I am not going to speak for them since I have no stake in this board nor am I an admin, but this is a pretty odd first post.

This website allows believers of ALL religions here, and there is a one on one forum and a debate forum. But it IS an atheist site and the believers that come here must expect debate. When I go to Christian websites I go by their rules. If I don't like their rules, I either accept them, or leave, but what I cannot do is tell someone else how to run a board that I don't own. I know you sound like you are offering a "suggestion", but for a first post it comes accross as "SEE SEE SEE they dont like us", like a dare, rather than a suggestion.

If Christians feel the need for this service and you can get up 3 Christians to pay $10 per month as a silver subscriber I could see allocating a portion of my server to make them feel more comfortable here.  I think the idea is silly, like you said tongue in cheek, but maybe Christians would like an area to unite against us atheists in debate and as far as I'm concerned they need every advantage they can get.  I'm also looking to keep as many Christians here and interested as possible, if this makes it more likely that they will participate in debate then I'm all for it.

With that said, I'm also slightly offended at the connotation behind this.  There is an underlying tone of us promoting segregation or something, as if the tactic of having an atheist only forum isn't commonplace... or a forum where like minds (forget the atheism) can gather.

If you're unaware, the largest Christian community on the internet is Christian forums.  They notoriously ban atheists faster than we ban Christians, and typically make it extremely hard for atheists to integrate themselves there.  Any challenge of god is looked at negatively, and if you choose the wrong words to challenge religious beliefs with, you're gone.

Christian Forums has "Christian only" sections of their site that have more posts on them in a day than our entire site has on it, in several days.  So what I'd really like to see is for you to take your tongue in cheek argument over there, and see the types of responses you get.  See that in some cases, there actually are similarities in how an atheist and a Christian would answer the same question, we'd likely both see the idea as ridiculous and unwelcome.

THE FOLLOWING IS ALL CHRISTIAN ONLY ON CHRISTIAN FORUMS, THERE IS MORE, BUT THESE ARE THE BIGGEST AREAS 

Theology (Christians Only) (2,243,645 Posts in 55,572 Threads) 

Edification (Christians Only) (738,892 Posts in 66,636 Threads)

      sub category: Christian Ministries  (51,448 Posts in 6,091 Threads)

 

Then there's other segregated areas...

Men's Corner  (212,324 Posts in 8,008 Threads) Last Post: Private Men's only room. *grin* Where we talk about man-things.

Pornography Addiction Support(2920/15567)

Face the board (Men) (482/78196)

Men's Health (48/934)

 

 

Women's Discussion  (931,087 Posts in 35,732 Threads) Last Post: Private The Ladies' area. Come on ladies, we've got some talking to do (yeah!)

Christian Advice for Women Titus 2(53/691)	Face the board (Women) (1022/195769)	For women who struggle... (1502/28655)
Plus sized women (366/5422)	Polls and Games (Women) (409/27983)	Women's Bible Study (22/207)
Secret Sisters (68/2273)

 

 

NON-Christians not welcome here:

Leisure  (1,621,377 Posts in 28,932 Threads) Last Post: Have you ever won anything?  by ~Fufu~, 11th November 2009 02:59 PM Forums for the discussion of entertainment from a Christian viewpoint.

 

 

 

 

 

I believe there are also forums that you can't even see until you reach a certain karma level on their site verifying just how Christian you are.

So maybe an apology is in order considering you think it's appropriate to make us feel bad about the fact that we have one small forum on our site where we don't want to hear the insane psychotic ramblings of delusional people as we discuss issues in a way that is based on evidence and reality.

 

 

Well if you're going to do this, can you keep their threads off the recent posts page, or maybe add the forum posted in to said page? I can see myself diving in without even realising the forum being posted in.

 LOL... I cross-posted sapient, and he basically said what I said... it comes down to money

So yeah... there you go.

 Right.  

From where I sit, it's even a different matter, though.  The whole point of not only this website, but the vast majority of atheist websites I know of, is to encourage open, critical, and literally unfettered exchange of information.  The only reason I don't have a problem with our FTA forum is that it is clearly visible to any and all theists who care to look at it, and they're welcome to post a response in any other forum on the site.  We aren't hiding anything in that section.  We just want a place where we can chat amongst ourselves.

