Catholic Here: Dear Theist Lurkers

Tweakedenigma · 3 months

We often ask people of faith to stand up to the crazies they claim to be nothing like. So thanks for doing so.

palparepa · 3 months

We welcome any attacks. Just substantiate them and reply to our questions.

Dudesan · 3 months

In fact, it is the worst way.

I'd say it's one of the worst ways, but probably not the absolute worst way. The Evangelical tactic of screaming "Your lives are empty without Jesussss!" and threatening to send people to hell? I get the feeling that's worse than doing nothing at all.

Still, it's nice to see someone promoting open debate. Have an upvote.

deathcapt · 3 months

Post this IRL, at your church.

docsquidly · 3 months

It can be frustrating, but such is the nature of any truly open forum on the internet.

Also, it doesn't have to be theist lurkers down voting. It could be militant agnostics down voting anything that would suggest that you could know anything one way other other.

It would take a bit of work and access to data about who down voted what and interpreting past comments to determine the beliefs of those individuals. I could be done, but would take a lot of effort.

prezuiwf · 3 months

I am a Catholic and actually upvote a lot of stuff on r/atheism, but I also downvote stuff if I feel it's poorly conceived, unnecessarily mean, or otherwise disagreeable from an objective perspective (i.e. I won't downvote something just because it's anti-religious). I think that's a pretty fair standard and I don't feel I have to take to the comments and justify every time I downvote a picture of a guy haranguing a Christian on Facebook who posted a Bible verse.

breadrising · 3 months

While there are theist lurkers who downvote things, I have a feeling a good portion of Reddit itself, regardless of their beliefs, downvotes things on /r/atheism for the hell of it. Simply because "Lol /r/atheism is such a circle jerk; so stupid LOL."

Little do they know that this place means a helluva lot to many of us, especially those who don't have any atheist communities where they live and are still somewhat in the closet about it.

But for little reason, the idea of this subreddit being a circle jerk has been rampant. That gives me an idea. I think I'm going to go over to /r/gaming and downvote them for posting things about video games! ...bunch of circle jerkers...

natholin · 3 months

ahh.. but if they are lurkers how do you KNOW they are there? And how do you know they are down voting? hhhmmmm????

crossZERO · 3 months

Upvoted for reason

360walkaway · 3 months

Isn't it kind of redundant to put a slash before "endrant"?

Icarusjam · 3 months

I am a theist who has never downvoted any /r/atheism post...you can call me...Good guy theist

e-jammer · 3 months

As a Christian I love to read /atheism as its the only place I can find intelligent open minded discussions on religion. Also I only enjoy spending time with open minded people who love to help their fellow man, and I really don't find many people who allegedly believe in my faith who do so.

Umber_Hulk · 3 months

Wouldn't be kind, loving, and level headed Christians if they didn't.

However, a +1 for you.

Chimicherrychangas · 3 months

Somebody finally said it! Thank you! It's like walking into a shop just to say how terrible all the products are. Also, this is a really brave thing to do seeing as you're a theist.

JanisIsBetter · 3 months

OP is my real life friend. I've been watching him respond on this thread since the start of his shift at work today. He looked defeated when he was like how am I supposed to prove that I'm a Catholic? I just saw him again as he's leaving on his dinner break and he looks even more defeated because you guys are calling him a homophobe. I'm an atheist and he's a Catholic. We work together and have random thought provoking conversations about the bible, beliefs, and science. Keep it classy reddit. Not every Catholic is a homophobic unreasonable stuck up prick.

eendeebo · 3 months

I do not give two shits about downvote trolls. Honestly, anyone who is so hurt and offended by downvotes really needs to take a look at why they're participating in discussions. "WHY AM I BEING DOWNVOTED/ LOL SRY I DON'T KNO Y PPL R DOWNVOTING U" comments are a waste of energy.

