-- By GeekforChrist

I understand completely. To tell you the truth I was scared of getting on here at first too. My friend had invited me over to the forums, but seeing the large concentration of atheists and agnostics I was worried about getting crushed in arguments because I really didn't know how to back up my beliefs that well. After my friend harassed me for sometime and convinced me that I would be ok, I decided the best course of action to take would be to introduce myself.

When you first arrive on the site I always recommend making your first post in the introduction section. Introduce yourself and tell everyone about your beliefs to begin with. If you can, explain why you believe the things you believe and anything else you feel like saying. Do not insult anyone. Be nice and congenial.

Now explore a few of the posts and feel free to make comments. Express your opinion on the subject at hand or perhaps give a counter argument to something another member said. While on the site, do not insult others. It has occurred on the site several times during my stay and each time and nothing good ever comes from it. If someone is rude to you or you feel offended a private message to that person explaining why you think they were rude to you or why you offended might be in order. If the person continues then contact a moderator or administrator. Do not lash back at that person with insults. It only lowers other's respect for you.

All this being said, I feel obliged to tell you about my stay here on the site. I have always attempted to respect the beliefs of others on the site and almost all of the time they have respected mine. Many people view atheists negatively. I did before I joined the site and since then I have found many of them to be better people then many other theists I have conversed with. If you stay I can guarantee that if you are respectful and congenial to others and their beliefs that you will receive the same treatment in return from most of the members here. Feel free to private message me if you have any other worries/concerns/questions and enjoy your stay.

Timestamp: Nov23, 2003

-- by The Infidel Guy

This question is very complex and would require mounds of information that is beyond the capabilities of this simple non-theist. I refer you to the official God FAQ which has dedicated itself to doing tons of fair and balanced, rigorous research into this question. Hats off to them.. they have done far more research into this than I ever could.
http://www.officialgodfaq.com/