How do you react to intelligent, well thought out arguments that challenge your beliefs?

Question

I'm really encouraged by the majority of responses here. Too often I've seen cases where someone presents a well written point of view and the responses are not only negative, but extremely personal. It's good to see that is intelligent life on the internet :).

Also, the question wasn't just meant for religious beliefs but ideas as well.

I also meant to say "It's good to see that THERE is intelligent life on the internet"
lol..I need to go to bed.

Answer 1

I react as I would if my knee were struck at just the right angle; I lash out wildly with my foot! Just kidding, I usually find an intelligent argument a nice change of pace. The better it challenges my beliefs, the more I need to think of arguments to support my beliefs or counter the challanger's argument, and thinking is pleasurable. If I successfully manage to defend my beliefs, then I will have learned the possible arguments I might face in the future and can strengthen my arguments accordingly. If after an extended argument I'm unable to defend my beliefs any longer, I modify them to accomodate the better argument, though I've never encountered an argument so perfect that I needed to surrender my old beliefs completely. I don't have much trouble changing how or what I believe; it's happened often enough in the past and I find fanatical attachment to an idea distasteful anyway.

Answer 2

I am always glad to see them, that means someone has some balls to challenge my beliefs, and that they have actual knowledge

I don't like to think that I know the best way for everything, because I don't like it, so it is nice to see something challenge this

Of course I question that argument into submission usually, but I have changed my opinion from well thought out arguments before, its just those arguments don't come along too often

Answer 3

I enjoys challenges to my beliefs. We create a belief system to fill certain needs we have at a particular time in our lives. Our lives change, so some of our beliefs change as well. If someone can point out a belief in my life that might not useful anymore, I feel free to change them. Anyone who cannot for any reason change or examine their beliefs are called fundamentalists. We all know the problems they cause..9/11 for example.

Answer 4

. . . with enthusiasm. For every diction there is a contradiction.
Truth, or validity, may lie somewhere at either end, in the middle,
or even at both ends.

I enjoy immeasurably those expressed and explored thoughts that travel as a marathon; parallel contributions, the additive process, oppositional
reflections that express insight without taking the form of the pugilistic arena, trading blows.

Most argumentative discussions, philosophically, are won by losing.

Answer 5

most people read a theory by someone else and make it their own belief and never challenge it. For all I know Graham Bell stole the idea for the telephone and was just the first one to patent it.Always question and yes is not the only answer.Pick my answer and I'll give you 5 dollars lol

Answer 6

I suppose the first thing is to make sure what you believe is true or simply convenient.
The next is to ask what might be the motivation behind who or what is challenging your beliefs.
Third, find out exactly why you believe and familiarize yourself with the facts behind your beliefs.
Finally, come up with a concise, convincing, yet respectful way to articulate what you believe and why you believe it.

I am currently taking an online course in apolgetics of the Christian faith and am amazed by what I am learning.

I hope that helps.

Answer 7

I listen, I debate, I admit need for knowledge in their beliefs, I do my research latter, I try to keep an open mind, I know there is always room for growth and awareness. I realize that everyone has their own beliefs, and that is a great thing...How boring would it be if we all shared the same opinions.....It energizes me, it challenges the best parts in me, my heart and my mind. It's a great thing......

Answer 8

Reactionaries are people who forgot their own lives to live the life they lead. Arguments are for the sake of arguments. Beliefs are for the cause oriented people. Existence is for the reality that everyone ponders. Challenges are for those who could not keep their peace.

So much for it... peace. I just keep the faith.

Answer 9

You study more indepth to ensure that what you know will respectively answer the thought out intelligent question before replying...... Otherwise one is a fool who replies blindly without full knowlege of the question.......

By studying, one assures themselves of the answer without actually needing to second guess...... Yet, it is good to second guess for this very purpose......

It also reaffirms the belief that what they know is absolute!!!.... Otherwise, one learns that they have erred in their own defense of the question and in learning the error, they learn the truth.....

I say this because it is what I find myself doing when questioned by a seasoned philosopher or theologian.......


your sister,
Ginger

Answer 10

I usually entertain the argument. I seek knowledge and truth, which is constantly changing. My beliefs, in many subjects, are very firm. However, I could be wrong. Growth comes with change, change comes with an open mind and an open mind comes with new knowledge.

Peace.