If people don't like what you've said or the way you've said it, maybe think a bit more about what you're saying as well as how and where you're saying it instead of getting angry at a mob of neckbeards. And/ or graduate from high school.

LogicalThought · 3 months

bravo good sir...bravo

Zombiislayer · 3 months

A Christian here, and I want to say that while I still don't entirely agree with everything that the Catholic church believes in, I would like to say thanks on the behalf of all the other people of faiths who go on Reddit. Believing in faith doesn't mean that you can't believe in science. Personally, if someone comes up to me and says "Evolution is a lie," I'm more likely to hit them over the head with "The Origin of Species" than "The Holy Bible". So thank you. I can tell you that not all people of faith are crazy (except maybe Southern Baptists) (Joking) (Kinda), and that we enjoy it when one sane human stands up in the group of black and white and stay "I'M NOT A STEREOTYPE!"

So thank you.

invisiblewar · 3 months

Im Catholic, so can I put in my two cents?

I got my bachelors in biology and a masters in biomedical sciences. I know a bit more than most about science. I really don’t care for the whole Evolution vs. Creationism argument. It shouldn’t be an argument against God vs. Evolution. I don’t see the two as rivals, like the Yankees and Red Sox or Axis vs. Allies. They arent opposites in my opinion.

Let me just say before I go on here that Im 100% firm in my beliefs. Without evolution life would not be sustainable. It’s just a matter of fact. We pass traits down and sometimes a mutation occurs that helps our species survive. This to me has nothing to do with being an atheist or theist. I could argue that the ability for us to adapt to changes so we can survive is an attribute to creationism and an intelligent design. It’s almost like how cars can be programmed to adapt to driving conditions. I mean, he’s supposed to be an all knowing omniscient being, so why wouldn’t he make life on this planet dynamic. This is how I view it.

I must say that I get ashamed with Christian behavior myself. It does get embarassing to hear that someone cannot be friends with someone because of their beliefs. I am disappointed to see others being so judgemental and condemning others for opposing views. It’s shameful how uneducated some are with religion and yes I’m referring to the theist side.

Isn’t it human nature to attack something that is unfamiliar to us? We’re a very stubborn species what can I say. I may not be in any position to say this but I want to apologize on behalf of all those that have been attacked by a Christian and for all the ignorant statements that have been said by us.
Sorry if this is a bit long, I tried to organize my thoughts a bit while writing it but Im currently studying for an Embryology, Histology and Anatomy test I have on Monday. Some of it may be a bit scatterbrained though.

emote_control · 3 months

The joke is, really, that we understand their faith perfectly well. If they were paying attention instead of blindly raging, they might notice that.

ThiswishIwish · 3 months

Can't beat them with superposition and make belief ? Downvote them! That will show those heathens! Watch as their self esteem is crushed by the arrow of blue then swoop in and teach them the glory of the MOST high GOD and how only he can elevate!

King_of_Ticks · 3 months

People get downvoted for tons of different reasons. I mean look at the latest cat picture and notice the downvotes. Why the hell would anyone downvote a cat picture?

TheJakeRockz · 3 months

Thank you. Thank you very much. You're awesome. I love you.

SaintBio · 3 months

"misconstruing your faith."

This is my biggest problem as an Atheist. Most of the time I have no idea what religious people actually believe. If I call them on literally anything suspect in their religions they immediately say something along the lines of "well, that's not what I believe" or "some people think that but not me." Please, if you don't want me to misconstrue your faith, tell me what your faith consists in.

raresilk8 · 3 months

Thanks, OP.

I really don't understand the "theist lurker" mentality. I have absolutely zero desire to go lurk or downvote in /r/christianity or wherever else you folks hang out. I don't know or care what you're doing or saying in there. Yet despite the fact that theists know we disagree with them, and that many people here have a lot of anger for how they've been treated by theists, instead of doing something constructive about it (like OP, for example) they just come over here, get butthurt, downvote everything and go home to whine they're persecuted.

