What's the big deal?

[Storm]

OK, so some time ago, I checked out a different message board devoted to discussing religion. To get to know people, I started a thread asking "what do you believe?"

The first respondent said she was atheist, and that was it. I responded with "Secular humanist, I'm guessing? "

Well she took umbrage at my"attempt to force her to take a label she didn't want to claim," and the ensuing flamewar ended (I hope) when I simply left the group.

I really don't get the offense here. Was I totally out of line, or was she overreacting? Please explain.

Poll posted.

 

[Iti oj]

That's so silly. Just a follow up questionbto figure our their core beliefs.

 

[savagewind]

I did not read the blue. I'm sorry.

 

[Storm]

That was pretty much my reaction. I pointed out that 'I'm an atheist' says only that you don't believe in one thing, and conveys no information about what you DO believe. At which point she REALLY let me have it, accusing me of 'outstanding ignorance,' among other things.

 

[Iti oj]

That was pretty much my reaction. I pointed out that 'I'm an atheist' says only that you don't believe in one thing, and conveys no information about what you DO believe. At which point she REALLY let me have it, accusing me of 'outstanding ignorance,' among other things.

What? That doesnt even...hugs storm

 

[Storm]

It's ok. When I joined that group, there hadn't been a single new post in 4 months. Gee, I wonder why...

 

[Secret Chief]

Perhaps decaff could ameliorate?

 

[Storm]

Death before decaf!

 

[Secret Chief]

Respect!

 

[Penumbra]

Sounds like an overreaction, but they possibly have had a problem with trolls or something.

 

[Panda]

Even if they disagreed with the label. You can correct without being rude.

 

[Warren Clark]

OK, so some time ago, I checked out a different message board devoted to discussing religion. To get to know people, I started a thread asking "what do you believe?"

The first respondent said she was atheist, and that was it. I responded with "Secular humanist, I'm guessing? "

Well she took umbrage at my"attempt to force her to take a label she didn't want to claim," and the ensuing flamewar ended (I hope) when I simply left the group.

I really don't get the offense here. Was I totally out of line, or was she overreacting? Please explain.

Poll posted.

Maybe she was offended at the thought of being a secular humanist.

 

[yourhopeboundheart]

my first reaction is that she overreacted, but i guess i'd need the details to be sure.

perhaps it's just that she's gotten away with that answer scott free in the past and wasn't used to any further questioning. or maybe her group is so limited that her use of the word "atheist" is typically enough to shock people into leaving her alone. who knows? some people just like to get butt-hurt though.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Meh...I don't get why anyone would be upset by that. And to be honest, anyone that did would be a pretty tough person to have any sort of discussion with. First time they disagree with you, they're pulling the "you're ignorant" card. Which is always a winner when they're the one not providing any information.