In principle, I don't have a problem with a theist only section that followed the same format -- that is, open for everyone to view.  In fact, if it encouraged more theists to come around, it might even be a good thing.  Then again, one has to ask the question... why would a theist want to post something in a theist only section of an atheist forum?  Why would any theist be here in the first place?  Either they're here to learn or argue, and they're not going to get either one of those things from a theist-only forum.  Other than getting jollies from the internet equivalent of graffiti, I don't know what purpose it could serve, and why we'd be spending precious resources allowing it.

Frankly, I don't think there should be carnivore only rooms at vegan conventions.  I think vegan conventions ought to invite carnivores to make their presentations, and ask them pointed questions, and give them ample time to answer without being shouted down.  That's what's called "OPEN DIALOG" and it's the fastest way to get to the truth.

Unfortunately, I think most people in most conventions (and I'm not necessarily excepting atheism here) are more interested in reinforcing their own views than being challenged by opposing views.  There are certainly members here who are not interested in theist viewpoints, but for the most part, it seems like most of the posters here would enjoy having more theists to debate.  So... again... what's the point of a theist only forum?

This is off topic but didn't anyone else notice the forum for plus-sized women on Christian Forums. It made me lol.

I say bollocks. Unless you could intercede with the lord and re-write the bible to include a space for atheists to live with other atheists for all eternity, while all the believers have to live together in a sort of giant church youth camp with that awful singing about the love of jesus (allah, yahweh, insert your own made-up god here), along with sweaty sleeping bags, spotty 17-year-old 'leaders' and wasps and jam for breakfast.

It's not the thought of early man doing dressage on the back of a stegadon that's stupid, by the way. It's the idea of a supreme being who can't even turn away while I masturbate.

 

 

 

 

Ah yes, the secrets that bind us, eh?  Love ya bro.

 

 

 

  I really dont think I need to respond to that. You obviously dont know why I would even ask something so bizarre, & 'mad'  request .  You know, being "bigger" than the christians would only be 'the' true acts of killing them with kindness,.You know I can really understand why some might not understand why I'd ask that. Really think some of you "get it" and others are left shaking their head. That is perfectly understandable. I am glad you've taken this seriously. As for "me": Preaching to the godless?  Are you guys joking around or something?  I think some of you get what I am saying and others are just so far off base I almost dont know how to respond.  But that is to be expected. It is a pretty unsual request.

  From where I sit you guys get a free ride from "individual" christians on a lot of their boards (assuming you arent tossed off the board in the first 48 hrs.) Just get into some of the discussions between "sects" and you'll know what I am saying. I have heard many christians simply leave you alone (like some of the newer behaviour of Protestants towards RomanCatholics). For good or ill they assume a level of hostility (hostility is such an ugly word). I honestly dont know.

 All I can do is speak for me. I am not interested in introducing you to Messiah (man I m mean). I was thinking only of the fact I cannot ask questions about the ANE. I guess on half a dozen or so christian forums the only people who ask about ANE religious thought have some "evil" intent. So, Ironically, I will end-up getting tossed from christian boards more often than anyone here who is openly atheistic (,believe it or not). If you are turning up your nose at the very idea. Then point me to another board that talks about the ANE, and I'll be glad to get out of your hair

I didn't know what it was either, but I did a google search, and I think I've found it. Apparently, there's a popular new book called, "A New Earth," which has created lots of controversy among the Christians.

http://eckharttolle.com/a_new_earth

Based on the excerpt(?), I can't figure out what's so bad about it; it says a lot without saying anything at all, kind of like an Intro to Scientology book that I read a couple of years ago. But anyways, it must contain some material that pissed off a lot of Christians.

OP, would you like to explain?

Rorschach-test

 

  From where I stand, I see no difference from you and your counterpart on the other side.     No, He just bans you.