TimeRunsOut · 3 months

I deeply respect people like you.

EmpireStijx · 3 months

Not going to lie, I'd love to be challenged on my beliefs frequently (Atheist). People get angry when we challenge the religious, but not vice versa, so if we get challenged a lot, that gives us room to try and preach some reason!

dh1977 · 3 months

I'm not trying to paint theists with a broad brush, but I think they are much more sensitive to having someone challenge their thinking than atheists are. Or, speaking as an atheist with theist friends, that's how it seems. In other words, if theists want to come on r/atheism spouting whatever...I'm not really inclined to give a shit. In that scenario, the impact on my life is nil. Whereas many believers on the other hand, if an atheist were to come to their clubhouse railing about how there's no god, would probably take it a lot more personally. That's one of the nice things about being an atheist; if someone takes a swing at my (lack of) faith, I don't really have some spiritual duty to defend it.

greentangent · 3 months

That's right, be a True Scotsman!

Sloady · 3 months

Theists on r/atheism. It's the highest form of masochism.

legendaryderp · 3 months

I suggest everyone save this thread, and repost it every time we have that particular suspicion.

Olemcsnipey · 3 months

Catholic to Atheist hug? Shit's about to happen.

quiz96 · 3 months

...

I don't really care, but if you're going to downvote, please try to downvote everything to keep it fair.

xX_Nois · 3 months

[deleted]

praisecarcinoma · 3 months

It also goes against a main tenant of proper reddiquette. You don't down vote something just because you don't like it. You downvote it because it's not relevant to the subreddit, or the post, and/or contributes nothing. If you don't like it, don't vote on it at all.

MusicMissionary · 3 months

Doesn't bother me. I think any Christian who comes here, no matter how belligerent, must have questions or doubts. The more angry, the more doubtful. If something I say about a Christian's faith makes him mad enough to downvote me, I figure he's going to be thinking about it that much harder. It's how Christians eventually turn into atheists. If they only talk to others who agree with them and are never challenged about anything, they can never change or evolve.

godless_savage · 3 months

The one thing I dig about Catholics is the pomp and circumstance. I've been playing D&D for a while and enjoy the cleric class. Its fun to see Catholics doing their bit and pretending its to some Lawful Neutral god with the Healing, Law, War and Protection domain.

ok, I'm stoned. Anyways. Kudos.

MendedSlinky · 3 months

Mormon here, the only things I downvote here is false information. For example, the idea that mormons believe that "blacks were less faithful in the pre-existence". That is not LDS doctrine. However few individual mormons do believe this, it is not actually official doctrine. So anytime I see bogus claims such as that I leave a comment with the correct information and downvote the parent comment.

sammwwise · 3 months

Thanks for not turning r/atheism into a punching bag. I respect your respect.

I_JERK_CIRCLES · 3 months

Thank you op, you're doing the lords work.

Zergmaster · 3 months

thank you im pretty shure you saying this means more to them than it whould ever mean coming from us

huff-themagicdragon · 3 months

Good on you.

Ilajnatap · 3 months

If Atheists wanna prove they are morally superior to Theists then they have to be accepting to others whether they share common beliefs or not.

malinterian · 3 months

Agree completely. Like I've said before, I don't go into their subforums and criticise or denigrate their beliefs. That's what this forum is for. If they don't like it they don't have to read it.

Edit: If any theists do want to argue their beliefs why not go to r/debatereligion instead?

TeCuervo · 3 months

I have to say that I actually believe that someone, anyone, mentioning "misconstruing your faith" is a local favorite.

pubestash · 3 months

I'm fine with theists coming here and running amok. There are a lot of atheists who post on /Christianity, and I know I've down-voted posts/comments there that I found ridiculous. I can't hold a double standard and ask them to not down-vote comments here that they strongly disagree with.

