Are there any people out there secure enough in their beliefs to have a civil discussion ...?

Question

With someone who disagrees with them?
For instance......Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Pagans etc...

Answer 1

Dude.....I'm your man!

I only want truth. I don't care where it originated. I need input and help in searching for it.

Answer 2

Of course there are people who can have civil discussions about their beliefs. I like to think I'm one of them. But I would question whether security has anything to do with it-- you can be secure to the point where you are close-minded. We must find a balance between security and open-mindedness, where we can believe and have faith in what the evidence points to as truth, yet still be open to new ideas and new evidence.

You don't say what your beliefs are, but I'm sure we can find something we disagree about to have a civil discussion on! Hit me up, if you want.

Answer 3

It's hard to stay calm when your deepest held beliefs are challenged. I personally enjoy a lively debate, provided there are no personal attacks. I enjoy learning what other people think.. but sometimes when I ask a question like, "Why do you think that?" or "Tell me more about your ideas" -- people get defensive. One huge value of art and literature is that they are a "way in" to other people's world view. I love to read the newspaper columns -- both points of view -- a great way to see how other people think. As a Christian, I am sometimes criticized because I refer to the Bible. But that is the book that Christians live by. I would not offended if a Muslim referred to the Koran or a Mormon to the Book of Mormon -- how else to understand religion but by reading their Holy Books?

Answer 4

In my old age, it is my belief that there is no such thing as a "civilized discussion" about religion. Because, people who are very religious take any disagreement with the tenets of their religion as actually not a discussion, but an attack on their religious beliefs.

So, I avoid at all costs any discussion of the above, because I may be a coward, but I am a old coward.

Answer 5

I've been participating in inter-faith debates for about 16 years. In my experience there are very few people who are both secure enough in their own beliefs and mature enough to understand that disagreement does not mean personal attack to have a civil discussion. When you find them its great and everyone can learn from each other.

Answer 6

I would gladly have a civil discussion, or an exchange, of beliefs. I am an atheist and enjoy learning about others views. Just as long as you don't come out swinging.

Answer 7

Sure, as long as it was a civil conversation, I have no belief in any type of organized religion, but I'm open minded in discussing it and respecting others beliefs.

I have my beliefs and I've always had them and that makes me happy, so that's what I choose to believe in.

Answer 8

Absolutely, I served a mission for my church, and talked with lots of people with different beliefs - I never got into an argument with anybody (That's not just me bragging, that's a compliment to everyone I talked to). The spirit simply cannot testify of the truth in anyone's heart in a contentious environment, so there's really no point to being uncivil.

Still, you'll find lots of people who don't get that on this board.

Answer 9

What would you like to discuss? I think I am secure enough and I have had many interesting discussions with others that did not share my belief. I believe that we can learn from everyone.
Peace Be With You,
Debra

Answer 10

Yes. I am what you might consider a fundamentalist christian (though in many ways I am not and I despise the stigma) and I think I am pretty open and civil as well as respect the soveriegn right of others to believe what they want to believe. No problemo.

Love, joy and peace.

Hesed

Answer 11

George Bush is "secure" in his beliefs, do you think you could have a civil discussion with him?