Have you ever given in?

Shrykull · Post by **Shrykull** » 2003-03-28 12:49am

Have you ever? Like creationism, etc. When it feels like the people you are talking to are brick walls, and are just unresponsive to reason and logic, especially when it can be dangerous to you, I remember this Jewish family who changed thier name from Cowen to Conescu because there were a lot of jewish persecutions going on, or just because your being harrassed, somebody doesn't like what you do, your hobbies, the music you listen to etc and badger you 24/7 or close, just kinda feels like they're keep dunking your head in a water barrel, etc.

ArmorPierce · Post by **ArmorPierce** » 2003-03-28 01:10am

A lot of the times I avoid telling people I'm atheist.

Queeb Salaron · Post by **Queeb Salaron** » 2003-03-28 01:10am

No. Generally I just tell them they're all idiots and to grow up. And then I walk away.

Cyborg Stan · Post by **Cyborg Stan** » 2003-03-28 01:23am

I generally really, really hate lying so no, I don't tell people I believe in something that I don't.

On the other hand, I'm really, really good at giving technically correct, misleading, non-straight answers to things, so I really don't have to.

Call it what you like.

Crayz9000 · Post by **Crayz9000** » 2003-03-28 01:26am

The most I usually do is say something noncommital. However, one person noticed that and remarked that sometimes I sound like a lawyer

Drewcifer · Post by **Drewcifer** » 2003-03-28 01:40am

Not exactly, but a large percentage of my extended family are conservative amatuer fundies, so on the holidays I tend to stay out of political/religous discussions and go play with the kids instead or get a second helping of food. None of us are going to change the other's minds so I'd rather enjoy my time with them than pointlessly argue and everyone being upset.

Non-commital answers do come in handy, especially when matched with a dodge. "That's an interesting idea, but so is pie, and I'm interested in seconds."

SyntaxVorlon · Post by **SyntaxVorlon** » 2003-03-28 02:27am

Memories of the Vorlon force sub for BoE. *Shudder*

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-03-28 03:01am

I do the opposite: I am more likely to mention that I'm an atheist if I know the person I'm talking to is a fundie. But I like to be cagey about it and wait until they trap themselves. For example, this conversation took place yesterday morning (I'm trying to recall the exact words, but this is a reasonable approximation, as it began in the middle of a discussion regarding Iraq):

FUNDIE: You know, the United States is actually not the most powerful nation.

ME: Guess again. Their military is the most powerful in the world.

FUNDIE: Not more powerful than the Kingdom of God.

ME (recognizing the verbal equivalent of a thread hijack and feigning interest): Really!

FUNDIE: Yes, the Kingdom of God is all powerful, and America will soon be destroyed by the Lord's power.

ME: Why?

FUNDIE: Because they are not following God's laws.

ME (sensing opportunity to strike): So you think anyone who doesn't follow God's laws should be destroyed?

FUNDIE: Yes, that is what God will do.

ME: So you think atheists, buddhists, Muslims, etc. are all evil and should be destroyed?

FUNDIE: Yes.

ME: I'm an atheist. *long, uncomfortable pause* Do you think I should be destroyed?

FUNDIE (confused, taken aback): Really? You're really an atheist?

ME: Yes.

FUNDIE: Really?

ME: Yes.

FUNDIE: Are you sure?

ME (raising voice slightly): Yes! What part of this don't you understand?

FUNDIE: Oh, well, you're different. I can tell you have a good heart.

*the rest of the conversation went around in circles until the person finally admitted that it's wrong to say that all non-Christians are evil and deserve to be destroyed. Naturally, the fundie then tried to change subjects to convince me that I would someday "find the Lord" and that I did not "interpret the Bible properly", finally ending with the standard fundie concession-line: "I will pray for you".

I love springing my atheism on people like that, just to watch the looks on their faces as they frantically backpedal.

