It's like when I am discussing evolutionary theory with a creationist - I have to make sure if I am discussing evolution or if I am discussing conspiracies. If it is the former, then OK, I am teaching evolution to someone who is genuinely uninformed; but if it is the latter then I am talking to a crazy person, which is for psychologists and psychiatrists.
For example, it turns into conspiracy talk if I say that fossils are evidence that species change, but the creationist starts saying that fossils are fakes that are made by Jews and masons.
The same is with flat earthers, aliens, and similar fringe topics, including religion.
For example, it turns into conspiracy talk if I say that fossils are evidence that species change, but the creationist starts saying that fossils are fakes that are made by Jews and masons.
The same is with flat earthers, aliens, and similar fringe topics, including religion.
teachings of the Bible are so muddled and self-contradictory that it was possible for Christians to happily burn heretics alive for five long centuries. It was even possible for the most venerated patriarchs of the Church, like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, to conclude that heretics should be tortured (Augustine) or killed outright (Aquinas). Martin Luther and John Calvin advocated the wholesale murder of heretics, apostates, Jews, and witches. - Sam Harris, "Letter To A Christian Nation"
