Freedom From Religion : A Fearless Young Woman Takes a Stand

[Speck Tater]

67. This is no game, sir.

As passionately as you believe you are right and everyone else is wrong, every one of those people who disagree with you in one way or another also believe, just a passionately, that they are right and you are wrong. You need to understand this and not take such a Chicken Little approach to your beliefs. You can't run around screaming "My God! People will DIE if you don't agree with me!!!!" and expect to be taken seriously.

When a person says "I believe some respect and tolerance of my neighbor's beliefs is prudent" The adult response is not to hysterically shout "You liberals are trying to destroy America!". Nor is it necessarily to throw around derogatory names for those who disagree with you, like "gookrischens". The fact is you can make a lot of progress with "goodkrischens" if you begin your discussions with them by treating them with respect and listening to them. If you are reasonable, they will often listen to what you have to say. And I have seen quite a number of them change their minds about one point or another when your opening move is not a hostile frontal attack.

So instead of starting out by calling anyone who disagrees with that faith that YOU think is the only one by calling them "blind or misogynist", you should exchange ideas in an adult manner and perhaps you can persuade instead of inflame.

My original point was that a thoughtful, considerate atheist has a chance to persuade people of their point of view, but an atheist who sets out to alienate and inflame will accomplish nothing. That was my point. My only point.

Now, please answer me, if you can, how my belief that persuasion works better than hostile confrontation lead to you call me a blind misogynist who doesn't care that (MY GOD!!!!) people will DIE!!!? I don't see how the two are connected at all.

I mean, seriously, does this make sense?

Me: "Persuasion is more effective than hostile confrontation."
You: "Women's lives are at risk you blind misogynist!"