I mean, like if they talk to you about how they had an out of body experience, or were ubducted by aliens, or how someone they knew where miraculously cured of cancer or their horoscope predicted how their day went or how they now know that they were someone in a past life or whatever? (Assuming that you do not believe in these things.)
Do you just listen and nod your head? Or do you say 'I think there's a better explaination for that'?
Or would you react differently depending on who it is what what the circumstances is? If so, please explain.
Thanks
2006-09-10 10:16:46 · 15 answers · asked by mikayla_starstuff 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As a psychology professor, this happens to me all the time, though in a slightly different context than the one you have to deal with. It's a real problem when a student in class asks how I would explain the "fact" that her dreams predict the future. I can't just say nothing, because that would suggest to the other students that I believe that it's true that her dreams predict the future. But if I point out that they don't, she invariably invents "details" to back up her assertion, which leaves me having to figure out how to say that she is inventing those details without directly calling her a liar.
This is a pretty common problem. I've had only one week of class so far, and it already happened in one class.
2006-09-10 10:25:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I change what I say according to my relationship with the person and how I think they'll take what I say. For instance, if I speak with someone I don't know well but get the feeling they're not hyper sensitive and they say they have OBEs all the time, I tell them I really think that's impossible and let them be offended or tell me why they think it is. If it's someone who seemed normal I was trying to befriend and then they say something like that, I ask them why they think they had one. If it's a random person whose feelings I really, really think cannot stand to be hurt, I might ask them what happens when they have one and leave it at that, don't tell them what I think, just let them talk.
I don't believe in any of that stuff, but often end up talking at least briefly with someone who does. It's amazing what people will believe, but you have to be kind to them and respect them. It's their belief.
2006-09-10 17:35:56 · answer #2 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just listen and nod my head, I try not to make any rude comments, even if I know they are lying, whats the point of arguing with someone who believes in something so much that no matter what you say they will think you're wrong?
2006-09-10 17:22:44 · answer #3 · answered by Sky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the person and your relationship with them...if you are close ask them if they are for real...if you don't know them real well and don;t really care then change the subject. I guess. some things are reasonable for instance I do know that I have been healed of cysts I had them all the time, I changed my life by giving it to Jesus and once I prayed for them I have never had one since. You can choose to believe me or not that doesn't make what I said false it just makes it that you may or not believe me. So yes it is situational
2006-09-10 17:22:36 · answer #4 · answered by abram1love 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand that there are a lot of things that we don't have answers for, scientific or theological, and I certainly don't know the how or why of everything.
Granted I can be very skeptical at times, but I try my hardest to reserve judgement. So I'll listen earnestly (it usually is a good story regardless); I might say "wow" but I wouldn't feel obligated to say "I believe; you convinced me".
2006-09-10 17:30:15 · answer #5 · answered by jarizza 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Time tells all things. The questions you ask determines the quality of the conversation. Take the time to ask the proper probing questions if you really want the truth; more than likely, if their answers are unsettled or changing, you proved they are not telling the solid truth.
2006-09-10 17:22:07 · answer #6 · answered by BUDDY LUV 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it was someone that I trust, then I would be surprised. If it was someone that I have caught in a lie in the past, I would have my eyebrows raised, and nod really slowly like, "Ummm, yeah.. right."
2006-09-10 17:29:42 · answer #7 · answered by coconutnoodle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a skeptic. I am also a mystic practioner and ordained minister.
So, if someone says something that causes me to be skeptical, I present them (if they're interested) with some possible alternative explanations. But in the end, only they can decide what was real for them, and only I can decide whether I choose to agree with them.
2006-09-10 17:30:13 · answer #8 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's probably best to listen politely and change the subject as soon as tactfully possible.
2006-09-10 17:31:31 · answer #9 · answered by Cardea 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on my relation to them...
family or friends - I cal them on it and say they are crazy
all others - just nod and say 'that's strange' then leave
2006-09-10 17:19:33 · answer #10 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