When we argue with people, are we trying to change them, or secure our own belief?

Question

I have been in some heated arguements with people over social and spiritual issues, and I realized recently that it is pointless. People dont change based on arguements do they? Ask youself if you have ever said...you know that person is right and then told them. That takes alot of humility anyway. So then I ask myself, are we arguing because we are convincing ourself they we are correct in our view? What other reason is there?

Answer 1

That seems a really fine question .. I wish people would reflect on it deeply ...
I think people can affect one another by fielding their viewpoints ... but it will always be an incremental and slow process , much for the reasons you cite- ego and humility will be in the way ...
This has to be considered in any "art of persuasion" ... The moment things become visceral ( names start flying/ and the content discussed subsumes to a "contest to insult").. all chances to affect someone more on their views goes out the window ...
Also ...lol ...in the "art of persuasion" expecting someone to "concede" or "convert" is just not a realistic expectation (ego again) ... but to change their views over time ... simply by keeping your persuasions coherent ... I think is very reasonable to expect ...

Answer 2

Many of the people that contribute here lac faith. Otherwise they wouldn't get so defensive. The recent Da Vinci Code was a good example of over reaction and ignorance on their part. They refused to see it but argued against it anyway. They were afraid that it would raise questions the would be unable to answer, drawing their faith into doubt.

Answer 3

I think sometimes it can be both. True, most people will not change based on an argument, that's why the spreading of so much hatred by people (not referring to you) is unnecessary.

There is a difference between ignorance and willfull stupidity. I have been known to get upset at the latter.

Best wishes.

Answer 4

hmm.. thats why I try to remain objective. I don't plan on changing anyone, and I'm sure of my beliefs, but I don't like people bashing my beliefs either, so I stand up for myself. I think thats more the root of the arguements, not affirming beliefs, but defending them from other people talking **** xD Not that its still not pointless. Very pointless indeed since it all falls to deaf ears.

Answer 5

Well, if you are a Christian it says in the Bible not to argue about what you believe. So I think it depends on the person and what they believe. It is unacceptable for a Christian and an atheist to have an argument because both people believe that they have impeccable evidence to support their side of the argument. You cannot convince an atheist to have faith when they don't believe in it!

Answer 6

For me, neither. I'm trying to make them understand that I don't agree with their ways, and that I don't want christianity force fed down my throat. A lot of christians just can't comprehend the fact that someone doesn't believe in god. I'm telling them my side of the arguement.

Answer 7

Zombie

"How can someone claim to "believe" something if he doesn't understand or have any knowledge of ideas that run counter to his own?"

Belief has nothing to do with knowledge or understanding. It is just the personal acceptance of some statement.

Example:
Statement: God is real.
Belief: Yes, I believe that God is real

In fact, most of us have belief contrary to knowledge.

Now let's define knowledge.

Answer 8

as quickly as back, we see that the palestinian militants do no longer care with reference to the palestinian human beings. they're happy to jeopardize emergency foodstuff shipments via smuggling in weapons disguised as humanitarian help. then they're going to whine that there is no longer adequate sugar in gaza. and the terrorist apologists right here will sit down of their comfortable properties and ***** approximately israel, on a similar time as their human beings go through at their very own palms.

Answer 9

If a child of 3 years old ask you question and goes on asking you more question for the related answers. so what would you do is he/she torturing you or trying to learn. so is a adult but the guidance is in the hands of God your task is to guide them and guide them.

Answer 10

How can someone claim to "believe" something if he doesn't understand or have any knowledge of ideas that run counter to his own? Ignorance is not bliss.