If someone rationally explained...?

Question

their beliefs to you, and they contradicted your own, how would you react?

I'm pleasantly surprised at how many wonderful, tolerant, and open-minded individuals answered this question. Many thanks to you all, I had my doubts.

Answer 1

I'd probably buy them a cup of coffee and discuss it further, telling them where I agreed with them, where I disagreed with them, and asking them for clarification of any points I didn't understand. I'd debate if they wanted, discuss if they wanted, or change the subject if they wanted. It doesn't happen often, but fortunately it sometimes does.

Answer 2

I hardly talk about my beliefs even here, so I'm only responding, not reacting to another. Beliefs are transitionary to me. I use them to step up a phase, so if someone has a need to talk shop, then so be it.

Now, recently when I was told at the Harley Davidson store that they were a Christian place and had bibles at the front door......(sentence wasn't completed), I was in Cycle class at the time so I can tell you what I did. I suspended myself. I simply internally dropped all dialogue and just watched what they did with it.

Well, I liked what they did with it. Any of my past responses in regards to this experience will tell you that. It didn't matter to me that I knew something that they didn't know. That they weren't actually speaking to another Christian. They were generous, astute, kind and open-hearted. And I chose that, right back.
If the stories don't mesh in a persons personal history, than in my mind, my history doesn't matter. The moment does.

Answer 3

It happens all the time here, so I'm rather used to people throwing a fit after they hear something that doesn't correspond to their own beliefs. For example, if you haven't noritced already, there are people here who are Atheist and there are some christian people, and other random people of separate beliefs. For the most part, the christians don't like anything that is science related, and Atheists don't like anything religious related. It happens all the time here.

Answer 4

I would react with interest and probably questions. I have no problem with people's beliefs contradicting my own. I think people should be able to be respectful even if they don't think alike.

Answer 5

can beliefs contradict beliefs?
we each have our own beliefs, for we are all different,
are your beliefs based on teaching or experience?
mine started with an experience and the teaching came later.
so can we agree to respect each others right to believe as we do, and still respect each other?
if their beliefs contradict mine, then it goes to reason that my beliefs will contradict theirs.
if through reasonable discussion we cannot agree, then let us agree to disagree and still respect each others choices.

Answer 6

Live and let live. Everyones beliefs contradict each others.

Answer 7

If I felt like that preson was trying to force me to believe,I would get a bit upset. And they would at least listen to me,as I did to them.
The differences between us, ....
can be the strengths that keeps us human !

Answer 8

I just had such a conversation. We were both friendly and polite, and in the end agreed to disagree

Answer 9

I would respect their right to believe what they choose to believe, but "rationally explain" my own beliefs to them.

Answer 10

It doesn't bother me. I have those conversations all the time. I'm secure enough in my beliefs it doesn't bother me to learn about yours.