Is it possible to logically persuade someone to forgo reason ...?

Question

If not, why do Christians debate on this forum? How can they defend their faith within the context of logical debate or hope to persuade anyone who refuses to believe something on faith alone?

Answer 1

Rationalists rely soley on reason and don't need faith.
Christians rely soley on faith and don't want reason.

Note the difference.

You just can't persuade a religious idiot of anything by using reason. As sensible as it might seem to explain everything in terms of logic, it just doesn't work when your opponent is as dumb as two short planks and / or won't listen to a damned word you're saying.

In those circumstances you have to rely on empathy and rhetoric to get your point across... and given those circumstances its still difficult and usually not worthwhile.


Its generally much more fun to just toy with them. Christians are like idiot puppies... and they will always go chasing after that stick and bring it back to you covered in slobber no matter how many times you throw it..... Even if you bounce it off their heads.

Answer 2

Good question and what if the answer is not logical?
What may be logical to you may be missing something to me. You may lay out all the facts as you see them and say that this proves your point. But for me I would but you are missing something for my point of view.

In other words what you claim as proof and the fact that you site I might not total accept. What you claim as proof of no God I and claim the same as proof, so debating facts for me is not when the debate is rooted. Sounds illogical right?

For me the proof is not in the going to be found facts of logic. One can not debate things of the spirit with then logical mind. It makes no sense. So faith is the belief in things not seen an understanding of things that are not understandable. So if these things are not seen and not understood then how do you measure them? Can things of the spirit be measured?

Not really a simple thing to do yet it can be done. It doesn't involve debating the existence of God. All you have to do is watch.

First off I state by faith that I believe in Jesus Christ. In making that statement I had to learn what he taught, how he lived and what he did. What did he teach? Putting others before yourself, treating others in the manner in which you want to be treated yourself. Love your neighbor as yourself and love your enemies. Having compassion (concerned passion, concerned love) for others. Sounds good right? But very hard to do, it requires one to become selfless instead of being selfish.

The real proof is in ones actions and deeds. See it is the actions that will either affirm ones faith or they will condemn them. Claiming to be a Christian means nothing, anyone can tag a name on themselves. But the actions of a faith full believer will show without them saying a word. That is the real proof.

Let me ask this, which is more believable, someone that claims to be a Christian but their actions are anything but that. Or someone that faithfully lives by their faith their actions and deeds show their faith and they go about their lives and you see something different about them.

That is where and how you measure the fruit of the faith. That doesn't forgo reason but embraces reason.

Answer 3

Christians really don't debate in this forum. If you listen to their arguments, they consist of mostly emotional appeals to human insecurity. This is an effective tactic because humans have been emotional animals far longer than rational ones. But I wouldn't call it an actual debate. They also shy away from the fact that faith isn't based on anything except emotional appeals.

Answer 4

Truth does not necessarily operate within the framework of human logic. The Bible claims to be the truth and that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. So, by sharing the truth of the Word of God, it is like scattering spiritual Seed which just may help a person find genuine faith and salvation through the Savior.Is this unreasonable or a brain-washing tactic? If so, I am guilty of wanting others to have the peace and joy that I have found by repenting of my sins and believing in Jesus Christ, who suffered and died and rose again to demonstrate His love.

Answer 5

I know what you're trying to say, but for many people following the path of faith is a logical way. Anyway, a good debate is healthy and keeps your sperm count up!

Answer 6

From a philosophical viewpoint Christians can only defend their beliefs on the basis of scripture and the alleged divine revelation it contains. They usually aren't aware of that but it is pointless using logic or reason to argue for the existence of the Christian God. Either the revelation is valid or there is no God of Christianity.

Answer 7

we are to have faith but in the bible is nothing but logic if you are to read it.

for example study the book of isaiah about a man named cyrus

then study an artifact called the cyrus cylinder

you will find that the book of isaiah was writtin faaar before cyrus was ever born. yet it predicts by name who and how the babylonian empire was taken down.

so logically no man alive could predict such a thing so accurately without devine intervention

Answer 8

They are polar opposites, reason and faith. It's tough for me to see a middle ground where the two can meet regarding relligion.

Answer 9

The inalienable right to do so? That'd be my guess. Or are atheists and others of different religions the only ones allowed to engage conversation, debate, question and answer here?

Answer 10

They need more converts to validate their own beliefs. With enough threats about eternal damnation, they're sure to attract a few of the desperate and downtrodden.
.