Post by **RogueIce** » 2003-03-28 03:08am

Darth Wong wrote:I do the opposite: I am more likely to mention that I'm an atheist if I know the person I'm talking to is a fundie. But I like to be cagey about it and wait until they trap themselves. For example, this conversation took place yesterday morning (I'm trying to recall the exact words, but this is a reasonable approximation, as it began in the middle of a discussion regarding Iraq):

FUNDIE: You know, the United States is actually not the most powerful nation.

ME: Guess again. Their military is the most powerful in the world.

FUNDIE: Not more powerful than the Kingdom of God.

ME (recognizing the verbal equivalent of a thread hijack and feigning interest): Really!

FUNDIE: Yes, the Kingdom of God is all powerful, and America will soon be destroyed by the Lord's power.

ME: Why?

FUNDIE: Because they are not following God's laws.

ME (sensing opportunity to strike): So you think anyone who doesn't follow God's laws should be destroyed?

FUNDIE: Yes, that is what God will do.

ME: So you think atheists, buddhists, Muslims, etc. are all evil and should be destroyed?

FUNDIE: Yes.

ME: I'm an atheist. *long, uncomfortable pause* Do you think I should be destroyed?

FUNDIE (confused, taken aback): Really? You're really an atheist?

ME: Yes.

FUNDIE: Really?

ME: Yes.

FUNDIE: Are you sure?

ME (raising voice slightly): Yes! What part of this don't you understand?

FUNDIE: Oh, well, you're different. I can tell you have a good heart.

*the rest of the conversation went around in circles until the person finally admitted that it's wrong to say that all non-Christians are evil and deserve to be destroyed. Naturally, the fundie then tried to change subjects to convince me that I would someday "find the Lord" and that I did not "interpret the Bible properly", finally ending with the standard fundie concession-line: "I will pray for you".

I love springing my atheism on people like that, just to watch the looks on their faces as they frantically backpedal.

LOL That was great...

I'll generally tell the straight up truth myself. I've told a number of people I'm athiest, and they come at me with the "no morals" thing (despite the fact that I probably have more than they do anyway, and sure as hell act like it). THat I can argue on, and I'll generally win.

No one's tried to save me yet. I did lie once, but that was because they were these really nice old married couple at a fair stand, and I guess I'm too much of a softie to ruin their day by saying "No, I'm an athiest" when they ask "Have you accepted Jesus?"

(Besides, technically, I can answer yes; I did wayyyyyy back when I went to Christian school in 1st through 3rd grade. They just don't need to know I subsequently vacated the premesis.

)

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2003-03-28 03:19am

When my paretns are off on a pro-choice rant, I usually avoid an argument (wanna ask your Mother if she would have chosen to abort you if she thought she could?)

Wong, ever had a fundy ask you if you think they're insane because God speaks to them?

Perinquus · Post by **Perinquus** » 2003-03-28 03:21am

Darth Wong wrote:I do the opposite: I am more likely to mention that I'm an atheist if I know the person I'm talking to is a fundie. But I like to be cagey about it and wait until they trap themselves. For example, this conversation took place yesterday morning (I'm trying to recall the exact words, but this is a reasonable approximation, as it began in the middle of a discussion regarding Iraq):

FUNDIE: You know, the United States is actually not the most powerful nation.

ME: Guess again. Their military is the most powerful in the world.

FUNDIE: Not more powerful than the Kingdom of God.

ME (recognizing the verbal equivalent of a thread hijack and feigning interest): Really!

FUNDIE: Yes, the Kingdom of God is all powerful, and America will soon be destroyed by the Lord's power.

ME: Why?

FUNDIE: Because they are not following God's laws.

ME (sensing opportunity to strike): So you think anyone who doesn't follow God's laws should be destroyed?

FUNDIE: Yes, that is what God will do.

ME: So you think atheists, buddhists, Muslims, etc. are all evil and should be destroyed?

FUNDIE: Yes.

ME: I'm an atheist. *long, uncomfortable pause* Do you think I should be destroyed?

FUNDIE (confused, taken aback): Really? You're really an atheist?

ME: Yes.

FUNDIE: Really?

