ATHEIST: Do you try to 'turn' people when the opportunity arises?

Question

When I first became comfortable with my atheism (around the age of 21--I became Atheist at 12 and it NOT fun in my family) I would talk to people about it all the time. And actively try to convert others! LOL

Now, it's not at all a big deal. People believe what they want, to each his own. If someone seems zealous, I smile and leave it alone... BUT, I must admit there are DAYS, where I see someone here spouting off and I get a little tick in my ear and I have to be assertive and attempt to give them the what! I also make sure I am through when someone asks about atheism... I try to give as much info as possible. And in the back of my mind, I am hoping it changes them!

Do you find you have 'days' like that....?

Answer 1

I became an atheist around 12 too. When I started I said a few things but really wasn't aggressive. However I did cause a storm

Answer 2

I can't understand why people believe and it pisses the c**p out of me but, no, I don't try to convert anybody.  I'm not good at that sort of things besides if I don't like it when it's done to me, how can I in all good conscience do it to others even if they're deluded

Answer 3

I don't try to "convert" people. I just correct them when they are wrong.

I do, however, try to make people turn when they are in a turning lane and not paying attention to the road.

Answer 4

As a rule, I don't do more than tell someone what I believe if asked, or maybe explain why I don't believe.  

Answer 5

Naw. No point.

I tell questioning people only they can figure it out for themselves and overly certain people they can't be that certain. That's it, though.  

Answer 6

More in my past than my present, I would say. In my earlier days of atheism, in my early 20s, I was more in-you-face about it, when the topic came up, than I am now. In my in law family side, there are a couple of devout believers, but they also aren't in-your-face about it, so when they're around, I leave the topic alone, because no one is going to convince anyone, and it would only make familial trouble that isn't necessary.

Outside of such family, when the topic comes up, and I'm already a part of the conversation, I will explain my views, as a part of the conversation.

But, I never go door to door about it...

Answer 7

No.  I just let them wallow in their ignorance.  I do speak my mind at times, but don't actively try to change anyone.

Answer 8

Turn? You mean, place my hands on their shoulders and move them into a different direction?

...

All the time I see misconceptions about atheism online I correct the person.

Answer 9

Turn them to what? We are not vampires. If someone wants to discuss religion with me, I do

Answer 10

I only get my ire up with true fundies.  And even then, it's not about trying to turn them into atheists.  It's more about showing them that their religion has turned them into hateful people

Answer 11

no i dont

i just answer questions on a q/a site is all

i try to give information, knowledge and some understanding, not change anyone beleifs

if people change it is because of the information, not me, and thats the best and only reason id want them to change

i have had a few times where i thought, this information is soemthing that they need to consider to really even contemplate knowing the truth, and hoped theyd acknowledge that

the really 'bad' ones, the uneducated ones or fundamentalists , yes i wish they woudl change, not because i want them to, but because they need to, for their own sakes and sometimes the sakes of soceity and other individuals too

Answer 12

I have had experiences where I have given my skeptical view point, and it seemed rejected, but I would find out sometimes years later, that I had in fact planted a seed just then, that eventually changed that person's world view.

Answer 13

I thank the god I don't believe in everyday that I live in liberal New England and don't have to listen to a lot of religious psychotic babble.  

Answer 14

Convert them into what? I don't push my beliefs on anyone. They can think for themselves.

Answer 15

yes

as an atheist i want to save others from the fear of h**l