Why are questions seemingly designed to set atheists against believers so popular?

I'm not sure your question goes deep enough, however you are right in one respect it is a set up. I don't know if you have noticed but at times it takes on almost a battle ground logic. It's not an attempt by anyone to change anyone else's mind it is pure propaganda usually started by one of the more extreme religious groups or sects.

They make outrageous claims and statements knowing full well it will automatically generate a response which is the whole point of the exercise. They will then keep it going for as long as possible as a way to draw attention to themselves and whatever outlandish group they represent. I think one of the newest around here was a bunch who claimed that they could explain and prove everything that has happened not only on Earth but the Universe happened in 6,000 years!

Why 6,000 you may ask, well there is the other group who have back calculated the ages of the Biblical prophets back to Adam and Eve and arrived at that figure. So from just these two extreme examples you can see why, not just atheists, but any sane thinking individuals are drawn in to defend Logic, Reason and Common Sense. At one time I thought it was amusing and fun but now they are just plain annoying, childish almost, and all they accomplish is that they degrade the faith they say they are trying to uphold.No one enjoys a good religious debate more than I, I’m not out to convert or be converted I merely want to understand other people’s beliefs but I will not be brow beaten by twisted nonsensical religious rhetoric at the hands of some lunatic evangelical or fundamentalist moron out for kicks.

An unwarranted assertion of a magical cause is not debate - it is a child saying, Oh, yeah, well my dad says...

There definitely seems to be an unfortunate "us-versus-them" mentality floating around these days that applies to just about everything, whether it's religion, politics, or what supermarket you prefer to shop at. I can't speak for the entire world, but in the United States, at least, it feels like we're all just itching for something to fight each other about. I suppose it's easier to just assume that the person who believes something different is evil, because finding out what they're really about is just too time consuming.

O_O.

I think these kinds of questions are popular because most people aren't absolutely sure that they are right about their convictions. Therefore, they desire discussion to either reinforce or refute their beliefs. In some cases, people feel they can change other people's minds.

It's a struggle ... really is; has been for a long time too.

I don't have an answer to your question. I have my own value system and it changes. However, it is fun to read some of them.

And, I have been introduced to interesting topics to search out on the net. And, if you were a student of logic and reason it would be fertile ground for studying and writing a paper in a philosophy class. It has useful purpose.

It's not question, it's the basic principles of the two sides. Atheist beliefs are set in concrete reality based tests. Religious beliefs are set in concrete loyalty to an idea without the need of reality based tests.

Both sides believe they're right and so neither will give in.

Its just one of those things that people love to debate.

And yet, there is noticeable change. The media and their commercial sponsors don't want to talk about it:bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-1281.

Sam3m hit the nail right on the head. Many people are simply insane and unable to find what they truly believe because their minds are clouded by judgement. If sheeple would wake up and see how the establishments make this war for us to keep busy on meaningless tripe, maybe we could stop fighting and do some real good.

Also, I love how people vote down the answers they don't like. It's like an effort to shut out different opinions. READ THE FINE PRINT!"Please vote up an answer if it adds to the discussion, or vote it down if it does not.

You cannot flag an answer, but if an answer receives enough down votes compared to up votes, then it will become hidden. " Silly people.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.