ME: Yes.

FUNDIE: Are you sure?

ME (raising voice slightly): Yes! What part of this don't you understand?

FUNDIE: Oh, well, you're different. I can tell you have a good heart.

*the rest of the conversation went around in circles until the person finally admitted that it's wrong to say that all non-Christians are evil and deserve to be destroyed. Naturally, the fundie then tried to change subjects to convince me that I would someday "find the Lord" and that I did not "interpret the Bible properly", finally ending with the standard fundie concession-line: "I will pray for you".

I love springing my atheism on people like that, just to watch the looks on their faces as they frantically backpedal.

I love how they think. America is not following God's law, and will be destroyed. Of course, the agents of our destruction are themselves non-Christians, and in fact do not even pay lip service to Christianity as Americans mostly do, so they should be ahead of us in the destruction line should they not?

Somehow this sort of thing never seems to occur to them.

Darth Gojira · Post by **Darth Gojira** » 2003-03-28 07:10am

Well, even when I was a Christian, I still didn't want to go to church. After being under that scourge for 15 years(baptism, you see), I've learned to embrace.....oblivion and shut down my coignitive functions. And people wonder why I'm spaced out....

I wish I had guts.

Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi · Post by **Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi** » 2003-03-28 11:18am

I don't get into arguments often, but when I'm going to get into one, I either don't say anything, or just agree with them to avoid getting in the argument. There are several times that I could have given my opinion to others, but I usually pass them by.

Rye · Post by **Rye** » 2003-03-28 01:52pm

Personally, i think it's best to just let them think you've conceeded, but then stare at them right to their core, so they can tell you're laughing in your head. Then just say something like "riiiiiiiiight".

Galvatron · Post by **Galvatron** » 2003-03-28 02:23pm

Shrykull wrote:Have you ever? Like creationism, etc. When it feels like the people you are talking to are brick walls, and are just unresponsive to reason and logic, especially when it can be dangerous to you, I remember this Jewish family who changed thier name from Cowen to Conescu because there were a lot of jewish persecutions going on, or just because your being harrassed, somebody doesn't like what you do, your hobbies, the music you listen to etc and badger you 24/7 or close, just kinda feels like they're keep dunking your head in a water barrel, etc.

Yes, although it's usually about politics, not religion. Just last night I had a discussion with my friend about the war and I had to bite my tongue to prevent ruining our friendship by pointing out how asinine his position was.

Bottom line, he gives credit to our warmongering foreign policy for his economic prosperity (e.g. his lease on a 2000 Honda Civic). He ended the conversation by telling me he has "faith in our government." I knew any chance of having an intelligent discussion was over at that point.

Yogi · Post by **Yogi** » 2003-03-28 04:02pm

Agreeing with them is generally the best way to get them to leave.

"Have you heard about the glory oof the Lord?"

"Yes, I pray to Jesus Christ to wach away my sins every day."

"God bless you." [Walks away]

I don't care too must about correcting them, I just want to be left alone.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-03-28 04:09pm

Yogi wrote:Agreeing with them is generally the best way to get them to leave.

"Have you heard about the glory oof the Lord?"

"Yes, I pray to Jesus Christ to wach away my sins every day."

"God bless you." [Walks away]

I don't care too must about correcting them, I just want to be left alone.

It's not about correcting them, since they're generally too stupid to see reason. It's about presenting the flag. They puff themselves up in their asinine belief that atheists are sneaky people who hide in plain sight and corrupt their children and are too cowardly to show their faces in front of a man of God, and I'm not about to oblige them.

They are generally quite taken aback to see one standing in front of them, speaking and acting normally, especially when that person has a squeaky-clean personal life, doesn't do drugs, doesn't smoke, has a wife and two kids, etc.

Galvatron · Post by **Galvatron** » 2003-03-28 04:24pm

Darth Wong wrote:It's not about correcting them, since they're generally too stupid to see reason. It's about presenting the flag. They puff themselves up in their asinine belief that atheists are sneaky people who hide in plain sight and corrupt their children and are too cowardly to show their faces in front of a man of God, and I'm not about to oblige them.