 

  If you or someone else would like me to know about a board that talks about the 'Ancient Near East'.   If you are serious a minute,  the trouble has to do with the "Ancient Near East" .. Occult sites arent doing much with the ANE. Allow me to re-ask about another board &  I would be happy 

 

  Not the best way to put it.  There is a bit of shell shock from successive waves of bannings (you'll have to forgive me).  In light of this new information (e.g -- ANE) maybe I really wasnt asking for what I was asking for ? Unfortunately, Most would need to have some scholarly background to recognize how the A.N.E. is relevant to the Bible (not in the way you'd think). I am not sure why but when "non-skeptics" are normally asked by persons about the Ancient Near East you get alot of looks.  It's like where the ALMIGHTY has all the skeletons buried or something; from people "attacking" them. It is almost always viewed as someone on the other side is squaring off with them. I havent run into any boards that are 'A place for activist' folklorists "to unite" So, If you want to talk about the ANE. You do not know where to go. Where is a board to go to? The impression is it is an area that is the farest point from normal religious topics within Christendom.

 

Vastet said  " .. even if theists pay for their own subforum"

 

  Vastet, If you guys are hard up for money, get a job. You guys are interesting. You must think we've got a live one, let us pump 'em for money (and then we can discard him like a cheap french tart). For your information, I dont "tithe" anything or didnt I tell you I dont believe in organized religion. And about the last thing I use my money for is to prop-up some Televangelist "100 fold" campaign. So You might be barking up the wrong tree with this one. But Thanks for Playing.

 

  To get back to the subject.. I might be unfair to the boards banning me. Perhaps, I failed to tell them I didnt plan on sharing the "racy" seals and the equivalent of etchings. Not to be funny I read the books with "no pictures" so I run across descriptions of "seals" and depictions of goddesses from the ANE that are "nude", if the author is unsure of that is, it can be 'thwarting' if you are spending some time in identifying various depictions I drop hints "popular authors" and nobody has read them. The closest I ever got was someone sharing a title by a Ufologist author. Maybe there is a giant misunderstanding and its' been about: "christian sensibility" all along.

ACCESS DENIED!

 I am saying you are starting to give off the impression of 'let's pump 'em for money'. Sorry If I was cross with you.

  Do I look like a Network Admin to you? Let's re-cap I ask questions christians dont like. I dont give them money. Yeah, That sounds like your adverage church going folk

After hearing more of what you want, I don't see why you need a dedicated forum.  There are not enough theists here for you to do what you want, and if all you want is a pulpit start a free blog.  If you want people to critique your ideas I am sure many here would be happy to examine them.

 

So that he can pat himself on the back, for proving to his click, that we're all a bunch of bigoted uncaring assholes...

To the OP, I think you have your answer. So rather than continue in a thread that won't get you anywhere, why not stay and debate us, even an individual, say me......Anyone here can tell you I love chewtoys. Start a new thread, pick a topic you think will stump one of us, and get your bucket of popcorn and enjoy.

But dragging a pointless thread out over a website you don't own is stupid. That would be like someone walking into your house demanding you decorate it a certain way.

 

 

Hmmm, what's that?......Why can't you discuss it with us? We're not going to ban you. We're very tolerant of these kinds of things.

 ANE is the location at which two or more opposing worldviews can make contact.  

::
::

Serendipitously, received a few books I recently ordered that might explain from my very recent orders:

My reading list for this week just arrived by mail (and not a moment too soon).   I think if most people were honest, they wouldnt read either of these books. I can say that with some confidence if I was at a Atheist board or at a Chr. board. Are you sure this is the best place to discuss this particular subject matter, I mean 'in this place"?  One book is an obscure work setting forth the idea that "Israel's story was not borrowed from the Sumerians and/or Babylonians".  The other book asking if the deeper meaning in the Myths of the Enuma elish wasnt the first version of Darwinian Evolution (and to a lessor extent some Hindu teachings). No need for a  way of clarification; these might be too incompatible with this board.

 

We don't have an entertaining theist to talk to since badway left for the recruiting centre. It's a wretched state of affairs. You don't cross dress BTW?