Thanks for the Encouragement, I Think. ;-)

Two weeks ago I was frustrated and wrote a post threatening to quit Blogging. As a lightning rod I get attacked from both sides of the fence. Six hours later after sleeping on it I deleted that post. During the night several people commented and made me realize I needed to focus on the people who appreciate what I do. Some people suggested I take a break and do something different. Maybe I will, and maybe I won't, we'll see. But below are some of the positive comments I received from the people I'll focus on from now on, who motivate me. I just want to say thanks, I think. ;-)

I can handle the ignorant Christians who attack me. That's what ignorant Christians constantly do because they cannot effectively deal with my arguments. Intelligent Christians are a different story. Some of them are using my book in their college classes on apologetics and atheism and even openly expressing the hope that my work will be recognized over the other new atheists, since I am a worthy opponent and since I treat their faith respectfully. I am the only skeptic permitted to post something at Answering Infidels and the first atheist to be asked to present a paper at a regional meeting of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. My work is also being recognized in other prestigious places as well.

But what bothers me the most are the ignorant skeptics who also attack me. I’ve said before that skeptics do not have a corner on rationality, and I still think that’s true. Some skeptics attack me because some Christians attack me! Think of the idiocy of this!? These skeptics conclude I must be as bad as these Christians say I am. But then these skeptics have not read my book or much that I write here on this blog either. And they have no clue what it’s like to be a lightning rod where Christians feel the right, no, the religious duty, to personally attack me (and these attacks are getting more and more desperate). I am personally attacked because I am honest about my personal ugly past. Of course I get upset when they do so and sometimes I fire back. Most self-respecting people would. I don't take lightly to personal attacks from ignorant Christian people who think they can dismiss my arguments by doing so. Other times I have more restraint by not responding at all. So to these ignorant skeptics I say: Get off you're high moral horse and become informed.

I’m personally attacked because I promote my book quite a bit. But if the astounding recommendations of it are even half on the mark it’s something to promote, especially when the only atheist writers that most of these ignorant skeptics know about are the so-called famous new atheist writers, like Harris, Dawkins and Hitchens. I’ve explained why I promote it right here.

Some skeptics attack me because I don't allow anonymous comments and/or that I delete some ignorant comments and/or abusive ones. If I allowed anonymous comments then this place would degenerate to an ignorant name-calling free for all, at least, that's what happens every time I try it. We have a comment policy. Read it and abide by it. No respectful intelligent comment will be deleted. I want a reasonable, respectful discussion/debate, or none at all!!!

I’m attacked because some skeptics claim I’m arrogant. That seems to be a bit of sour grapes to me. And arrogance is in the eye of the beholder anyway. Even if so, and I deny this, who gives a shit? Nietzsche was certainly arrogant, and yet he helped change the western world. Deal with my arguments. If they’re good ones that’s all skeptics should be concerned about.

It’s also claimed that I either have a Messiah or a martyr complex. But there's no messiah or martyr complex here with me at all. Just passion; lots of it.

So to these ignorant skeptics I say that if you don't have the same passion nor the same goals, then please don't discourage those of us who do.

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Here then are the positive responses to my post threatening to quit Blogging.

For what its worth, there really isn't anyone else out there that uses your approach. I think you're good for both sides, and hope you keep it up. Cheers.

david

Hey, did the U.S. quit when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor?

Hell no!

Don't you, either.

There are a lot of us that like what you're doing--we appreciate your style.
Regards,
Jim

This has quickly become one of my favorite sites. We atheists need to be armed with the best information possible when battling the nonsense of christianity. You offer a unique insider viewpoint not available anywhere else. I fully appreciate that you do this voluntarily and I'm very thankful that you do.

I personally don't tend to read the comment sections of most blogs because they are so often trolled by the wretches of society.

MikeB

I'm sure you get a thousand E-mails like this a day, but I thought I'd drop you a line anyway. I'm an avid reader of your blog and I've read your book at least twice over. I can't imagine myself in your shoes where everyone is a critic and every Joe Internet has his own unwarranted opinion on how you could do things better and I can't even begin to empathize with that. So I thought I'd add a short list of things I think you do well:

- Clear lucid writing that a layman like I can understand.

