Can you discuss the existence (or non-existence) of God without insulting someone?

I think that no matter how politely or respectfully you state your views, people will disagree and vote down based solely on that instead of whether you've put thought into your question or answer. This question resonated with me because that is exactly what happened to me recently (got voted down a lot when I answered a question about religion, although it was a question I HAD thought about carefully). Bascially, I think that a lot of people have knee-jerk reactions and get annoyed/insulted purely by the fact that other people may have a different opinion to theirs.So, to ultimately answer your question, I don't think it's possible to ask a question about the existence of God without insulting someone... but the problem I think is at the other person's end, not yours (provided you've used sensible, reasonable language in asking the question).

My current approach is not to ask questions that might be controversial (simply because I don't want to have the bother of presiding over an influx of polarized and not-necessarily-polite answers). I will happily *answer* questions about religion even if I think they could get controversial; if people are not being nice I can just 'unfollow' the question and forget about it... I just shrug and move on (whereas if I ask the question I feel the onus of responsibility to read all the answers).

Most hostile feeling that evolve from conversations are a result of one of the following:1) either one or both parties involved have a closed mind regarding the topic and will refuse to open their mind for fear of losing it2) If the speaker uses an inappropriate tone of voice, or demonstrates an insensitive attitude while speaking, the listener may shut down and will no longer hear the "conversation"3) If one or both parties fail to understand the basic ground rules of conversation, (ie-sharing ideas, allowing the flow of back and forth) then there is no conversation, there is a speaker and a listener. In today's world, in my humble opinion, too many people are on the defensive too much of the time. People don't want to be attacked, they don't want their beliefs attacked, they don't want to be threatened or even challenged.

We live in an information age, and sometimes that very information overwhelms us and becomes a threat even when it is not intended as such. And in our technological world, people have not learned the fine art of conversation, they text, they tweet and they hang up. Finally, if you say something that just plain goes against everything I was taught as a child, as a teen, as a young adult; you have to be wrong.

Because if you are right then I am wrong, and everyone that taught me was wrong. And that is more than I can or want to handle. And my immediate response is to tell you that you are wrong, or stupid, or ugly.

Because everything I know cannot be wrong.

That really depends on who you are talking to. You have to also be sensitive as well. It takes two to tango.

But if the person you or the person you are talking with is very closed minded (no matter what side of the coin you or they stand on) then a civil discussion is doomed to fail. In that case, agree to disagree and move on. Free will is an interesting like that.

People sure are attached to their opinions and beliefs, so I would say probably not. I believe that there are not many people who are truly open minded and everyone gets insulted easily because they worry what other people think of them so much they let themselves BE insulted. If we would just all drop our attachments to our opinions and views and allow others to express theirs freely without judgment, the world would be a much moire agreeable place to live.

However, I do not think it is possible because people seem to love to play the victim. It gets them noticed and feeds their ego. A sad commentary isn't it?

Of course it's possible. Some people have big egos and can't resist poking at other's beliefs. A lack of humility and patience can drive some to insults.

I enjoy discussing many topics, including God, religion, spirituality, but also science, literature, art, history and many others. I dislike the hardened skeptic who attacks first and doesn't even bother to read the material. They may see a word or two that suggests that I am a believer, but miss the multitude of details that show I'm not like any other.

And then, I've had delightful discussions with skeptics who made very valid points about believers and religion in general. Perhaps some are too impatient. I prefer to learn.

A good debate is a delicious way to do just that.

It is nearly impossible. This existence is taking at face value. The reality of the existence breaks down during a vigorous discussion.

Then people start to question their belief. This is what causes the problem, you make them think.

Yes it can be discussed philosophically, having in mind that you can't really prove either existence or non-existence of God objectively. If both sides agree on that, then it can be a very interesting discussion involving interpretation of scientific facts, holy scripts and personal experiences. However a civilized discussion needs civilized, tolerant to other people of course.

Maybe it is difficult to discuss in a forum like this, because you don't know people, don't hear the tone of voice and misinterpretations are possible. You have to define what is "God" as well in order to talk about the same thing. I'm interested in religions, comparing them or discussing things in the conception of one religion - but yes it is difficult with some people.

And atheists sometimes can be as radical as believers.

