Comments on: Accepting the opposing viewpoint for the sake of argument http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:29:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Pedro Timóteo http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5314 Pedro Timóteo Sun, 17 Dec 2006 00:17:57 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5314 <blockquote>Why is it important to you to take someone away from something that gives them comfort? Regardless of how we feel about it - and believe me, I also disagree with religions because of how they promote fear, blind obediance, etc - they still serve a purpose to those people who need something to follow. Yes, a lot of bad things have been done because of religion, but so have a lot of good things.</blockquote> (Long) answer <a href="http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/11/14/religion-not-really-harmful/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. :) Anyway, I wouldn't say this is my "calling". I write what I write because it pleases me. :) I like to think, and to think about the logical consequences of that thinking. I also like to ask questions, and enjoy discussing with people who have something to teach me - that's why I created <a href="http://forum.wayofthemind.org/" rel="nofollow">the forum</a>, in fact. And this blog is far from being just about atheism <small>(though I admit that, since I've been reading a lot of stuff about atheism and religion recently, a lot about those topics has appeared in my writing)</small>: just look at the categories list, at the bottom of the sidebar. :)

Why is it important to you to take someone away from something that gives them comfort? Regardless of how we feel about it - and believe me, I also disagree with religions because of how they promote fear, blind obediance, etc - they still serve a purpose to those people who need something to follow. Yes, a lot of bad things have been done because of religion, but so have a lot of good things.

(Long) answer here. :)

Anyway, I wouldn’t say this is my “calling”. I write what I write because it pleases me. :) I like to think, and to think about the logical consequences of that thinking. I also like to ask questions, and enjoy discussing with people who have something to teach me - that’s why I created the forum, in fact.

And this blog is far from being just about atheism (though I admit that, since I’ve been reading a lot of stuff about atheism and religion recently, a lot about those topics has appeared in my writing): just look at the categories list, at the bottom of the sidebar. :)

]]> By: Alan http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5313 Alan Sun, 17 Dec 2006 00:08:40 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5313 Why is it important to you to take someone away from something that gives them comfort? Regardless of how we feel about it - and believe me, I also disagree with religions because of how they promote fear, blind obediance, etc - they still serve a purpose to those people who need something to follow. Yes, a lot of bad things have been done because of religion, but so have a lot of good things. Religious faith is simply an energy... how that energy is used can be for both good and bad, it's up to the user. But there are more religious people than non-religious, and many of them see your efforts as proof of the devil trying to subvert their faith. The harder you try, the harder they will resist. I think there are better things you could be doing with your time, but good luck. We all have a calling, and if this is yours, I wish you all the best. Why is it important to you to take someone away from something that gives them comfort? Regardless of how we feel about it - and believe me, I also disagree with religions because of how they promote fear, blind obediance, etc - they still serve a purpose to those people who need something to follow. Yes, a lot of bad things have been done because of religion, but so have a lot of good things.

Religious faith is simply an energy… how that energy is used can be for both good and bad, it’s up to the user. But there are more religious people than non-religious, and many of them see your efforts as proof of the devil trying to subvert their faith. The harder you try, the harder they will resist.

I think there are better things you could be doing with your time, but good luck. We all have a calling, and if this is yours, I wish you all the best.

]]> By: Pedro Timóteo http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5283 Pedro Timóteo Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:40:44 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5283 Alan: I know. Believe me, I know. But it's in our nature to dream, to hope... and, besides, not all theists are "unredeemable" fanatics. Some may actually have their own doubts, and... who knows... Hey, <i><b>I</b></i> was a theist (not fundamentalist, though) until about 6 years ago... :) Alan: I know. Believe me, I know. But it’s in our nature to dream, to hope… and, besides, not all theists are “unredeemable” fanatics. Some may actually have their own doubts, and… who knows…

Hey, I was a theist (not fundamentalist, though) until about 6 years ago… :)

]]> By: Alan http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5282 Alan Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:26:20 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/12/15/accepting-the-opposing-viewpoint-for-the-sake-of-argument/#comment-5282 As you say, their point of view is about their faith. Why would they even consider to look at an opposing point of view when to do so is violating the 'test of faith that God is giving them'? Their obsession about faith overrules their logic, and you're just wasting your energy on trying to point out to these people what they're never going to do. As for the rest of us, you're only preaching to the converted anyway. I like your blog and your posts and your attitude, but what you're attempting to do is not being received by those you're trying to aim your efforts at. Taoism: the world will be what it wants to be. As you say, their point of view is about their faith. Why would they even consider to look at an opposing point of view when to do so is violating the ‘test of faith that God is giving them’? Their obsession about faith overrules their logic, and you’re just wasting your energy on trying to point out to these people what they’re never going to do. As for the rest of us, you’re only preaching to the converted anyway.

I like your blog and your posts and your attitude, but what you’re attempting to do is not being received by those you’re trying to aim your efforts at.

Taoism: the world will be what it wants to be.

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