How do you feel about religious debates?

Good question. I’ve seen what I believe to be both- people who are just trying to start arguments or offend people of the opposite belief, and people who actually want insight because they are trying to find the answer for themself.

Oh yeah. It gets really annoying on YouTube. And it’s the same with Conspiracy theorists.

I am tired of them. I think they only serve as proselytizing tools for whatever viewpoint is being flogged.

MOST DEFINITELY!

The part I hate the most is when people in my classes try to make smart remarks dealing with anything religious. For example, in my art history class, the professor was talking about this art work about St. Francis and why they made it, then students started raising their hands and saying why the people who made the art work were wrong for believing it, all the while a Franciscan follower sat in our class.

I just get irritated when they do. Religious topics shouldn’t be discussed with strangers.

It’s an effort in futility.
Each side is unwilling to budge one inch from their viewpoint and the whole exercise quickly becomes a “how could anyone with a brain possibly think differently than me?” experience.

It gets so redundant. In Fluther it is the same people saying the same thing each time. And I agree, rarely is anyone going to change their mind or is anything new and exciting going to be said. I usually scan the responses just to see, then move on.

But the same can be said of a lot of subjects and yet we keep on chatting!

Religious debates are fun. I have them often – several of my closest friends are Priests. We play chess and debate. Most of them are really agnostic if they are past forty, but few admit it. Some do.

Many religious debates are from honest people who truly want to discover a different way of looking at things, or at least arrive at an understanding of why other people don’t see it their way.

Others are exercises in logic or technique to see what works and what doesn’t.

the people who can make a good discussion are overshadowed by the zealots on both sides. If the people who refuse to entertain the thoughts of the other side, would stay out of it, we would have much better discussions.

Although I do believe, I welcome opposing opinions for the sake of discussion.

Bible thumpers and Bible burners ruin it for everyone.

I think religious debates are interesting. And sometimes everyone involved is willing to change their mind, and then its even more interesting.

I’ve noticed though that some people fear the subject, probably because they fear an argument or bad vibes occurring when everyone’s supposed to be enjoying themselves.

But mature people do not get angry during political or religious discussions, and are able to engage in them, in any setting.

@DrBill Although I do believe, I welcome opposing opinions for the sake of discussion.

My fascination lies with the God Botherers who cheerfully ignore all that they don’t like in the Bible yet claim that it is the inspired word of God and the ultimate authority in all matter religious. Things like women priests and some pretty strict laws regarding clothing, hairstyles, foods etc.

I enjoy watching the television evangelists twist and distort the Bible to support whatever money making scheme is their current obsession. Last year they were selling porcelain lavatory suites with Benny Hinn’s image in the bowl. (No one bought me one for Christmas…)

@YoKoolAid As a Christian, believing what I do, it’s very important for me to continue to converse with non-religious people because I believe they have much more than the world to gain. Non-religious people continue to converse because deep down they are curious and interested.. maybe not in converting.. but at the very least in finding out what’s so special about people who believe.

Your first statement is entirely incorrect. People “change sides” all the time. Yes, there are a great many “debates” that are pointless.. but if I have to go through 64.5 billion pointless debates to get to that one person who is ready, willing, and able to receive Christ into their life then it’s totally worth it.

@DarkScribe

I agree, you cannot endorse the bible if you do not agree with it.

Although I do think the Bible was God inspired, it was also written down by flawed men, as they interpreted the word in their own slanted view.

I, for one, think it is a good guide, but not entirely the true word of God.

@DrBill it was also written down by flawed men, as they interpreted the word in their own slanted view.

It was not written with any intent to be scripture – that came later. The flawed men are the Church leaders. In early times men of ambition became soldiers or priests – it was the only way up if you were born into a family without money or standing. Men of ambition are not pious.

I try to avoid religious debates more than I follow them. I’ve seen the potential for some fascinating discussions but even more often, I’ve seen the discussions devolve into rants, arguments, and other generally uncivilized behavior. That’s just not worth devoting my time toward.

I will only debate the people that take Evelynism seriously. If you refuse to take my fictitious six breasted deity seriously, then we have nothing more to discuss. Evelyn is real because I say she is real; I should know, I invented the whole religion ten years ago.

Evelyn said she dated Jesus once, before he started hanging out with all those guys in skirts. she remarked it was an easily forgettable date, and hardly worth mentioning. Then she changed the subject to musing if it is possible to substitute butterflies for margarine.

@evelyns_pet_zebra

Six boobs? What is she – a booby trap for unwary men?

@DarkScribe Six boobs? What is she – a booby trap for unwary men?

Well, who doesn’t like breasts? if two are good, then six must be great, right?

@evelyns_pet_zebra if two are good, then six must be great, right?

For a juggler maybe.

Agree. It is pointless.

Next question?

I don’t mind them as long as everyone stays respectful. I like hearing different peoples opinions on the subject and why they believe what they do. I feel that way about most subjects though. It’s true that you may never change someones mind completely on a certain subject but you may give them something new to think about.

If debates are pointless why did Martin Luther succeed in ending the widespread practice of selling of indulgences?

If debates are pointless why is there freedom of religion in countries like the US, Germany and Israel while Pakistan has blasphemy laws and in Saudi-Arabia a Muslim gets the death penalty if he chooses to become a Christian or an atheist?

If debates are pointless would religious people get a better understanding why atheists have good reasons for being atheists or vice versa?

If people have questions about religion, philosophy, metaphysics, atheism and so forth there’s a good reason for it. If other people feel the need to answer, this can lead to debates. People who are tired of the debates have their reasons too. Skip. Next question, please.

cliche, that is all.

Let me know where someone is having a debate instead of a shouting match, and I’ll give you an opinion.

It is all good. How are we going to understand how we all get along (or not) and how our environment around us operates?

Like a good Paella (Spanish pronunciation: [paˈeʎa], a little of this and a little of that. Salt by itself is not good. And, who just wants to eat rice? The ingredients by themselves is boring and un eventful.
Add the other ingredients and… Well… I am hungry!

And, having a hunger for life is what it is all about.

I also believe they are pointless… trying to change someone’s mind over something that inspires such passionate responses in futile. People should be respected regardless of their religious beliefs. In the same spirit.. beliefs should not be thrust upon others, that doesn’t make people want to see your point of view… it just makes them want to argue against it with a renewed fervor. Let’s just drop it and move on to the next topic.

Futile. Religion is about conversion, not convincing so it is doomed to fail. Like 2 ships ready to collide, best to steer and veer.

I agree. I’m agnostic and I don’t think anyone can ever really ‘win’ a religious debate. I enjoy discussing it sometimes, out of curiosity over how someone feels about their religion, but debate? never.

I always win a religious debate.

Just not with religious people.

:-)

I leave those arguments for the young and foolish….been there…done that.