Why is it hard to have a logical intellectual conversation with some religious people about religion?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it is true that religion is not a logical concept & cannot usually be discussed as such. It is also difficult for those in organized religions not to become defensive because they are not taught to seek truth, but given a preconceived doctrine as their "truth", which does not always hold "true" to their spirits...it makes for alot of unbalance & confusion, misunderstandings, etc., which, in turn, breeds that defense.
However, the approach of seeking in earnest, an understanding of their concepts, may provide interesting conversation & experience...as long as you like to listen & not actually provide "input".

Answer 2

I'd say it depends how you go about initiating the conversation. If you say anything that attacks their personal beliefs, then you can expect them to respond emotionally rather than intellectually. However, if you approach it as more of an educational conversation, in a non-judgemental manner, I think you'll do much better. You ask your questions, listen to the answers and don't agree or disagree. Persecution of religious beliefs isn't new. Proceed with care. :-) By the way, if you're looking for a religious debate, it's best to say so from the start.

Answer 3

Simply because its hard to have a logical intellectual conversation with MOST people.

Just the fact that they are christians doesnt make them logical and intellectual.

Find some logical and intellectual christians, and Im sure you will have a good time debating the issues :)

Answer 4

Same reason it's hard to have a logical, intellectual conversation with some atheists about atheism. Any worldview, religious or otherwise, has the potential to inspire radicals and fundamentalists who quickly abandon rationality.

Answer 5

Maybe because you arearrogant enough an full of yourself enough that you think anyone who does not see viewpoint is someway and some how deficient. It's like debates, debates are wonderful if people are open-minded. If you already have a pre-concieved notion of what is right - it's a waste of time. I think this is why you have been unsuccesful. Conversation is two-way you get to talk but you also have to listen.

Answer 6

because there are many people with super STRONG beliefs they have had from the cradle and unless you are talking about that belief they cannot have an intellectual conversation...many people will not waver or back down on their faith which isnt necessarily a bad thing....but unless your "religion" includes an open minded philosophy to things its hard to see "the other side"

Answer 7

Because not everyone has an open mind. You have to be able to respect some one else's choices.

When you act as if your religion is the only one than you become and act ignorant. If every religion was right about everyone else going to hell, there'd be not point in doing anything right; We're going to hell any way.

The thing with differences is that we all have them and have to respect them. People don't.

Answer 8

Because soooo many people are stuck on 'mines' right, your's is wrong'. Any question is seen as an attack on their beliefs. I spent 3 years in Salt Lake City, and the Mormons were incredible. Any personal or public questioning of 'why' they believed certain things was immediately met with a charge of persecution. No, I mean it. You could ask a fairly innocuous question and get, 'why are you persecuting us' right back in your face.

Answer 9

Because religion is about beliefs and feelings, not an intellectual debate.

Answer 10

It's one of 2 taboos. Don't discuss politics and religion.

A great deal of people fight zealously to cling to their beliefs .Any challenge (a discussion would be seen as a challenge)
is not to be heard.

If you really take a close look at religion it coincides with history (but some history is too accurate for them to accept.)

quick examples:
1. The Spanish Inquisition (witchcraft, heresy?) sign of the times.
2. Henry VIII started his own religion so he could divorce and marry Anne Boelyn. He later claimed that she bewitched him and cut off her head.
3. The Crusades -- they wanted a war, religion a convenient excuse

Enough said.