Reply #100: meanwhile [View All]

[Bill McBlueState]

Meanwhile, the atheists group mission statement says "...anyone is welcome to participate..." and the science/skepticism/pseudoscience group statement says, "Non-skeptics are invited to participate."

It appears some people think of debate as a helpful tool, while others fear it. It goes back to what you say about according respect to certain beliefs. Some beliefs lead to groups where a protective wall is built to keep out even friendly debate, while other beliefs are more open to criticism.

I'm not sure why that's the case with, say, astrology, but for religion, the heaven/hell mythology is a strong motivator. It's rare that anyone claims you'll go to hell for voting for the wrong guy, but disagreeing with an ancient verse will apparently send you off to the flames.