Can a Christian or an Atheist ask ANY question and not offend someone?

Question

I suspect that if a Christian asks a question some atheist will take offense because they are a Christian and I suspect if an Atheist asks a question some Christian will take offense because they are an Atheist. Many do not just take the question as it is.They make their "judgments" beforehand.

Answer 1

You won't change human nature.



Personally, I need to be contradicted in order to evolve.

.

Answer 2

I think it's possible only if the questions have nothing to do with religion, sex, politics, or is a subject that generally has no conflicting interests. "How was your day?" is usually a safe question, and possibly the only one.



Beyond that, there will always be someone who is offended by the most innocent of questions/comments. These are the people who harbor a deep resentment or bitterness towards someone or something, and they will lash out in whatever way they can.



Yahoo! forums are a safe place for such people, because they can vent their hostilities from the privacy of their own homes, without any sort of repercussion.



So yes, there will always be someone who is offended, and it will usually be these people. I suspect most Christians, Atheists, Wiccans, etc. are comfortable enough with their beliefs to be tolerant and respectfult of another's religion.

Answer 3

Christians and atheists both have indefensible stances, so they cannot debate any fundamental issues on religious points. They can talk about meanings of bible verses and theology, or logic and science, but on any issue that would actually affect their central stance they must miss each other. It's like someone believing in a flat earth and another in a spherical earth. They mean different things by "earth", so they lack the basic agreement about subject matter to even discuss. A Christian has accepted unsupported evidence (the Bible only proves the Bible), and an atheist has decided that they can know something for certain without evidence either way. Both positions have relatively little value to the progress of knowledge.

Answer 4

I see perfectly well what you mean, but at the same time maybe either of the two misunderstand; as in, maybe a Christian or Atheist is asking a question out of pure curiosty only and nothing else. The day people learn to take the time to think about something thoroughly and to open-mindedly answer without ignorantly bashing will be a good one!

Answer 5

I am an atheist and I wouldn't be offended by any questions ask by some who believes there is a higher power than any here on Earth. I try to use common sense in all that I think about. I can't always be right. Who can? I just try putting all the facts together and make my own decision.

Answer 6

Key elements in any discussion, whether it's online or in person, is the sincerity of the question.



And, the maturity of the questioner to accept a response that is sincere as well.



As a Christian, I am not threatened by a question. I would hope, however, that the asker is truly a seeker, and is willing to consider my response -- especially when I've written a kind and thoughtful one.



You're right -- when a question is already posted with a pre-judged agenda, it makes it difficult to engage in a meaningful discussion.

Answer 7

Hi Debra, I think we all can, if the question is offered in respect and not a "set-up" question or baited with some sarcasm. I'm Christian and I can say that 90% of the atheist/agnostics I talk to here are respectful of my Christian faith and even talking to Muslims...I've learned so much from them and their views. I think that's the thing I like most..the learning. Most atheist will say the thing they hate to be told is that they are going to hell...or they hate to be judged in some way. I never say my view on those subjects unless asked. But I think there is much room for mutual respect!



Great Question BTW!

Answer 8

Mature Christians, Atheists, and others are able to ask and answer questions without being offensive/offended. The problem is that there are a lot of emotionally driven people responding from a purely emotional state.

Answer 9

There is no reason to be offended if someone asks a question that they are truly curious about. I am a christian, and I will try my best to answer any serious question. There are a lot of crude people on here who seem to get their kicks by insulting someone. I usually just pray for them and leave it alone.

Answer 10

LOL why on earth would you worry about it? You are one of the few that ask honest questions. Be glad you are not me, I am not Christian (or any other religion or label) yet I believe in a God. I piss half of the population off by just waking up in the morning and the other half gets pissed when I open my mouth. Funny thing is..........I don't care.... I am happy and secure in my beliefs. Judging by the state the world is in the less people that agree with me the closer to Truth I am.

Answer 11

Hi Debra, a lot of people (on various sites) like to wind each other up ... just to have a bit of fun. Just don't take it seriously. Most of the comments are harmless, except for those that are obviously intended to hurt others. But much of it is done for a laugh from each side.

Answer 12

I totally agree with you. People just need to look at the question and not the "perceived" notions behind it. Though some questions that get asked on here are clearly offensive to all. Though there are also some questions that get asked on here and the asker is just plainly ignorant and of course will offend one side of the fence.

Answer 13

Sure, I answered this same question last week. I am a Christian and I am not offended if someone asks me a question for the sake of gaining understanding or trying to establish the truth.



I am against people asking a question for the sake of hurting, harming, offending, or inciting trouble. I am also against people using profane, vulgar, or derogatory language in reference to Christ my Lord and Savior. You may disagree with me but do not be vulgar or offensive.



I feel the same about Christians responses to non Christians.

I have scolded Christians for being intolerant and unloving in their answers also.

Answer 14

People only take offense when the believe - partially or fully - whatever it is being said is about them in some way; it's all about perception and mood.



If I called you a dumb giraffe, you wouldn't get upset because it has nothing to do with you. However, if I called you something specific about your sex, race and/or religion; I'm sure you'd respond differently.

Answer 15

It's possible. As long as neither one of them is asking a question on their religious beliefs then neither one should take offense unless they're just trying to start a fight verbally or physically. An example of a non religious question:: Do you like cheese?

Answer 16

I am a pagan and I ask and answer questions all the time without offending. I just don't ask questions that are thinly veiled as legitimate questions when I really just want to hear an "amen sister."

Answer 17

I don't see why a question would be offensive except to some religeous fanatics who don't think you should ever question somethings and just asking might lead them to question.



But other than that, if you are asking questions and not making assertions than I don't see what the problem is.

Answer 18

i have read many of your posts,let me say i find you to be one of the most polite and ethical person on here.you never had a bad word to say even to the jerks that comment but dont answer.i am impressed with your even handed demeanor and etiquette.to be honest i feel the offensive questions directed to us the Muslims eventually turn people away from Christianity and right into our lap. it has happened to me on this very site.he is seriously considering Islam and told me one of the reasons was the negative vibes he is getting from offensive fellow Christians.true story.anyway keep being who you are.a breath of fresh air.more Christians like you please.

Answer 19

In large part offense depends not on the words in which the person is offended by but actually on the potential offended person themself.

Answer 20

What is 6 times 7?



I don't think anyone takes offense to that question.

So, yes it is possible.



However if you are going to ask questions related to theology or the lack of then no - you'll offend people.

Answer 21

As long as the question is based on religion, yes, people are gonna get offended. But we do we need to ask questions about religion?

Answer 22

Anyone who takes offense at their beliefs being criticized obviously are not secure in their beliefs.



If i criticized you for eating..told you that you were evil for it..would you be offended? No. You'd laugh it off. Only when you can't defend what you believe to be true would you take offense at someone criticizing your beliefs.

Answer 23

There are billions of questions that can be asked. For example, "How do I remove grass stains". That's not offensive. People are just to uptight these days. We all need to relax.



Love, peace, and chicken grease!

Answer 24

Yes

Answer 25

Are you referring only to questions regarding religions beliefs? I've asked questions that weren't and got normal answers from atheists who weren't offended. I've answered questions from atheists who weren't offended by me. I stay away from asking religious questions for that very reason though.

Answer 26

To be blunt, I don't care about the PC.

Get it.

This offense stuff should be stuffed.

Show me the fruit and I'll judge it.



Maybe you get the e-mails and stuff is because of your picture, it portrays that you are a door mat.

Answer 27

Debra I have had questions where half of the people were not happy with it and half were. It doesn't matter, you nor I could please everyone with the questions we pose. I just keep in mind they have a right to their opinion and politely thank them for their answer even if they take a pot shot at me and my beliefs. I simply won't do tit for tat. It's not worth it.

Answer 28

as a christian ,yes, truth is hard to define but can be found if well listen,spoken from any point can be heard if you want to listen. We all have the right to close are ears .

Answer 29

No real question offends me... its obvious when offense is meant though and both sides seem to do it a lot.

Answer 30

nope against yahoo rules. LOL



unfortunetly its like putting two wet cats into a small box. Hopefully we can become educated and stop slinging mud.

Answer 31

I'm also a non-believer. Uh-oh! Looks like gods gonna punish me because I don't believe in that fairytale! Hey look! I just took offence!

Answer 32

according to the bible.... both offending and taking offense are both sins...



so..it is best to do neither.. but that is not realistic, so the christians should just drop their contribution, since they would be the only ones to read the bible and know what it says.

Answer 33

People in general are very self-centered and easily offended...That is because they do not have love, because love is not easily offended.

Answer 34

All prophets testify of the Lord, all atheists testify of themselves and their own self-intelligence. It helps to know this when answering questions.

Answer 35

As long as they ask the question with in there own sect.

Answer 36

I am offended! Does that answer your question?

Answer 37

I think we need a religious smackdown.

Answer 38

its an eternal struggle my dear

so ask as many as you can never undserstand

Answer 39

i just think that asking religious questions online, because arguments on religion can cause major problems. religion is personal.

Answer 40

Yes, you can ask the person what their favorite color is.

Answer 41

it is all about etiquette.

but if you take side, the other side will offend

Answer 42

I think you just did. Congratulations.

Answer 43

i see more desire for retaliation on this forum more than any thing else

Answer 44

I believe that is possible.

Answer 45

there is a saying

' he who critiscises us, teaches us

he who praises us, steals from us'

Answer 46

Thats a good veiled insult why can't you be more open and insult openly?