Theists don't ask questions

[Blastcat]

Hi

I ask a lot of questions.. and SOMETIMES ( but not always ) get answers.

One of the reasons that I do ask a lot of questions, is that I don't actually learn anything new by proselytizing atheism. I do that a bit, of course, I think it's important that people get to know an atheist and what he thinks about the "big questions" and so on, but I am ALSO here to learn what OTHER people think.

So, the questions.

It just occurred to me that I RARELY get any questions from the theists.
Isn't that odd?

____________

Question for debate:

• 
  
  Why is it that theists don't seem very curious as to what outsiders to their beliefs think?
  
  

____________

[hoghead1]

[Replying to hoghead1]

I can't emphasize enough, BC, that you need to reconsider how you format. Your present OP is a prime example. It sets up you, the BC, as the main object of discussion. But this is a discussion group, not a personal-encounter or t-group. Granted, If you were a major figure in the field, your OP would be OK. But, I mean, c'mon. By your own posts as well as admission, you have had a very limited, if any, formal education in theology, philosophy, biblical studies, science, and related areas. You are in no position to represent any position or serve as a expert fielding questions. You can't tell me anything I don't already know. So it strikes me as odd you expect others to come make you the focus of attention and come to you with any kinds of questions.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 57 by hoghead1]
[center]


Some people don't seem to know the purpose of questions[/center]

When you send out posts with long lists of questions, you are putting considerable pressure on the responder to answer all those questions.

That might be true.
However, pressure isn't the goal.
It's understanding.

They are going to be busy doing just that. They have no time to ask you any.

It doesn't stop some of them from attempting to TELL me what I think, instead of asking me questions about what I think.


What prevents YOU, for example, from asking me what I think?

Firing away loads of questions at someone can easily put that individual on the defensive, making them feel they are being grilled by some sort of major inquisition.

IF people write clearly, I don't have to ask for clarifications all the time.
If what people makes sense, I can simply agree and move on.

I ask questions in order to try to understand what people are talking about.



The OP, for example, wasn't asking for advice on how to post, but to know why it seems that so many theists seem to lack curiosity.

In one of your recent posts, you closed by asking another member if there were or were not a theist. That reminded me of the McCarthy era. "Were you, or have you ever been...?"

That's because the person seems very confused as to whether he believes in a god or not. I am NOT engaged in a McCarthy era interrogation. I am asking direct questions. If the person can't handle direct questions, that is his affair. I am not forcing anyone to answer anything.

If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.
This is a debate forum.

If you feel you are not getting the kinds of responses you would like, then why don't you take a mare careful look at your posting style?

The OP isn't why I'm not getting answers to all of my questions. I ask... what someone decides to do with the questions is their affair.

The OP is about the almost total lack of curiosity from SOME theists about what outsiders think. ( Thanks Z for pointing out that I was overgeneralizing by mistake, earlier. )

Did you post such-and-such when you were angry or when you were calm? Did you ask anyone to go over your post before you sent it? Did you ask yourself if you received that kind of post, how would you feel?

I'm sorry friend.
In a debate, what matters are the arguments.
We aren't discussing anyone's emotional states.


For that, I suggest the psychotherapy.

If you are interested in having others hear your story, then by all means go ahead and share it.

You might be under that misapprehension that I haven't figured that out a while back.

And that means tell your story, as opposed to questioning others about their position.

I suggest that if you don't like to answer questions, that you don't.

I already full well know how to tell my "story".

When you ask questions, you automatically put the focus on the other guy to tell his or her story, not yours.

That sounds horrible.
Imagine having to listen to someone else tell his or her story.


I have no questions for you at this time.

[rikuoamero]

[Replying to post 61 by hoghead1]

Your present OP is a prime example. It sets up you, the BC, as the main object of discussion.

The opening paragraph has lots of "I"'s to be sure, but the actual question for debate, as denoted by being separated from the rest of the text, has no reference to Blastcat in particular.

At worst, BC can be accused of asking BOTH why he in particular doesn't get asked and non-believers in general.

[Zzyzx]

.

Why is it that theists don't seem very curious as to what outsiders to their beliefs think?

There is no reason for Theists to ask questions of alternative theistic positions (even in debate) if they already have all necessary theistic answers and knowledge -- if they KNOW their favorite God is in charge

-- if they KNOW how the universe originated and how life began

-- if they KNOW their moral code is superior to all others

After all, they have an ancient book that gives all the answers (even if they can't agree among themselves what those answers are), AND they have testimonials attesting to supernatural answers, AND 'millions believe'.

So why ask questions of those who can't possibly know about such things?

Besides, asking questions could be dangerous to one's 'faith' if the answers make more sense than those ancient texts and the testimonials -- especially when the answers actually apply to the real world.

But then again, why be concerned about the real world when one can pontificate about a 'spiritual world' or and 'afterlife' using imagination (and ancient texts)? That avoids the inconvenience of actually demonstrating that what one says is true and accurate.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 64 by Zzyzx]


[center]
It's a joyous day in Blasctatville.[/center]

Why is it that theists don't seem very curious as to what outsiders to their beliefs think?

There is no reason for Theists to ask questions of alternative theistic positions (even in debate) if they already have all necessary theistic answers and knowledge -- if they KNOW their favorite God is in charge

-- if they KNOW how the universe originated and how life began

-- if they KNOW their moral code is superior to all others

I agree BUT... I have to correct you a little.

This is a great day for me, because for once, I get to correct the venerable Z. You might think that it's very trivial... but I've been WAITING for this.

I would say that they BELIEVE that they know.. I would not say that they ACTUALLY know...

Now.. I feel like having a beer !!
Hoorah for me.. it's been like 3 years.

