Extra-faith Discourse

[Sophus]

One surprising thing I've noticed about a lot of theists is their willingness to participate in interfaith discourse. So why don't we see if they'd be up for extrafaith (that is beyond faith  ). This strengthens all stereotypes and makes it difficult on us. Yes, we have our blogs, our books, and billboards, but those  can only do so much because they are just words, and they require the readers to seek them out.

So I was thinking (or maybe it's only wishful thinking) that I could set up a blog of some sort that would help spur on a bit of a "movement" to encourage and organize these sorts of events to be hosted at churches wherever there are willing atheist volunteers. If this blog (or whatever) could be known for organizing events for friendly extrafaith discourse that makes it clear we aren't "out to snatch sheep", the more of these events churches will be willing to host. Getting people to record these discussions and share them online Of course, I'm fortunate enough to know of some of the more civilized churches with which this could work, without it turning into a savage witch-hunt from the completely inane rabble, but it would be important to avoid certain churches that would make no effort in reconsidering their stereotypes or participating in civil discussion.

My problems are:

- I've no idea how to spur this on or how to get it the attention it would need to have any effect.

- Has this already been done? Or… is being done by someone else?

[SSY]

I am afraid I can't help you with spurring on a movement, but I would advise caution.

Why on earth would a church let you speak to their congregation, when the nice friendly pastor could be reinforcing God's message in them? I would suspect they have ulterior motive, I would take any mention of "just talking" with this much salt

[Whitney]

There is a church around here that does that...however everyone I know who applied were rejected (Including myself, never got any response from the application); I find it suspicious considering that those I know who applied (including myself again) have a very strong background in being involved in the local freethought community.    I think they were looking for people who were just confused or temporarily exploring ideas outside of their faith so they could pull them back into the fold.

Also, all local efforts to team up with churches to do outreach projects have failed.  We are willing to work with them but they are not willing to associate with atheists even if it is for a cause they take no issue with.

[Sophus]

Hmmm.... that is suspicious, Whitney. I guess I've had too high of hopes for this to really work anywhere else (in my case it's just that I know the pastor).

[Whitney]

(in my case it's just that I know the pastor).

Ask him if he'd be interested in teaming up on a community outreach project with the Fellowship of Freethought in Dallas...certainly we can find some central location that would work if we planned far enough in advance.

[pinkocommie]

It seems to me that this would really only work with congregations where the pastors were willing to encourage this kind of discourse, which makes the organization of these kinds of meetings difficult from the atheist perspective.  I think if your pastor friend was willing to help you encourage these kinds of meeting elsewhere, you may be more successful.  That might be pessimistic of me, though.    I would read a blog about these kinds of experiences for sure.  Sounds potentially awesome.

[Will]

JESUS CHRIST.

That's a lot of salt.

[Reginus]

When is this event going to happen?

JESUS CHRIST.

That's a lot of salt.

No, this is a lot of salt: