Quote from Falconer02:
"I'd rather argue with people who enjoy a friendly and honest in-depth debate rather than those who speak like super villains from comic books."
Enjoying a friendly and honest in-depth debate is something I totally agree with. (*Abrupt - this is not directed towards you - I'm commenting on the one line of Falconer02's in and of itself.)
There are a couple who refuse to do what you are speaking of, and instead, the debates are filled with intolerance of the other views, period, including the big words, disrespect, and name calling. While you and I disagree on views about Christianity and/or Atheism, and we have had ups and downs (mainly over the names given to Christian beliefs,) there were still the elements of friendliness, honesty, and both sides "listening" to each other, while also asking questions, challenging respectfully, and answering with the best possible answers both sides could offer. Although there were times, it would definitely get way sparky. It's also when, taking a breather or cool down, other conversation takes place in the meantime, such as things we do agree with, job loss woes, seeing how someone is doing, making a lighthearted joke, etc., and then going back into the debate mode.
I just wanted to comment on that - I like the way you "said" your comment.
You would be right to call me out when it is needed (and you may be in this case if you did or suggested it as a consideration), and I implore you to please do when the need arrises. My behavior here has not been exemplary, but it is the nature of who I am and I welcome observation from those with a more 'decent' perspective than myself.
I know that I get heavy handed here sometimes but it is never for the purpose of being mean or vile (well I sometimes will inject comical crudeness into my statements but even such is restrained from my potentiality). Certain things tick me off and will invoke my rage. Dishonesty is number one of those and I tend to fire back severely at such things. I don't mind certain things which seem to bother other people (such as name calling -- my friends and I trade crude banter that could well make drunken sailor's blush). I am a Christian, but I am the sort that you would not want to risk with saying grace or public prayer but I am the sort you would want with helping the neighbor in need or assisting with menial and tedious labors.
When I see Christians harassed or bullied I will focus on those that do it and I will deliver as much venom as I can to them. I don't tire and I don't easily become bored and so I may continue to the point that most would find unreasonable or even a bit insane. I am this way in real life too, if someone harms the helpless to my knowledge they will have me to deal with and I know the best results are gained by making them understand the costs of their actions will be more severe than their perception of the damage of their actions. Since I can never be certain about their interpretations I will deliberately extend into a category of excessive by my understandings. I don't pursue such things with a focus of revenge, although I cannot honestly say that they are always without ire.
I'm with you in that I will come to the defense of Christians being harassed and/or bullied. Especially new Christians and new posters that aren't prepared for some of the backlash they receive when they post anything that has to do with being a believer. The comment I made to Falconer02 is one I know you already agree with - that it is a much better atmosphere of debate and discussion when both sides are trying to be fair, honest, and respectful, with their responses.
I remember just a couple of years ago, that the debate threads on Christianity, Atheism, and any other religions, got very heated and people had to step back and chill for awhile before continuing. There was name-calling, however, not to the magnitude it has seemed to have reached this past year. Both sides listened more, and discussed more, with references, research, etc. And, the threads in the off-topic that included Bible inspiration, verses, thoughts, quotes, etc., were hardly ever messed with by those same posters who were always discussing and debating in the debate threads.
That has certainly changed, now, by a couple in particular, and I might add, that the same posters from a couple of years ago, still do not go in the off-topics like the ones I just mentioned, just to provoke. They very rarely ever come in them, unless it starts turning into a debate, with questions, challenges, and otherwise, with regard to topics that may arise in those threads. That's when FC will generally move them into the debate threads.
Some of the joy of the off-topic threads has indeed waned mainly because of a couple who can't leave well enough alone of those who are trying to enjoy sharing a mutual topic. At least there are several posters who just ignore those, if they don't apply, or only come in when they want to or feel they need to, to discuss something. Thank goodness for their integrity and respect of others.
This forum is for everyone who would like to partake and enjoy, and it just seems unfair that sometimes the rules are not accepted for what they are supposed to represent, and instead, are pushed beyond the boundaries of them just to see how far they can be pushed. And again, like you, I'm not going to be made to look like a fool for something I believe in, and I'm going to help back others and defend them if and when they need it.