I KNEW I'd get ya.

Could you do me a big favor and write the words : "I stand corrected" ?
It would really make my day.

I agree with everything ... its just that I am skeptical about if they KNOW anything at all concerning what they believe in.

After all, they have an ancient book that gives all the answers (even if they can't agree among themselves what those answers are), AND they have testimonials attesting to supernatural answers, AND 'millions believe'.

Right.
They wave a book around AS IF it justified the beliefs they found in the book.

Why is it true?
It's true because it says right here that it's true... ( imagine them pointing to the Bible )

So why ask questions of those who can't possibly know about such things?

It's a bit odd to me that no theist has yet chosen to argue the point. No questions forthcoming from ANY theist. ( there is a person in here.. but I'm NOT sure if he is a theist or NOT.. very hard to tell )

I have to agree, that if I was certain that I had ALL the answers in this handy dandy answer book here... why would I ask anyone anything? Heck, if I want to know what you think, I would look THAT up in the book TOO and then TELL you what you think.

But you know, I was hoping that some THEIST would come in here ready to rock and roll... maybe they just aren't that curious, after all.

Besides, asking questions could be dangerous to one's 'faith' if the answers make more sense than those ancient texts and the testimonials -- especially when the answers actually apply to the real world.

Depends on what Bible verse we are thumping on today.... Some verses call us atheist "fools". Some "evil"... Some maybe "lost" and so on.

Maybe some Christian might want to "save us". How can they save me if they don't understand where I'm coming from? NO?

No interest?
They're going to TELL me where I'm coming from, instead?

What a great book the Bible is !!

But then again, why be concerned about the real world when one can pontificate about a 'spiritual world' or and 'afterlife' using imagination (and ancient texts)? That avoids the inconvenience of actually demonstrating that what one says is true and accurate.

I think that some Bible verses actually PROHIBIT questioning... right?
As in Job, for example?


I think that perhaps, religion attempts to KILL the imagination and skepticism.

[Hector Barbosa]

[Replying to post 50 by Zzyzx]

When searching for truth does one form a conclusion first then look for conforming evidence, OR does one look at the evidence FIRST and base a conclusion on a thorough examination of all evidence available?

Obviously you look for the evidence first and draw the conclusion later, unless of cause you are a theist or atheist

If we are ill or injured is our best course of action to consult ancient writers or would it be prudent to seek modern medical attention?

It would obviously appear to be modern medical attention, though since you did not specify the injury and we don't know which modern medical attention you are referring to, the answer may very well be neither.

Is there a point to these silly questions, or should I just try to invent silly answers :p

I wrote:

You say Theists have the answers but not necessarily the correct ones. Yes I agree with that, though this too can be said of scientists, and having a incorrect answer is not really a much better or worse position than having no answer. Either way you are at ground zero.

you responded

I disagree. If one 'has' the wrong answer they are at less than zero.

How can you be a less than zero? Clearly you are changing the scales now. But this argument is beginning to look a bit silly to me.

What, exactly, do you want to know the truth ABOUT?

Eh qu? I want to know the truth about everything, I thought I made that clear. But for this arguments sake it would be great to the truth about the origin of the human race and where it will go to.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 66 by Hector Barbosa]

I want to know the truth about everything,

I wish you very much luck in that quest.

But for this arguments sake it would be great to the truth about the origin of the human race and where it will go to.

Wouldn't a time machine be useful?

[theophile]

[Replying to Blastcat]

I think that some Bible verses actually PROHIBIT questioning... right?
As in Job, for example?

I think you draw the wrong conclusion here.

God's speeches to Job, while typically read as the supreme put down (i.e. God putting Job in his place for his questioning attitude), can more fully be read as encouraging Job to just that. i.e., to stand his ground as a human being in the world. To issue fiery words and hard questions.

"Gird your loins and face me like a man!"
...

Otherwise I dare you to find a compelling interpretation of God's final words in 42:7 praising Job (who questions God) and refuting the friends (who don't).

There is something more than meets the eye going on here. We need to look closer.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 68 by theophile]
[center]

To ask or not to ask, that is Job's question.[/center]

I think that some Bible verses actually PROHIBIT questioning... right?
As in Job, for example?

I think you draw the wrong conclusion here.

That wouldn't surprise me.

God's speeches to Job, while typically read as the supreme put down (i.e. God putting Job in his place for his questioning attitude), can more fully be read as encouraging Job to just that. i.e., to stand his ground as a human being in the world. To issue fiery words and hard questions.

"Gird your loins and face me like a man!"

Job 40:4- 5


Job faces God and admits to a LOT of ignorance.

The others are scolded for being impertinent enough to ask questions.

Otherwise I dare you to find a compelling interpretation of God's final words in 42:7 praising Job (who questions God) and refuting the friends (who don't).

There is something more than meets the eye going on here. We need to look closer.

Oh, I love a dare!

"After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has."


Compelling interpretation?

In that passage, God tells Job's friends that he is angry with them, because they told lies about God. And he says that Job tells the truth about God.

So, DOES Job know everything?
I don't think so.

I think the point of God's tirade ( as poetic as it is ) is that Job DOESN'T know the answers.

SHOULD we dare ask questions about God?.. No, to do that only gets the god angry.
Asking questions is like LYING to this god.

I think that every rhetorical questions that God asks of Job is to SHOW how much Job is ignorant.


So, Job and his friends should SHUT UP and obey like good boys. OR ELSE.


If God wants us to know something, he will TELL us, OK?
Now, stop bugging God !

[Hector Barbosa]

[Replying to post 67 by Blastcat]

I wish you very much luck in that quest. Wouldn't a time machine be useful?

Thank you, and yes it sure would
I would love to know the truth of how to invent one