Why is it so nessasary to defend your beliefs?

Question

i notice that when there is an argument about religion

that it gets heated very quickly.

especially atheist vs theist

why is it necessary to stand there and demand proof on a topic

that you obviously aren't liking.

example

questions along the lines of

prove that god exists, show me proof!

or

if god doesn't exist than explain this or that!

i'm curious

as to why we debate such silly issues

the only thing i can come up with it is somthing to talk about!

Answer 1

I get kind of hurt when people flat out insult my beliefs, so I guess I do defend my beliefs that way, and I can understand why other people do as well.

But for me personally I'd like to think that I'm confident enough in my beliefs that I can discuss them without getting angry about it.

I guess a lot of people find it difficult to accept that different people have different beliefs.

Answer 2

Christians bear witness of their faith-maybe some will be curious and want to know more. Others, who are hostile, speak for the Devil-and we seldom let him go unchallenged, because if a believer won't stand up for Jesus, why should someone else?

Answer 3

personally i just love to hear other peoples opinions and debate with them, and with all the arguments i've ever gotten in the theist usually got mad at me and started asking me either stupid questions or rediculous ones

Answer 4

"as to why we debate such silly issues"

You think inquiry into the nature of the universe is silly? Inquiry about things as important as the existence or nonexistence of a god? Seriously, would you classify that as silly? Many of the believers are dead serious.

Answer 5

It has to do with the wild claims that come on here.

Answer 6

It certainly isn't necessary. As for Truth, it is it's own defense.

Answer 7

I agree with you.

I am a Christian, and i do not feel a need to argue my beliefs.

If someone does not wish to accept them, so be it. It is their choice.

But, if asked a question i will answer.

I will also read other peoples answers, especially those in opposition to my views.

I respect other people's views.

I, too, am not afraid to think about alternative reasoning.

However, i choose to stand by my beliefs as i see them as truth. And have no reason, as yet, to see otherwise.

Answer 8

I'd be more than happy to answer a question posed to me... unlike theists, I'm happy to learn and think about things. I'm not scared that thinking a certain way or learning something new will anger a god.

Answer 9

I don't belief but I hate people that try to make me belief, and that's where the argument get's heated.

Answer 10

People get most defensive when they have the strongest doubts.

When people claim that 'it is obvious god exists' or that 'the existence of the platypus proves there is a god' of course we ask for proof and an evidentiary chain.  We do not take it on faith and so we ask for proof.

On the other hand, when a believer admits that it is belief and not a provable fact, the argument can actually move on to a point by point breakdown.

Answer 11

I personally believe that God is bigger than all the slander that is thrown his way. I think people find the need to defend not God, but themselves and other who share their beliefs which is unfortunate.