RickRay1 · 3 months

Do you notice that when you go to 'debatereligion' there are very few theists that have much of an argument or answer for a logical question?

spy_fox · 3 months

I don't consider myself to be purely atheist. I believe in something, but I can't define it. I believe in a god, but not in any one religious description of a god.

Zrk2 · 3 months

But if you do it to RAEG comics you do it with my approval.

Ed_Tivrusky_IV · 3 months

The same goes for atheists though. Just because I don't believe what you do, I'm not going to say you're wrong. As long as you're not pushing it on me, do what you like.

OP: Thanks for making this point.

the-slowpoke-pack · 3 months

Kudos boss.

Its nice to hear of a logical Theist sticking up for alternative beliefs

BoomboxHero · 3 months

As far as I know, we don't go into r/christianity and downvote stuff. At least, I don't.

nedstupidflanders · 3 months

Whats with the tea pot?

lillylover9 · 3 months

Catholic here as well, it drives me crazy when I see us religious folk being close minded about the beliefs or lack there of, of others. It gives the (sort of) religious people like me a bad rep.

But, just know that there are people out there (like me) that are genuinely interested, and deeply respect the opinions shared on this board. I may not necessarily agree with you, but I do like to lurk and read what you have to say. :)

rerumnovarum · 3 months

Huiusmodi causae secreto pontificio subiectae sunt.

Nannerpussu · 3 months

We should have a message like this for atheists too. I can't remember all the posts that were downvoted just because they were posted by religious people. Downvotes are for posts that don't contribute to discussions, ffs.

rascilon · 3 months

This may be downvoted, but I am atheist myself, and have on occasion downvoted some posts on /r/atheism because they come across as so hateful and bitter. Basically if I take the word Christian, or Theist and replace it with another word like, gay, woman or black for example and if it sounds completely bigoted and cruel, I downvote it.

I get that a lot of people were essentially abused by theists at some point or another. I understand the impulse to have some sort of cathartic revenge, but such passionate hatred when reactive like this, gives the atheist community a wounded and hateful appearance.

teamhex · 3 months

"It is irresponsible of theists to come on r/atheism and down vote and attack people here."

True, it's always irresponsible to start a fight you can't win.

GlitterRainbow · 3 months

I didn't know theist lurker downvoting was was that big of a problem.

waydat · 3 months

This downs like an even Gayer Version of West Side Story..both sides with so much free time to get all catty....

onelasttime · 3 months

Theists have every right to exercise their downvoting powers here, within reddiquette.

m15terp1nk · 3 months

I believe the monseingor is starting to get the point...

1123581321345589144b · 3 months

I was a christian for years, there is no "misconstruing" of faith here.

Managor · 3 months

Upvoted for reason

chowder138 · 3 months

It's understandable that some of us would do that. But people are entitled to their own beliefs, no matter whether they believe them to be wrong or not.

FYI, i'm Christian as well.

cheesesaurous · 3 months

I know right, all our posts would be making the front page if it wasn't for those thousands of meddling theists and their dog!

Conky_ · 3 months

Meh does it matter? Were just proving our point if they continue to blindly disapprove of something they don't understand.

that_one_christian · 3 months

i down vote every odd number on the front page when i am on it because God told me evens were better.

Balltron9000 · 3 months

This post has exactly 666 points right now. Nobody vote!!!

SquidJiggin · 3 months

This is the first religious post I've up voted in months, atheist or theist. Good on you sir

ThatCrazyViking · 3 months

NO ONE DOWN VOTE THIS ANY MORE! 666!

Carry on.

MrJAPoe · 3 months

I love that people can be open-minded. As long as people are rational and not thumping the good book, we atheists could get along very well with all other theists

id1176 · 3 months

I want to start by saying. I love your post. May much more karma be thrust upon you. Okay now to the point. Yeah it's a little wordy.

