Should I have a doscussion with my parent's Church pastor?

[ReptilianPeon]

My dad supposedly went to Bible school, though my mother claims not to know much about the Bible despite reading it every single morning. So she suggested I speak to their pastor about questions I have because they can't seem to counter my talking points effectively. They claimed he is friendly, and I have no doubt about that, but I wonder how productive a ' discussion will be.

Maybe that's cynical of me, but I don't feel I will learn much I didn't already know. There are plenty of things I could chose to discuss: Similarity of Zarathustrian religion to the Bible, the differences between the Synoptic Gospels (something I need to do more research on) or the ridiculousness of Noah's Flood. I don't want it to turn out into a debate.

[robvalue]

If you are looking for an intellectual debate, I would say the chances of that are extremely low. You're most likely to get deflections and bumhole rationalizations. I'd bet money you know way more than him.

But who knows, maybe he's a really liberal Christian who has actually learned a bit objectively about his religion and his book. Most of them don't know the history of their book, in fact they are grossly misinformed. I guess it could be worth a try, as long as you don't have too high expectations.

[ReptilianPeon]

My parents spent many months looking for the the right Church when their old one ceased existing and I know for a fact they both accept Homosexuals and hate theocratic government (saying it would marginalise Christian seats who aren't part of the ruling class) . I'd say they've been going to a very liberal Church. The people I've met from it don't seem harsh or force religion in me. It's just occasionally I'll fall into a discussion about religion with one, or both of my parent.

[brewer]

Tell them that you're open to a discussion with him but the he will have to come to you, at your convenience. Then sit back and wait. My money says he never shows.

[vorlon13]

Um,

is he attractive ?

[vorlon13]

I just seem to live on a completely different planet than the rest of you . . .

[robvalue]

My parents spent many months looking for the the right Church when their old one ceased existing and I know for a fact they both accept Homosexuals and hate theocratic government (saying it would marginalise Christian seats who aren't part of the ruling class) . I'd say they've been going to a very liberal Church. The people I've met from it don't seem harsh or force religion in me. It's just occasionally I'll fall into a discussion about religion with one, or both of my parent.

That's a good sign then.

Maybe it's worth a try. You'd probably find out pretty quickly whether he actually knows anything, or is just a cherry picking liberal.

[vorlon13]

hell, Fred Phelps was a liberal scripture cherry picker too

IANMTU

[Joods]

If the pastor is a Progressive Christian, he might be more open to your thoughts and would most likely be more willing to discuss things with you. Anyone else? Not so much.

[Cephus]

Honestly, what's the point? Unless you actually think that there are credible answers to your questions, why bother? I've been asking Christians to answer my questions for more than 30 years and none has ever even come close because I expect evidence and rational and critical thinking, something that isn't part of the Christian worldview when it comes to their religion. I'd say it's a waste of time, but it's your time to waste.