So a few baptists came to the door today . . .

[Prism]

16. I totally understand what you're saying

With me, I sort of understand their thinking. "Well, the Bible says . . ." and I understand that. I know what their religion's based on. I can explain, "Well, Paul also said . . ." and carry it on from there.

Simply going "You're wrong, I'm right. I'm good, you're evil. And he're why!" might feel satisfying on a personal level, but I don't feel like a give-and-take has taken place. I do feel the need to engage on their level. I was a little taken by surprise by these two. I live in East Bay S.F. Not exactly a hotbed of evangelism. I wasn't expecting this visit in the slightest. When the doorbell rang, I thought it was maintenance. When I heard "Have you thought of your eternal . . ." My internal response was "What the hell . . ."

But I listened. And I caught they earnestly believed in the Bible. And that's the key. They earnestly believe it. It's not a political slogan. It's not some fopped off belief. They think it's true. And so you have to engage them as if it's true. I engaged them as a Catholic (I'm not one, but it was a good footing in the moment). "Yes, I get your Bible, I believe differently, here is how I do, and why."

It's like going to battle on their own turf. You state your beliefs in terms that will make sense to them. If their foundation is the Bible, you wage your war using the Bible as your ally. They understand that, they get that, they respect that.

Going "Everything you believe is shit and you're brainwashed!" might be emotionally satisfying, but you've not convinced anyone to think. You've not opened minds. You've simply closed them to you pre-emptively.

It's best to take people as they are, as they come to you, and talk to them accordinly, as best you can.