Is there a point to debating religion? Will it really lead to conversion?

Answer 1

not always, but it can

Answer 2

i'm done with doing stuff like this but... I think pride prevents a lot of people from listening, converting or otherwise changing thier minds about anything. Even the color of a shirt, it's blue no it's green whatever I still think it's blue. So all you can really do is sow the seeds of doubt. The person must then later when they are alone figure out thier own reality, maybe those words will stick and he'll use them when he wants to, when it suits him. maybe.

Interesting too that the presence or power of the one speaking plays a great deal. You might respect and believe me more if i were famous, If I were your cool uncle, you might believe what I say. Or if I had degrees or authority/ expertise in an area, you might trust me to make that decision and have better knowledge than you. Or heck you could "think you know it all and I guess things will never change."

Answer 3

Only if both parties listen to the others point of view to learn about the differences. There is always hope for conversion by both persons engaged in any debate. The object of debate is to bring the other party to your way of thinking.

Answer 4

debate won't lead anyone anywhere except to be very mad. However a reasonable conversation on both sides might show one side or the other a way to convert, but debate is never the answer.

Answer 5

Perhaps what it WILL lead to is thought. Thought into an area or idea that you had not considered before.. and that's only if it isn't DEBATING, but discussing. Arguementative conversations do no one any good, and seldom get any new ideas across to anyone...but intelligent, calm, thoughtful discussions about religions can work wonders!

Answer 6

Conversion isn't necessarily the point. Hopefully it will lead to a better understanding so that people can know where someone else is coming from. Otherwise there will be ignorance which leads to stereotyping, which leads to a negative fixation which leads to hatred.

Answer 7

Sure it can lead to constructive conversation! Provided you have the conversation with someone who is mature enough to handle such a loaded topic. If people refrain from discussing religion, humankind will NEVER get along. Almost every single war is fought over religion. Open up dialouge with as many people as you can!

Answer 8

No. Debating religion is the first step toward a religious war in which the two pious parties murder each other.

If you think you want to debate religion you should be prepared to lose the friendship and respect to the person you are "debating."

To someone who takes their religion seriously, telling them that their religion is "wrong" is about like telling them they are wearing dirty underwear.

Answer 9

I don't think conversion is the goal - but understanding might be. It's important to know what the people around you are thinking, and a little knowledge of the different belief systems can't hurt. Even hearing a severe criticism of your own beliefs might help you to better understand your relatives, friends, coworkers, etc.

Answer 10

Talking a human being out of one religion and into another can be described by one word.

Slavery.

I am a human. Religion is not my interest, in any form. One thing I know is to convince a person to change their religion is sickly disgusting. This is a personal issue and ends there.

If such a thing bothers me, try it on a practicing ..........ist!

Answer 11

I learn a lot through the (albeit lite-weight) debate that goes on here in YA. It's caused me to think through some issues and learn more about why I believe what I believe.