They are generally quite taken aback to see one standing in front of them, speaking and acting normally, especially when that person has a squeaky-clean personal life, doesn't do drugs, doesn't smoke, has a wife and two kids, etc.

You ought to direct them to your web site. They'd think you're the anti-Christ then.

Queeb Salaron · Post by **Queeb Salaron** » 2003-03-28 04:27pm

Yogi wrote:Agreeing with them is generally the best way to get them to leave.

"Have you heard about the glory oof the Lord?"

"Yes, I pray to Jesus Christ to wach away my sins every day."

"God bless you." [Walks away]

I don't care too must about correcting them, I just want to be left alone.

Or you could do what I do.

"Have you found Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior?"

"Yeah, I just ran into him at the coffee shop around the corner. I bet he's still there. If you're looking for him, I bet you could run and catch him there."

OR

"Have you found Jesus?"

"I worship Satan Lucifer, Lord of the Dark, Creator of Fire and Brimstone. He is my Lord, and I am his slave." Then I start chanting and waving my arms around the missionary as if casting a spell. They run away after that. Fundies are superstitious. Go figure.

Durandal · Post by **Durandal** » 2003-03-28 04:47pm

Yes, I remember getting an E-mail forward from someone containing Elizabeth Graham's usual "insight" into the situation of terrorism. It was basically a rant about how disallowing prayer in public school and sexual education was responsible.

So I wrote this person back and said that Graham obviously had some problems with critical reasoning. She wrote back saying something like, "Wait until you have to raise a kid, then you'll understand her points about schooling." I shot back that my parents had raised me with a liberal education about sex and never really forced religion down my throat, and then I asked her if they'd failed as parents (she's actually a former co-worker of my dad's, and my dad is responsible for getting her the job she currently holds). It's very fun to trap them like that.

As for someone asking me if I've "found Jesus," I usually say something like, "Yeah, but I gotta be honest, he didn't live up to my expectations," or, "Yup, and he was hiding under my couch the whole time!"

Oh, and the other fun thing to do is play with people who want you to take "spirituality surveys." Just keep asking them to elaborate on what that means until they admit that it's just a survey to see if you're Christian or not.

Rye · Post by **Rye** » 2003-03-28 05:09pm

You could also quote The Bloodhound Gang and
[song]"i could tell them i've found jesus, that should throw them off, he goes by the name hey-zeus and steals hubcaps from cars"[/song]
from "Hell Yeah" if memory serves.
Alternatively you could always scream the entirety of Disciple by Slayer at them, but that'll end in violence.

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2003-03-28 06:32pm

No. My atheism is uber open. I have gotten in heated debates n sience class over creationism vs evolution(what the perfect place) I wea y atheism in my chest(as opposed to my sleeve) and (pardon the expression) heaven help those that assume I am christian. I have even gone into FCA meetings when they have a YEC speaker, and recuced the lecture hall to a pile of VERY angry dog shit.

Exonerate · Post by **Exonerate** » 2003-03-29 12:58am

With my parents.

"Go do your Chinese homework!"
*Rolls eyes and nods, hoping they'll go away*

Lord Pounder · Post by **Lord Pounder** » 2003-03-29 08:33am

I've agreed that i did something when i didn't. It works like this

Dad - "Did you scratch SH into the dinner table"

Me - "No"

WACK

Dad - "DID YOU SCRATCH YOUR INITIALS INTO THE FUCKING DINNER TABLE"

Me - "no, it was Samantha" Samantha is my sister

WACK WACK WACK

Dad - "TELL ME THE FUCKING TRUTH"

Me - "Ok it was me, i'm sorry"

WACK WACK WACK WACK WACK...........

Imagine what i'd have got if i kept on disagreeign with him

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2003-03-29 09:16am

Gee, I bet there are so many people out there praying for Darth Wong, he must have the best life ever!!!

StarDestroyer.Net BBS

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