Talking to fanatics?

Have you ever tried to talk someone into realising that there religion is full of shit? I realize that it is their freedom of choice to believe what they want, but they could at least open their minds to other ideas, and not preach their religion to other people.

ali

I have tried and failed many times. The best approach was "asking a question or two and leave them to think for themselves". The most difficult was inventing a good "question". This is why I wrote The Freedom of Choice.

Tom

what I hate and even find cruel is when people tell you that you won't be saved or your child will not overcome his/her illness unless you open up to 'their' religion. I have been told this and I find it extremely unchristian. The world has so many religions and faiths I would never criticise someone for their belief, I believe our Creator, The One, or whoever you chose to call him has many names. I have also asked questions to people about their religion and find I don't get a straight answer but a quote from the Bible, these people don't seem to think for themselves. These people were professional people that were supposed to be more intelligent than little ole housewife, me!!!!!!!!!! [Kimbra]

I understand what you are saying Kimbra. I once had to fake acceptance of their idea to escape from being held further from their conviction which lasted about two hours. They do not use their mind and simply quote the book as true. Worse they reject everything else you may have learned of other more accommodating teachings showing their lack of understanding of other's view and yet telling you that what you think is completely impossible. Amazing...

rina

My view is that we sould AVOID FAKING anything. This sends the wrong message.

Isn't it better to say: "let me think about what you say" or "maybe you are right, but I have to think about it" or "I prefer to read the source myself first, before I can agree with you".

I was caught many times not knowing what to say. Now I say one of the phrases above (or something similar) listen to what they say, smile and KEEP THINKING how to tease them with a "question" that would make them THINK.

When you know enough yourself and LISTEN carefully - you will find the right teaser, subtle and polite. My problem is that truly good teasers appear to you only the NEXT day after the encounter !!! I just try to keep remembering them.

Tom

Faith is a dangerous thing. Once one puts his/her faith in something, there is almost no reasoning with them. Faith has overcome reason.These people must be left to find their own path.You can't convince someone that 'knows' they're right. [Jim J]

I have often found it useful to use the principals of aikido to win arguments. Basically you need to blend with the attack before you can try and counter it. This blending, non-aggressive approach will yeld far better results than a direct confrontation. Some of Toms replies above would be good examples of this. I think the important thing is to keep yourself calm, centred and relaxed (aikido principles) during the discussion. Once one of these principals have been lost the discussion tends to turn into an argument and very little can be gained.

Davem