James Reyes on technology, language & politics

10 reasons I’m extremely hesitant to debate Christians

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When it comes to debating with a religious fundamentalists of any faith, you can count me out.  In my younger years this was an exercise I found enjoyable, both a believer and a non-believer.  I have found, as most do after a while, that one can predict with near precision the “arguments” and methods of “argument” to be tossed one’s way when engaged with said fundamentalist.  I find that I avoid the debate because, frankly, it’s boring.

I came across a post at The Wise Sloth that listed 10 reasons he is “extremely hesitant to debate Christians.” There were right on point and I have experienced all ten. Go over and read the examples he provides.

  1. Christians are close minded.
  2. Christians don’t play by the rules of logic.
  3. The Bible is true because it says so.
  4. Every Christian is an expert. Every non-Christian needs to study more.
  5. Non-Christians take every passage out of context.
  6. The Bible contradicts itself.
  7. The Old Testament is obsolete…except when its the word of God.
  8. The Bible is the word of God…except when it’s not.
  9. Everything is a metaphor…when it’s convenient.
  10. Christianity is a moving target
  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_5TJSQ75LDDLGMU5ICAFE4DB4KA Nikkeya West

    I know how you feel. Even though we practice the catholic faith and go to church every sunday I have often been guilty of thinking these things. This is a great post, the metaphors is so true. I would sound like a hypocrite if i said i didn’t believe in something though because I do believe there is a higher god and that he protects us. I guess i would rather believe he exist to find out he doesn’t than to not believe and find out he does. But i know that’s not what your talking about here, your not arguing weather there is a god or not, your talking about how crazy christians can get, and i am telling you i know. my family was christians of assembly of god and recently i have gone to the catholic church for my boyfriend. They both seem to only work the bible in there favor, and lately it feels like i go to church just to hear them ask for money, and guilt you into it. Does it seem to you that religion lately is making people feel more guilty than actual creating faith?

  • http://www.pochoblog.com James Reyes

    @Nikkeya, I don’t think religious guilt trips are anything new. This is has been the modus operendi for millennia. I appreciate your honest comments. I have to admit, I think Wise Sloth is generalizing somewhat. In my opening comments I felt obliged to qualify that this is the kind of stuff I’ve gotten from fundamentalists and not from people of faith in general with whom I have no problem.