(March 25, 2016 at 12:12 pm)ChadWooters Wrote:(March 25, 2016 at 11:04 am)Catholic_Lady Wrote: ...like I said, it never crossed my mind that the philosophy section was specifically meant to be for debates and not appropriate for simply sharing our thoughts about a philosophical topic.You are not stupid, but I do think you're being a little naive. Debate and discussion go hand in hand. A discussion is not merely about everyone stating what they believe, but also understanding why everyone believes what they do. On AF vigorous debate is encouraged. Unfortunately it is often vicious and some people behave like jerks more readily.
You are right, I was being naive to think this wouldn't turn so ugly. I understand discussion is not simply about stating what you believe, but also about talking about it and explaining it, which I felt I did. When I talk to my Muslim friend about his beliefs, we do just fine without heated debate, but I think it's more common for that to happen when you do it with friends over dinner rather than an atheist online forum. I guess I was starting to feel a little too comfortable here.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh
