Why is there so much passionate conflict around Christianity vs. Atheism? Why not just agree to disagree and let whatever evidence may present itself speak for itself? I'll tell you why. Because neither side is 100% sure and solid in their belief but they really want to be so they will fight earnestly to defend it. If they were really truly sure about what they believe to the point of being comfortable just letting it speak for itself then there is no reason to get defensive because there's nothing to defend. The truth always holds its own. It doesn't need us to fight for it. The only time we would feel the need to do so is when our own belief is being threatened and we feel pushed to go to unnecessary lengths to preserve it.
Every body thinks they are right. That's the way it has always been. In some ways everyone is right. But at the same time no one is right. I don't think that most of us have learned to really accept that. It becomes a matter of having to be right over the other person instead of respecting where they may be right as well. It feels necessary to call the other person wrong as if to guard ourselves against the risk of them changing our mind. It is scary to have our mind changed in such a manner because then we'd be faced with the dreaded error of our thinking which we would find embarrassing. Who of us has the courage to become completely comfortable with the possibility of being proven wrong?
So there's the classic issue of Christianity vs. Atheism. Understand that atheism is just as much a religion as christianity. The atheist, as does the christian, has a "sacred" credence which they adhere to, a set of beliefs and practices which they remain loyal to, just structured and carried out differently. If this were not true there wouldn't be such religious tension between the two view points. If it wasn't about either side thinking their "religious" beliefs were more right then the other's, and being desperate to prove it, then why be so bothered that someone else's view point happens to be different?
Here's the thing, why the great "debate" is going no where; its really quite simple. What it comes down to is that both sides are too busy calling the other side wrong to actually come up with a sound, logical argument supporting their case. Or they come up with what they consider to be sound, logical arguments but it actually doesn't prove anything. Its just a self-righteous rant to boast of their rightness. And if either side does come up with anything thought worthy then the other side, instead of continuing with an intelligent discussion of the subject, ridicules the other's view point.
Why does it even matter? If there were real understanding between each party the Christians would respect the other's right to not buy into their views and simply move on to sharing only with people who appreciate what they offer (which is "biblical" anyways). And the Atheists would respect and appreciate that the other's belief in God is how they choose to relate to the world and take comfort in their hardships. What's wrong with just letting people have their preferences free from harassment? What's so hard about letting others see the world however they see it?
Of course, even with a mature understanding between each party, a philosophical debate may respectfully carry on for the sake of sharpening one another's intellectual resolve. It is actually a very good thing to have our beliefs challenged. It makes us actually have to really think about why we think that way and gives us an opportunity to expand our awareness and understanding of the world. It also helps us to become more sure of who we really are and what philosophies really work for us.
