simply stopped caring?

[otseng]

I've always felt outnumbered when I debate. For example, in the thread Plate tectonics (which, btw, was the 2005 best debate topic), I was outnumbered pretty much 19 to 1 (according to the poll results).

But, that's the nature of things when you're fighting for the truth.

Seriously, I think it's more fun and challenging to be on the minority side. Who wants to always go with the majority? That's too easy. What challenge is there when you've got the biggest guns and the largest army? But, when you're the David or the Gideon equiped with some rocks and jars and fighting a fierce army, then that's when it gets interesting.

[achilles12604]

I've always felt outnumbered when I debate. For example, in the thread Plate tectonics (which, btw, was the 2005 best debate topic), I was outnumbered pretty much 19 to 1 (according to the poll results).

But, that's the nature of things when you're fighting for the truth.

Seriously, I think it's more fun and challenging to be on the minority side. Who wants to always go with the majority? That's too easy. What challenge is there when you've got the biggest guns and the largest army? But, when you're the David or the Gideon equiped with some rocks and jars and fighting a fierce army, then that's when it gets interesting.

Good points. Feel free to join in on my attack on history. I bet you didn't know Gettysburg address was never given by Lincoln huh?

[Jester]

I've always felt outnumbered when I debate. For example, in the thread Plate tectonics (which, btw, was the 2005 best debate topic), I was outnumbered pretty much 19 to 1 (according to the poll results).

But, that's the nature of things when you're fighting for the truth.

Seriously, I think it's more fun and challenging to be on the minority side. Who wants to always go with the majority? That's too easy. What challenge is there when you've got the biggest guns and the largest army? But, when you're the David or the Gideon equiped with some rocks and jars and fighting a fierce army, then that's when it gets interesting.

I wanted to add that this made me smile. I've had my moments of feeling very outnumbered; adding polls to my topics has only made it clear that it's not my imagination. This was good to hear. I keep trying to hold out with the idea that, if I can keep presenting the truth in a loving way, some Christians will be encouraged and some non-Christians just might change their minds.
So, count me encouraged by your last comments.

[Noachian]

I always feel out numbered aswell but I suppose your right, what chanllange would it be if we went with the croud. I was on a game site forum (Galactic civilizations pc game) and I posted a thread asking for a Christian logo, suddenly I was surrounded by atheists saying I was a religious fanatic all because I wanted a Christian logo, I was backed up a little bit by a Christian but then he left because someone called him a blood-thirsty warmongerer.

But what you just said has made me think if I am on my own and outnumbered then It is a chalange, but what really annoys is that people come up with the same old exuses like the crusades and stuff, and how blind they are.

[niftydrifty]

[hi all, brand newbie here]

I believe it just has to do with the nature of the thing here. Imagine a tower, and two forces in direct opposition to one another: one which wants to keep the tower intact, and the other which wants to knock the tower down. The tower defenders really have nothing to lose, since they're already in the tower, and nothing anyone can say about the tower is going to change the experience of those within the tower. but the tower attackers have much more to gain by speaking out against the tower, and besides, their whole milieu is rather new, and has recently gained momentum. there are a wave of atheistic books recently out, and they've been armed with plenty of ammunition, ie., talking points to parrot. it's a relatively lowkey tradition, which wants to become mainstream.

the very meaning of the term, "atheist" begins with belief and disassociates itself from it. to be an atheist you must assert yourself against belief. we are the blood and they are the mosquitoes.

[Snoozey`]

Some very encouraging statements here.

I particularly get involved cause I still don't know so much about the Bible itself, nor have I studied intensively to know anything in detail about it. I just feel like I get so overwhelmed with so much info that I just step back and just lurk around...

[katiej49]

[quote="achilles12604"]Its funny. According to the stats, there are more christians on this site than atheists. But from the posting on the forums it sure doesn't feel that way. I feel out numbered. Anyone else feel this way? Why do you suppose there arn't more Christian apologists? Are they busy doing good deeds or do you think they simply stopped caring?[/quote




quite honestly.....these forums do little to convince anyone of the truth...i've never known anyone converted by one although i think they do make people think....i enjoy discussing the faith but i think there are better things i could do for God than spend a LOT of time on a forum....not saying they are wrong (obviously dont think that or i wouldnt post on them)...but they dont do much in the long run...just my 2 cents worth

[niftydrifty]

quite honestly.....these forums do little to convince anyone of the truth...i've never known anyone converted by one although i think they do make people think....i enjoy discussing the faith but i think there are better things i could do for God than spend a LOT of time on a forum....not saying they are wrong (obviously dont think that or i wouldnt post on them)...but they dont do much in the long run...just my 2 cents worth

that's of course a valid way of looking at things, but I look at it a little differently. people that have opinions have hopefully spent time arriving at them, and experience has shown that they're not likely to change. IMO, the things are you say on a forum like this one are more for you than for anyone else. if you take the time to explain what you mean, you'll get better at it. you'll think of things that you may not have arrived at on your own. and if you do research in order to write something, you'll learn things. that others can also read what you write and challenge you is a bonus. if your goal is to change minds you're going to be disappointed. that's not even the point of a debate anyway.

[Fisherking]

I feel the same way. I do not think apologetics are for everyone. Some people are called to do it and some aren't. I do not expect any conversions from anything I might say. I spend my time arguing here for two reasons. The most important in my mind is to help or strengthen those that are actually seeking God, or those that have found Him and may be having doubts as to why they believe what they believe. They may be browsing the web looking for answers, stumble upon this site, and read a strong Christian argument that sets them down the right road. If we can help even 1 out of 10000 it is worth it to me. The second reason is that it forces me to study more Many of you are very talented and I appreciate that you are here defending Christianity.