Atheists, shut up!

[Gilmar]

I want to share a couple of posts from a blog I enjoy, by Greta Christina. She writes about atheism and/or sexuality, so probably slightly NSFW due to the latter. Lots of other great posts there too.

From
http://gretachristina.typepad.com/greta_christinas_weblog/2009/02/shut-up-thats-why.html

There's something I've been noticing lately in theists' arguments against atheists. When you start paying attention, you notice how many of them aren't really arguments. And no, I'm not even talking about the "I feel it in my heart" or "'Cause the Bible tells me so" non-arguments.

I'm talking about the "Shut up, that's why" arguments. I'm talking about the arguments that are meant to stop the discussion entirely. I'm talking about the arguments whose main purpose is to try to get atheists to stop making their arguments.


And a followup at
http://gretachristina.typepad.com/greta_christinas_weblog/2009/02/curiosity-shut-up-thats-why.html

Today, I want to talk about where I think the "Shut up, that's why" arguments come from.

[LarianLeQuella]

Oh, I like the sound of just the quotes. Can't get to the page from work (and probably shouldn't), but have to tag this for later reference.

[Soapy Sam]

Are we not prone to similar arguments?
When there really is no content to criticise, "Shut up" becomes the only sane response.
"Please shut up" is politer of course.

[sphenisc]

That's the point of an argument. It is intended to provide sufficient evidence to make any counter-argument untenable. That's why we talk about "winning an argument". If you want to have a general discussion try the second door on the left.

[Safe-Keeper]

Atheism and lesbian sex. Now there's a winning combination.

:p

I'm talking about the "Shut up, that's why" arguments. I'm talking about the arguments that are meant to stop the discussion entirely. I'm talking about the arguments whose main purpose is to try to get atheists to stop making their arguments.A related thread:

"What's the harm in letting people have their beliefs?" (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=136114)

Discusses how the alternative movement likes to shut up skeptics with phrases like, well, that one.

[TobiasTheViking]

That was great :)

[catbasket]

I want to share a couple of posts from a blog I enjoy, by Greta Christina.

The name seemed familiar and I recognised her photo immediately. One of those blogs I should have bookmarked the first time I saw it and have now.

Thanks Gilmar.

[Cavemonster]

Oh, that is a wonderful article, thanks!

[Safe-Keeper]

The name seemed familiar and I recognised her photo immediately. One of those blogs I should have bookmarked the first time I saw it and have now.Yeah, she comes to mind as "the one who made that great list of all the things she hated about religion and had pics of dildos all over her blog".

Seriously, though, it's a great blog.