Aren't religious debates a waste of time?

Question

People never seem to grasp that concept.

Answer 1

Not if someone ends up discovering the truth.
"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt it necessary to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3)

Answer 2

Religious debates are curious; for the most part, they are useless, seeing as people are very stubborn and can't ever look outside of their own perspective on it. As a religious advocate, I spend a good deal of time arguing with my friends who don't believe in God, and favor science and evolution as the reason for life, and I have come to find that it is impossible to prove God, but it is impossible to disprove God, and therefore I always "win" in my own mind, though the actual outcome doesn't change anything. In terms of which religion is right, as opposed to if religion exists, it is also useless to argue, unless you are seeking converts. You can't prove that Yahweh exists any more than you can prove that Vishnu and Shiva do; different religions are all relflections of belief in a higher power, and so long as they follow their own beliefs and live a good life, what do the specifics matter? The only worthwhile debates occur when you are speaking to somebody with an open mind, and trying to prove that a higher power exists, as opposed to trying to convince your Buddhist neighbor that Allah is the only true God; fighting among religions is pointless, but conversion to belief in any religion is always worthwhile.

Answer 3

Is going to a comedy of errors a waste of time? Personally, I enjoy watching the religious attempt to come up with ideas and arguments that sound logical but lack any real logic at all! Call it entertainment. Certainly, no one will ever will a debate, but the entertainment value is worth it.

Answer 4

Some debates are a waste of time. This is because the persons engaging in the debate are uninformed of all the issues on both sides of the arguments being made.

For discussions about religion to be productive the parties involved need to spend a few years studying topics such as Greek, Hebrew, philosophy, logic, theology, science, and mathematics on both sides of the issue.

Debates should begin with both parties providing their answers to the following question:

What is the justification for the presuppositions informing your epistemology and ethical system?

For some tips on effective debates on religion please see the following:
http://www.ex-atheist.com/contending-for-the-faith.html

Answer 5

Yes and no.

Yes, if you think any debate will win over a true believer in any subject; that's just not how it works.

No, if you're arguing with someone who has a little doubt in his mind, especially if it's a young person. Win or lose, you may contribute to the development of something truly wonderful: a fully-grown human with an independent mind.

That's something worth fighting for.

Answer 6

I don't think it's a waste of time if done with an open mind. If you have two stubborn people who are not open to learning about the others views, than yes.. It is, and it will probably lead to more than a simple debate..

Answer 7

They are a waste of time for the book says...." those that do not understand, will not understand the book. "

And that is clear....for I use to read it, go to church, etc but I didn't believe and I considered it all a fairy tale of odd animals. Just like we see many others think.

Then I believed....and now I see the message, the words, etc. Now I "get it". But there was no "certain item" that changed my thinking. So not sure how we can help others besides just keep spreading his word...not preaching it, not cramming it, just spreading it.

Answer 8

All debates are a waste of time if the debators seek only to expound their opinions, not justify them or seek the truth of a question/problem. For this reason, I have abandoned sociey to its ignorance.
Let it be known, I am the Truthteller and the One Who Knows. Let it be written, let it be said.
Excuse me, I have to run to the bathroom now. IBS.

Answer 9

Debates? Yes. Instruction? No.

Answer 10

Actually, you're totally right. I just happen to like having them, in hopes someone with a steadfast opinion can open their minds to a different idea.