Dennis Campbell - 23 September 2011 08:04 AM

He is getting what he wants with the kumbaya crowd who thinks they are building bridges and finding common ground when they are really just encouraging him and his beliefs.

That may well be true.  But then how does one approach these kind of people?

I admit I have been guilty too, we all try to create a dialogue with individuals and I don’t think we should stop completely.
We are here to “spread science and secular values” and I do see a genuine need in some folk .
But I am much wiser now when it comes to recognising time wasters and I feel less inclined to persist with them and more inclined to point them out to other members.

MARTIN UK - 23 September 2011 02:08 PM

Dennis Campbell - 23 September 2011 08:04 AM

He is getting what he wants with the kumbaya crowd who thinks they are building bridges and finding common ground when they are really just encouraging him and his beliefs.

That may well be true.  But then how does one approach these kind of people?

I admit I have been guilty too, we all try to create a dialogue with individuals and I don’t think we should stop completely.
We are here to “spread science and secular values” and I do see a genuine need in some folk .
But I am much wiser now when it comes to recognising time wasters and I feel less inclined to persist with them and more inclined to point them out to other members.

Copy and agree.  But maybe there’s some utility in letting people come to their own conclusions.  Besides, our’s might be wrong and someone else might actually have some effect.

Dennis Campbell - 23 September 2011 02:17 PM

Copy and agree.  But maybe there’s some utility in letting people come to their own conclusions.  Besides, our’s might be wrong and someone else might actually have some effect.

Fair point, it makes sense to plant seeds and allow others the courtesy of trying too.
I’m sure our own experiences must attribute us with something more than just cynicism though. My “Bullshit detector” flashes red every time I read samys posts . 

MARTIN UK - 23 September 2011 02:38 PM

Dennis Campbell - 23 September 2011 02:17 PM

Copy and agree.  But maybe there’s some utility in letting people come to their own conclusions.  Besides, our’s might be wrong and someone else might actually have some effect.

Fair point, it makes sense to plant seeds and allow others the courtesy of trying too.
I’m sure our own experiences must attribute us with something more than just cynicism though. My “Bullshit detector” flashes red every time I read samys posts . 

True re BS meter.  But that begs the question of what and how does anyone deal with the Samys, BMds, etc., of the world in a manner that does not lead to who kills whom?

Some people think that those with different opinions are just ignorant and easily won over by a simple zinger argument.  But if any creationists or religious zealots try that on this forum, they might find out that we have reasoned arguments, and it’s not all emotional posturing.  If Samy is just baiting us, perhaps he’ll at least see that we have opinions based on legitimate information, not just propaganda.  I think contact between cultures is eye-opening.  I also love thinking and writing about science, so I don’t mind answering.  I feel like I’m learning something in the exchange.