What stimulates you more?

Question

Talking with someone who shares your same beliefs (about your beliefs)

OR

Talking with someone who objects to your beliefs (a friendly little debate)

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Answer 1

Both are stimulating, although I have to give the edge to a friendly(when it is friendly) exchange of differing beliefs. I always am interested in antoher person's perspective, and hope that they are interested in mine, as well.

*Hugs and kisses to my sister ;)*

Answer 2

I find it most stimulating to discuss spirituality and philosophy with someone that does not adhere to my beliefs but I don't enjoy debating. I much prefer open discussion where we share our thoughts and beliefs with an open mind and truly listen. The way other people perceive things ~ differently from myself ~ often gives me deeper understanding of what I believe. There are so many ways to describe our thoughts at the same or similar things. I want to know as much as possible from people of various religions and non religious systems of thought.

Answer 3

Oh a friendly little debate is always better and more stimulating. I can sometimes learn something and (I hope) I get to share some knowledge with someone else.

EDIT: someone who shares my beliefs can be comforting....but stimulating comes from opposition.

Answer 4

Well, I'm not big on debate. I don't like to try and argue with people. A Christian is supposed to help those in need and lead people to Christ. Arguing solves absolutely nothing. But If you appraoch someone with love and let them know that you care, people will listen. The spirit of God has a way of getting people's attention. It is easy to tell a spirit filled person from someone who just simply likes to argue! Jesus never try to force or push himself on anyone and neither should I.

Answer 5

In my experience most are too close-minded to let the debates live up to it's potential. Of course there are exceptions.
While talking to someone who shares similar viewpoint, I feel that I can really explore thoughts without anything coming in the way.

Answer 6

I find them equally stimulating, but depending on my mood one can be better than the other.

I am an atheist, but I grew up in a very religious community so I find it quite interesting to hear people be openly atheistic. I like talking with other non-believers about various things... I've learned a lot from them.

I also like to talk with theists. In fact I meet with a few Baptists every week or so, because they're trying to convert me (or were, at least) and we like to trade viewpoints and arguments. It's all very goodnatured, and I think we're all learning things.

Answer 7

Talking with someone with different views that are supported by critical thinking is much more stimulating.

Talking to someone who has put no critical thought into their views is always disappointing even if I agree with the view.

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It's so sad to see so many here who equate debate with fighting. I pity anyone who doesn't have regular intellectual debates with someone who is well educated and can express themselves intelligently and yet has views that differ from their own.

They might as well sit in s closet and talk only with themselves.

Answer 8

I like friendly debate!
But it is also good to talk with people who share your beliefs and philosophies.

Answer 9

If we're honest, we'd be hard pressed to find anyone who complete agrees with what we believe... I have to opt for the latter, but not for the purpose of a debate, but more for the purpose of understanding the other person's viewpoint. If it becomes a debate on it's own, then, oh well...

Answer 10

Both. You can't stand to be torn down by someone but you won't grow unless you're faced with a different point of view. In the other sense, it really becomes agitating at times when someone contradicts you at every turn. Doesn't it?