(May 20, 2014 at 10:26 am)ThePinsir Wrote: "If they're so simple, refute them."
^^-- This.
If your argument really is simplistic, there should be no reason not to refute it and move on to an argument they find more worthy of their time.
I also agree with Kitanetos that this person seems to be trying to deflect the conversation back on to your argument to deflect the fact that they have no refutation to give.
It also sounds like you've found a nerve with this person (your dad?) and he is reacting with an unwarranted amount of hostility for the "simplistic" argument you are putting forth. I'd say keep on it. Don't let this dissuade you from engaging because he's being hostile. Keep things civil and don't let them escalate to a shouting match (IOW, know when to back off) but keep revisiting the topic and whenever he replies with "this argument is so stupid and simple" than repeat that if it's really so simple than he shouldn't find it difficult to refute it and then the conversation can move forward.
Teenaged X-Files obsession + Bermuda Triangle episode + Self-led school research project = Atheist.