- Outsider Test of Faith

- Guest Posts from Christian Scholars

- Your sense of fairness.

I hope your spirits get lifted soon John! Take care.

Pat.

If you weren't receiving that kind of (frustrating) feedback you would only know that nobody is listening.

I really enjoy reading every post on this blog, but until now I have sat silent behind the veneer of Google Reader.

Remember, for every dicey comment you receive from some halfwit troll you have a handful (or more) of grateful readers who sincerely appreciate not only what you say, but how you say it.

I hope that my words offer some small consolation.

aNDo

What ever you decide is the best for you to do John is what you should do.

Let me just say though this Kiwi far away on the other side of the world is honestly thankful for all you do!, and specially having made this blog available with the knowledge that`s contained within.

However lifes very busy and provides plenty enough stress so most of us would totally understand if you felt this extra stress of this blog was something you didnt need.

That being said im sure i can say that many would miss it. Thats what happens when good things stop.

I agree very much with david !,"For what its worth, there really isn't anyone else out there that uses your approach. I think you're good for both sides, and hope you keep it up. Cheers.."

Gandolf

If you do stop, let this be my chance to thank you. I've only commented a few times, not feeling quite up to the intellectual bar that's usually presented here, but I've enjoyed reading your blog, especially how you include some of the refutations and comments on popular Christian apologetics.

Whatever you decide, thanks. I'm not about to write a personal story, but let it be known that you have helped me.

Best wishes.

Acheron

As a frequenter of this blog I think you do nothing short of a public service, John. I wish all atheists had such commitment.

openlyatheist

If defending and promoting atheism is not what you want to do, that's fine. If you're "losing it" because of critical blog comments, maybe this isn't what you should be doing.

Or maybe it is.

You're a smart man, educated in Christian apologetics, converted by the evidence (and personal experience, of course), honest enough to tell your story, and hard-working enough to devote a lot of energy to your case even though there's no money in it. You're a rare gem, John, and I think you have a lot to offer.

I take criticism from both sides, but I've only been at this for a few months. I can imagine after a while it would get overwhelming. I tend to abstract it all and see arguments doing battle - to which I am only a spectator. Maybe that helps. But it's hard to do that when someone makes specific attacks on you.

John, I hope you keep up the good work!

Luke

You're a bastion of reason in a world dominated by fairy tales. don't give up, your message needs to continue to reach and influence others in a way only you can manage.

i'm not sure you realize how valuable, relevant, and appreciated your work has become to many.

for what it's worth, keep it up.

Brenden

I've got to say that I really enjoy this blog and I like the approach you take in the matter. This is an informative blog because of the approach you take, there's no need for you to be another Dan Barker or Richard Dawkins - it's odd that anyone should want you to be that. The more voices the better, especially when there's more opinion and more choice.

Kel

Skeptics are attacking you? I don't know why, but they should be more supportive. I enjoy this blog.

Oliver

Hey John, hang in there, you are doing good work. Remember: no good deed goes unpunished.

:)

aprice2704

Just wanted to take a minute to say :

Do. Not. Quit.

Please?

Thanks,

a former fundamentalist evangelical (due in no small part to your book).

Daniel

I just want to say thank you for your website, your books, and your interviews. Rather by design or accident, you’re on the front lines of a difficult and near impossible battle. In my profession, I know what it’s like to have my words in print or presentations made to the public, where every word is analyzed to levels you never thought possible. And I know the feeling of wanting to tell others to stand up, make their own comments and put their position on the public line to face the scrutiny, if not the projectiles. But for every one who throws a stone, there are many, many more who are humbled and deeply appreciative for your work and respectful of your journey.

As my journey takes me to a place I never imagined I would find myself, your work is making my trip possible, more intellectually honest, and with the sense that I can take the small steps because of your giant ones. I sincerely thank you.

Lance

Please don't give in just because some morons can't understand what you're trying to do here. Your well written and insightful articles are well repected by all my friends and we would be devastated if you were to stop blogging. Keep up the good work man, your contributions to the debate are priceless.

Mike

For people who think what I do is helpful I'd really appreciate some financial help in these very hard economical times. To do so click here to learn more, and thanks in advance for anything you can do.