Macfistowannabe
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
Before I begin, I want to comment a little bit about the FYM atmosphere. It seems as though any jab of sarcasm rises tensions in an emotionally-charged discussion. The mods here appeal as a welcoming community that focuses on respect for each other, which is a great thing, but recently, I am convinced more and more that the measure of a man is his behavior during the heat of a debate. Sure, I may have popped a cap at the wrong people at times, I have to admit. But in my most recent point of view, Thomas Jefferson believed that you have to drill the person to death in an argument in order to see if they are for real.
Although he may no longer be with us in person, Thomas Jefferson's ideas should never die.
Take this thought-provoking quotation for example:
"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
Personally, I certainly don't think this quote has everything to do with religion, but instead, question everything, sit the person down, and fearlessly test their sincerity. With the mention of God in there, I would think that if you question even the existence of God, no question should be off limits.
Seemingly, both sides of the debate play the victim way too often. I don't mean to come off as a hawk or anything like that, but the quest of understanding your opposites will be most successful if you wear them out. In this environment, I think the best way to do this is to demand a credible set of facts, and stick them with followed up argumented questions as to why they reject yours.
Note: This thread and analysis is not intended to promote personal attacks, but to encourage the demand of credibility and validity.
I'd be happy to get some good responses, especially from the mods. I leave you with this Jefferson quote:
"We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it."
Although he may no longer be with us in person, Thomas Jefferson's ideas should never die.
Take this thought-provoking quotation for example:
"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
Personally, I certainly don't think this quote has everything to do with religion, but instead, question everything, sit the person down, and fearlessly test their sincerity. With the mention of God in there, I would think that if you question even the existence of God, no question should be off limits.
Seemingly, both sides of the debate play the victim way too often. I don't mean to come off as a hawk or anything like that, but the quest of understanding your opposites will be most successful if you wear them out. In this environment, I think the best way to do this is to demand a credible set of facts, and stick them with followed up argumented questions as to why they reject yours.
Note: This thread and analysis is not intended to promote personal attacks, but to encourage the demand of credibility and validity.
I'd be happy to get some good responses, especially from the mods. I leave you with this Jefferson quote:
"We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it."