Maybe they can be reasoned with after all?

Question

Here is one fundie who has shown a capacity to reason. Granted, he has not abandoned his religion entirely, but he is doubting at least one of its claims.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3356360&page=1

So maybe all this arguing isn't entirely in vain after all.

Answer 1

It's good to see a man come to his senses.

To Michael B
When did the scientific community abondon evolution? Perhaps i missed something.

Answer 2

If by "reasoned with" you mean convince the person to change strongly-held tenants of his or her faith, that is a very difficult, but not impossible thing to do. From the fundamentalist point of view, this particular preacher has been influenced by satan and most of them will reject this preacher's argument.

As a Christian who is a gay man, I disagree with many fundamentalist biblical interpretations, but the thing you have to keep in mind is that they are entitled to their beliefs just as you and I are entitled to ours. My only real issue is when their beliefs are used to enact laws which harm me and my people.

In order to influence others, we need to be respectful and talk to them. Usually if you are respectful, you will be respected in turn. Only then can real discussion begin. If you are really patient and try to understand their point of view and they do the same, you can sometimes change their minds on certain religious topics.

I think all this arguing and debating is not in vain, because you have many people who are not sure what faith to believe. They can listen and formulate beliefs based on the best arguments. For those who are convinced, it gives them a chance to speak their piece and that is the whole point of democracy.

Answer 3

I hope they don't all give up because one more Pascal's Wager question and I'm going to convert! I can't believe the whole congregation abandoned him because he had the audacity to doubt the fire and brimstone teachings. My father and I just had a discussion and agreed that some churches actually want their members to be ignorant on other viewpoints so that they don't have to explain inconsistencies in their own teachings.

Answer 4

Why do no longer you progression to Iraq or Iran, and help help the damaging souls that are so wrongly being taken care of. i'm particular they could truly pick to have you ever once you're a US Citizen. i'm particular they could even placed you in a sturdy job. some thing interior the component to public family. That sound sturdy? i'm particular they could truly pick to have a head that thinks like yours.

Answer 5

How does the weakness of a man bowing to the pressures of the world and turning from the truth suddenly make you feel better about going to hell?
Do you feel any different about your belief in evolution just because mainstream modern science has abandoned this theory?

Answer 6

You can eventually persaude some fundies, or at least reinforce their own doubts.

Whether it's worth the effort required is another question.

Answer 7

Its a shame that a minister doesnt know what hell is. Hell is not the fiery pit. That is the Lake of Fire. Hell is another word for "paradise" and "purgatory". Jesus went to paradise when He died on the cross for 3 days as did the thief on the cross next to Him. And then when He ascended to heaven after His 40 days on earth after His resurrection, He led those who were in paradise/hell/purgatory to heaven, such as Moses and Lazarus

Answer 8

His viewpoint is considered heretical by mainstream Christianity.
You consider it reasonable.
I consider it delusion.

Answer 9

Guess he should have re read the book of Romans.

Answer 10

Indeed. It still amazes me how people can believe in all that stuff about hellfire and reconcile it with their 'good and great' god.