The question you have comes from your mind. Our mind is a powerful tool. Science, theology, mathematics, history are products of the mind.

However, our minds cannot reach God. You have to be out of your mind to feel God. Those who have felt God seem to be crazy and don't normally fit in society.

These men include Jesus, John the Baptist , Buddha and many more. But we can reach God through our souls. Our souls know everything.

This includes your past life, present and future. The soul therefore needs no proof of God 's existence. We can feel our soul better if we go into the wilderness away from material comfort.

Take a walk alone through the woods and you will be closer to your soul. Spiritual masters such as Jesus, John the Baptist and Buddha have done this. When you feel your soul you will have the faith in God.

Faith is knowing something without the need for proof. To me that is the only way to know and feel God exists.

First I want to thank both Mohammedkamran and Thesource for your feedback, but unfortunately that does not answer my question. Mahammedkamran, thank you for the links but my question is if it is possible to discuss the existence of God without it developing into an argument that eventually ends in anger. A discussion is a conversation between two or more people.

Your links are a lecture, which is one person presenting his opinion. Thesource, I am not trying to establish the existence of God in my life, I have already crossed that bridge. My question is if it is possible for two or more people to discuss the existence of God without personal attacks on the individuals involved.

I guess this is much the same thing as political discussions. It always ends in an argument, each side wanting to prove they are right. I never answer religious questions because no one will discuss the topic.

If the other side will not conform to their beliefs then the topic turns into name-calling and personal attacks. If a reader does not agree with the others belief then they will mark it down for that belief, not for the content of the argument. The ultimate result of these disagreements is the cause of many wars.No one wants to agree to disagree and discuss their differences.

So let me pose the questions a little differently. "Is it possible to discuss the existence of God in this or any other forum without someone getting upset and launching a personal attack on the other side? Can this question be discussed without it resulting in an argument?

Is there a peaceful solution to this question? " So far, in the history of man, it seems impossible.

I would like to think so but theese days people are so sensitive about what they beleave in its hard to say I guess it depends on who you are converstaiting with and how you go about making your point.

I think the answer to your question lies in the person who may be insulted with your answer. If you can discuss your own views as objectively as possible then the only way you can insult someone is if that person choses to be insulted. Your views are your own.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Regardless of the question if someone disagrees with your point of view they will end up being or feeling insulted. When it comes to God (from a Christian perspective) this is a trcky subject because the believer is required to share his faith, but not beat the person over the head with their beliefs.It is possible to tell a non believer in a gentle way what you believe and then tell them that it is up to them what they do with that information. Nine times out of ten the unbeliever will either drop the subject or start asking genuine questions without anger.

Personally, as a believer in Christ, it is my consistent treatment of others that is far more important than my words.

It depends on the openness to examination, and a willing spirit to embrace, the opinion of another who can present no threat to one's beliefs.

No. You might as well leave if its youtube.

People will always be insulted no matter, how you discuss the existence or non-existence of God. Also it is in our human nature to argue. So in my opinion the answer is "No", you can not discuss this matter without insulting another person and their views.

I have debated it many times without insulting anyone. To me intelligence is part of the issue but I don't see a need to insult a person over it. Sometimes though, I will end up insulting a believer when they say things like "is mental illness sometimes demonic possession" to me that's so absurd that I can't hold my tounge.

Yes it is, if you speak politely and carefully without bringing any religion into views, just on logical questions such as science and human existence, purpose and all. I recommend you watch this video for clarification........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL7xxXAu5Wohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My7N8rEwbwkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYzzPlWk7R0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKeAWobp9dYI recommend these videos By Dr. Zakir Naik, he is the best teacher where from you can learn about almost each and every religion and religious questions, even about GOD.........

That depends on what one calls an insult. Most times no matter what you say nor how nice you say it someone will take it as an offense. Most people cannot accept the truth with a good spirit,so they rebel with a negative response.

Some people are naturally arrogant and offensive and don't care about the response one way or the other. Strong spiritual stability is a must on the battlefield of Spiritual Warfare,since no one will believe nor follow everything that anyone will say nor do in this world. Can it be done without offense........NO.

But can it be done without insults........YES. But the truth should not be considered an insult just ,negative and evil ways of addressing the matter at hand.

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.