How can an Atheist navigate a conversation with a Believer without being accused of mockery? I find that by exclaiming "you're just mocking me!" is a failsafe response when challenging someones beliefs. It neutralizes the discussion and prevents the conversation from going anywhere good. They are hurt and if you care about the person you are speaking with, or for myself at least, I feel like I can't really say anything else without digging a deeper hole of mockery or being "mean." Any advice? Are we just doomed as Atheists to either offend or stay silent? Thanks!
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One dislikes mockery because it often implies contempt but it doesn't have to be negative at all. In its proper place it isn't unreasonable. Politicians often face mockery and it is arguably useful to see what ideas withstand it. (Islam cannot withstand cartoons! :-)
It is important to attack the idea, concept or belief and not make the individual feel personally attacked but if one finds something laughable (for example the Christian three-gods-for-one offer) it is simply being honest to say so. One doesn't have to be offensive about it.
Many religionists aren't used to having their religious beliefs seriously questioned and it can strike them as unwarranted, especially if it isn't anticipated.
Gabriel .....
"How can an Atheist navigate a conversation with a Believer "......
There was a line in a movie that sums it up .....
"All ahead ,flank speed and rig for ramming"......
Have a clear idea of how you want the exchange to progress and steer it towards that end.....
This is necessary because of the theistic propensity for drifting off topic and "side slipping" questions once they find their beliefs under pressure...
Ignore the claims of mockery , disrespect etc.... these are purely attempts at stalling any progress you may be making ,without actually countering your arguments.
Remember the axiom ," if you don't want your beliefs ridiculed ,then don't believe ridiculous things".
That's my take on it any way.... for what its worth...
I recommend "A manual for creating atheists" by Peter boghossian (ignore the corny title). And the approach technique called Street Epistemology that he initiated.
Thanks for the feedback!