Superstiton/religion & anti intellectualism

[drfuzzy]

Yes.  As I posted on another thread, a xtian friend of mine got angry with me when I showed her that one of her "inspirational story" Facebook posts had been debunked and was completely false.  I will never forget her comment as she stomped out the door:  "The story is true because the message is true!  Don't ever show me any more FACTS."  

This is an intelligent woman. Really.  Great company most of the time, until you challenge her beliefs.  -- And this wasn't even challenging a belief, just a story she thought was a true account - when it wasn't.  (Although, if you think about it, that covers most religion, doesn't it?) 

I'll also never forget my Mother's response when shown a clear Bible contradiction:  "THERE ARE NO CONTRADICTIONS!!!  You don't have enough faith.  God will explain why it's not a contradiction when we get to heaven!"  

You'll never get to them by questioning their beliefs in that way. You should try and find some common ground with them and have a genuine conversation with them about their beliefs. Be respectful and sound interested - I hear that works wonders.

EP, remember that I was raised Fundie Pentecostal.  These people respond to the tiny-est respectful question as an attack.  My Mother was terrified to be seen as doubting that the Bible was literally written by the hand of God - doubt = disbelief, and God would send her to hell for that.  When I showed my friend the research on her inspirational story, I wasn't questioning a Bible story.  It was something that some preacher had used in a sermon - that he made up - and I showed her his website where he said that he made it up.  Showing her that fact caused her to not speak to me for over a year.   
      There are some people who will never allow their beliefs to be questioned.  They truly think that doubting even what the preacher said will send them to hell.