Why do you participate in the Religion/Theology forum?

[More Than A Feeling]

Have you learned anything from being here? Do you think that you will actually change anyone’s mind? Are you just generally looking for support for your own outlook on these matters? Can any of us really say anything new in a debate that has been going on for centuries, and will likely continue for centuries more? (Because really, this forum generally boils down into an theist v. atheist mentality, with “spiritual but not religious” people caught in the middle.)

I participated because I thought, as someone who was raised atheist and converted to Christianity, I could offer a unique perspective on matters. But as I have delved more deeply into my faith, I find the gulf between atheists and myself growing greater, and I don’t think I have anything to offer any more that isn’t duplicated by others. I find myself reading the same old, same old, and reacting in a way that doesn’t do me nor anyone else any good.

I don’t think what I have to say will do anyone any good, because most of us have such strong stands on these matters already. Nor have I really learned anything, but perhaps that is my own shortcoming.

The bottom line is that I am seriously reconsidering whether I should continue to participate in this forum. What do you all get out of it?