According to one Christian, here are Five Ways Not to Debate an Atheist

[Sunstone]

I found this short article, which was published in a Christian magazine, to be interesting -- even though the author mentioned some ways "not to debate an atheist" that I seldom have seen employed here on RF.

Oh, and also the author fails miserably to mention that you should always debate atheists while properly attired -- which means in loincloths, and nothing else.

Can you think of any other things not to do when debating atheists? If so, why shouldn't you do them?

 

[ImmortalFlame]

I found this short article, which was published in a Christian magazine, to be interesting -- even though the author mentioned some ways "not to debate an atheist" that I seldom have seen employed here on RF.

Oh, and also the author fails miserably to mention that you should always debate atheists while properly attired -- which means in loincloths, and nothing else.

Can you think of any other things not to do when debating atheists? If so, why shouldn't you do them?

The article seems very reasonable. However, as you said, I think he missed out the most important thing to remember when debating an atheist:

Pepper spray.

 

[idav]

Can you think of any other things not to do when debating atheists? If so, why shouldn't you do them?

Yeah I have one I see a bit. When debating an atheist, declaring oneself a former atheist isn't helpful, it doesn't make a person a better theist.

 

[Jeremy Mason]

Good article. I typically avoid projecting my faith on people of different POVs. Rather, I try to emphasize our commonalities.

 

[Sunstone]

Yeah I have one I see a bit. When debating an atheist, declaring oneself a former atheist isn't helpful, it doesn't make a person a better theist.

Good point! :clap

 

[Sunstone]

Good article. I typically avoid projecting my faith on people of different POVs. Rather, I try to emphasize our commonalities.

I've noticed that about you, Jeremy. It's rather refreshing, even though I don't practice it as often myself as I should.

 

[Sunstone]

The article seems very reasonable. However, as you said, I think he missed out the most important thing to remember when debating an atheist:

Pepper spray.

Indeed! Pepper spray is of the essence both for successfully debating an atheist, and for avoiding tiresome second dates.

 

[Jeremy Mason]

I've noticed that about you, Jeremy. It's rather refreshing, even though I don't practice it as often myself as I should.

Thanks Sunstone.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Yeah I have one I see a bit. When debating an atheist, declaring oneself a former atheist isn't helpful, it doesn't make a person a better theist.

It also doesn't offer any credibility to the proceeding argument.

 

[Desert Snake]

Haha I voted wrong, I thought the OP was about things to do, not avoid..

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Can you think of any other things not to do when debating atheists? If so, why shouldn't you do them?

Presuppositional apologetics.

And you shouldn't do it because it's a horribly illogical position that tries to inoculate the person from other people telling them how horribly illogical it is. People who engage in it tend to come across as terrific ********** but have no idea of how they're being perceived.

Spread the word: friends don't let friends engage in presuppositional apologetics.

 

[kashmir]

What is the point of the poll other than to restrict one side of the coin?
Fair game is fair game.
I chose "not to debate it at all" and considering all the popular debates I have seen on YT, I tend to wonder how many people that heard the presented arguments for the first time, don't leave more ignorant than they were to begin with.
Both sides say some very ridiculously stupid things.
At least it raised awareness, and hopefully it gets them to actually use their brains and further research the things said in the debates.

Yes, I think outside the box, it's just how I am.

 

[Sunstone]

Yes, I think outside the box, it's just how I am.

Being contrary is not quite the same thing as thinking outside the box.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

I really don't think you should debate an atheist with the intentions of converting or saving him or her.

 

[Desert Snake]

I really don't think you should debate an atheist with the intentions of converting or saving him or her.

Hi!
What exactly would be the point of arguing then...

 

[CynthiaCypher]

Hi!
What exactly would be the point of arguing then...

To come to an understanding.

 

[columbus]

I debate atheists on occasions. But never, iirc, in a loincloth. So that's how I voted.

I'm naked as a jaybird.

Tom

 

[Revoltingest]

I debate atheists on occasions....
I'm naked as a jaybird.

We'll let you win...just to end the visual carnage.

 

[kashmir]

Being contrary is not quite the same thing as thinking outside the box.

There was an answer for all or none, in the options.
I pretty much discussed both those options in my post.

I was not being contrary at all.
All I did was add to the subject, because I tend to look at the bigger pictures in life.
cause and affect.
Maybe you were being contrary to my post?

 

[steeltoes]

I don't debate atheists because they are always right.