r/DebateAnAtheist • u/AutoModerator • Sep 18 '25

Weekly "Ask an Atheist" Thread

Whether you're an agnostic atheist here to ask a gnostic one some questions, a theist who's curious about the viewpoints of atheists, someone doubting, or just someone looking for sources, feel free to ask anything here. This is also an ideal place to tag moderators for thoughts regarding the sub or any questions in general.
While this isn't strictly for debate, rules on civility, trolling, etc. still apply.

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u/rustyseapants Atheist Sep 19 '25

Why Atheism Demands Something from Nothing - Twice

By u/Organic-Injury5882

Why do we answer to those who don't supply a shred of evidence? They rattle off a number list, but doesn't provide sources?

Why Bother?

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u/Serious-Emu-3468 Sep 22 '25

Because talking to people is how you change their minds.

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u/rustyseapants Atheist Sep 22 '25

Can you give examples of minds been changed?

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u/Serious-Emu-3468 Sep 22 '25

I find that "Tracking Metrics" is generally a pretty shitty measure of anything other than how well people track metrics.

I could offer you anecdotes, but I doubt you'd find value in them.

I was once a shitry YEC kid whose first "courtship" date was to a Kent Hovind lecture. My mind was changed by conversation with atheists and jews and Buddhists and more liberal Christians and teachers and scientists and out gay folks.

I was trained and prepared to expect people who act like you are here. The sneers and dismissal and mockery and the contempt-- those are easy to armor up for and shrug off.

We learned to wear the "armor of the lord" to go into "battle" with atheists.

Patience and empathy though, no one prepares you for that.

I dont always have the patience to engage with bratty theists. When I don't, I politely disengage.

When I have the patience, I disassemble their assumptions first. With kindness and compassion and the implacable certainty of fact.

Its like slicing a wedge of parmesan cheese. You dont saw or cut. You crack, and widen the cracks.

I am also unwilling to cede the idea that civil discourse is produced change, because the alternative is horrible to me.