So many down votes for such a nice little rant. WTH is wrong with people. You know I say let 'em be hateful. It not only makes them look stupid but makes mankind look stupid when we try to argue. I'm all for a good debate but when you just slander people out of pure hate than you need to get a life. I as neither an atheist nor theist think this whole bull shit battle has gone on long enough. Okay I'm not gonna lie I torment both sides when I can. But it's only to open their minds. I know so many people who say they know everything because of God. But the same of the opposite as well. To many atheists think they are incredibly knowledgeable about everything as well. But I say if you don't think about it and question everything then how do you progress? You have to question everything you have ever been taught or thought. Otherwise you get stuck in a downward spiral of bull shit. Okay that is all good bye

ajsmithjr · 3 months

the fact that they downvote means they are breaking God's golden rule... do onto others as you would have them do onto you. that means they are mistreating God's word and are going to hell

entopan · 3 months

Thanks for this. There is this ongoing post from last night, he keeps replying and I keep getting sucked back in. It's all "woe is me" bull, I don't try to offend, but he keeps being offended. Oh well. Be happy fellow human!

iheartrms · 3 months

My first thought on reading something like this is "Isn't it a sin to attack people and cause trouble in a forum?" but then I remember that these people always have some way to rationalize it such that God or Jesus or the Virgin Mary or whatever would want them to do it and make it not a sin. :(

u8a22 · 3 months

what is a thiest lurker

redhonkey34 · 3 months

We would be hypocrites for not accepting a good debate on this topic. I mean we as atheists are the minority so we have to argue for our beliefs.

Guardian_Of_Pigs · 3 months

Well played sir, well played.

ILikeNegativeKarma · 3 months

I'm not a theist lurker, but you can downvote anyone for any reason. Sometimes I downvote people just because they only have one point. I downvoted you for taking karma too seriously.

ValthePixie · 3 months

I would imagine most athiests do the same as me, only upvote. I rarely down vote, it would have to be totally inaccurate. If I don't like an article I don't down vote it. Only people who are really childish would do so.

Stillings · 3 months

Atheist here: The same can be said for atheists! Read before judging posts, etc. C:

throwawaynumber4 · 3 months

I do not understand how anyone can continue to participate in an organization that knowingly harbored child molesters.

MCampion · 3 months

This post reminds me of a guy I knew in college. He really was a smart guy in most respects (got a masters degree in engineering at a top 10 engineering university), but he was also a fundamentalist christian. And in general he was very nice, but he told me one day that whenever he saw a poster on campus he disagreed with he would rip it down. It astounded me that someone who was that smart, and was generally a very nice guy would do something so inconsiderate and backwards to the way a difference of opinion should be approached.

/endrant

Lotenn · 3 months

As a man who has been convinced of a greater intelligence or controlling force in the universe but whole heatedly trusts science. I support this post.

majinosity · 3 months

Theist lurker: This guy is not a real catholic! He is an atheist! BURN THE WITCH!

jtfine · 3 months

Whatever, we can take it.

effinmike12 · 3 months

Well thank you. Have an upvote. I personally think there are good people in almost every group, even if I do think that their beliefs are complete nonsense. Many of us were brought up in religion, and I don't think we were nuts. Well not all of us.

PD_SaltyWaffles · 3 months

Atheist or Theist, being an asshole or troll deserves a reprimand (or worse, depending on the circumstances). One of my good friends is quite religious, but I KNOW that he's a great guy and somewhat open minded (and very willing to consider new ideas). I also know an atheist who's not the kindest person or open-minded person in the world.

k_mahre · 3 months

I am an uncatholic... and by that I mean I am an atheist who was once a Catholic. I also have great respect for both the oppressive Catholic religion, and also my gay neighbors... WTF am I supposed to do when I respect someone for their life and still am told to hate them for an elementary school reason?

Moebiuzz · 3 months

As an unlabeled person, I got much more theist after argueing with a close minded atheist who asked questions on my beliefs but didn't care for the answers.

indorri · 3 months

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