...or are there certain aspects of your belief system that you dont like to have challenged?
I just had an interesting conversation with someone who is part new age, part catholic, but when I asked a question challenging the validity of the Bible she made a facial expression that indicated to me that that question was taboo. I respected her and kindly ended the conversation.
2007-08-21 04:50:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am totally comfortable doing this. I am an Atheist and my good friends are JW, Mormon and Wiccan. Can you imagine our conversations? They are truly wonderful.
Oh and adding that they are very comfortable in their beliefs and very open to talking about it and hearing other points of view.
2007-08-21 04:55:39 · answer #1 · answered by inbetweendays 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't mind a spirited debate about anything, as long as I can tell that the person who is debating with me is both respectful and reasonable.
I dislike debating with a stubborn, argumentative person who refuses to acknowledge ANY valid point that I might have made (you don't have to agree with everything that I say, but if I made a good point or two, don't be a hard head and keep arguing about an obviously un-defendable position). I also dislike debating with a smart mouth who is simply trying to prove that he is smart at someone else's expense. These arguments tend to be unproductive.
"Don't argue with a fool; people might not be able to tell the difference" - Mark Twain (I think)
2007-08-21 04:59:29 · answer #2 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend who is new age/catholic, I find myself in the same position.
You possibly got the reaction you did because she is backing away from catholic structure and not the Bible.
After years of Catholic worship, I don't feel that the Bible is wrong per se but man's interpretation is a bit over the top. And some of us are tired of all the "you are wrong, hell for you" attitude. And the expectation to judge and condemn is exausting, I find no comfort in that. Personal responsibility is lacking to, lets blame the devil and we're good. Yea, ok.
Maybe she feels like God is peaceful, and able to do His job better than man and is looking to a more open peaceful religion to strengthen her faith. We all are looking for something, sometimes comfort and spirituality are in fact in two places.
2007-08-21 05:09:36 · answer #3 · answered by Nurse Winchester 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am comfortable engaging in conversations/debates with others concerning what I believe. But once I am talked down to or am made fun of, I see no reason to continue on and will end it promptly.
2007-08-21 05:10:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I am confortable engaging in respectful debate concerning my beliefs.
The key word is RESPECTFUL. If you are disrespectful, the conversation will end by me ignoring your questions or comments.
2007-08-21 07:20:00 · answer #5 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but I also understand that others have beliefs or are members of religions that don't like to be challenged.
2007-08-21 05:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by Cathy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Debate is acceptable but ridicule is not.
2007-08-21 04:57:32 · answer #7 · answered by keoh6 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