Debating Your beliefs

[~Anamorata~]

Have you ever, or would you ever debate your belief system?

[~Anamorata~]

Just did so tonight at work...he was trying to make me argue with him. Said because he read everything about Egypt and Wicca, he knew more then I did. It drives me nuts when people try and bait me into defending myself against their ignorance. :aburst:

[Aelfoak]

I don't know if i can, my Pagan beliefs are based just purely on nature and developing myself spiritually, i don't really follow any set Pagan religion.

[Mindflayer]

I don't know if i can, my Pagan beliefs are based just purely on nature and developing myself spiritually, i don't really follow any set Pagan religion.

ditto



Though I like debates, as long as it's kept civil, otherwise it's just a fight...

[cyber_fairie_king]

Yes I have because what I believe in is neither Wicca, Pagan, Druid.....it is purly my own (as far as I am aware). I believe that there is a kind of reality where we can only go by dreaming or meditating there. It is confusing to explain. Here's an example...

Walking in a filed I tripped up and hurt my side. So I focused to an area above the sky somewhere of which I have not found out, and absorbed a ray of healing energy (which can't be viewed to the naked eye) from above the sky into my hands and eased the pain greatly.

[-Ember]

The beliefs themselves... no. The rationalizations for them, yes.

[FaerieGothMommy]

I don't know if i can, my Pagan beliefs are based just purely on nature and developing myself spiritually, i don't really follow any set Pagan religion.

Same here. But i have debated on what i believe before still, so i guess yes.

[Fane Ayuma]

do you mean debate them with yourself or others??

[LeaAnon]

It is hard to get people to understand what you feel on your beliefs when it comes to wicca, pagan and such as there is a common misconception about what we do. When I say I am Wicca I have had a couple people actually look scared and leave quickly.... others are curious and ask questions. I think the common thougth is that i worship satan and sacrifice animals or drink blood and fly around on a broomstick. But you get misconceptions with any religion. Just look at what you feel about Catholic and their birth control issues, or jehova witnesses and their belief that you should have blood infusions. I don't feel I should have to debate what I believe to be right or feel. I don't try to push my beliefs on anyone because it isn't fair. And I don't like it when other people try to push theirs on me....like they have tried so many times before. Everyone has their own way of believing...and you will rarely find two people who believe and respect and feel the same way about the same religion or belief. We need to embrace people and say it is ok for you to believe this way because that is your choice. But I want the same respect for my beliefs. In the end you will walk out the bigger person and not clinch the misconception that all "witches" are hostile and evil. lol. Because we calmly talked about it and they don't feel threatened. They may even try to understand and ask questions. My husband is christian and dosn't believe in what I believe in... but we have a mutual respect. He asks questions.... I answer....he teases me about my chosen path.....then I surprise him with outcomes. He wont get over the tarot readings anytime soon. :)

[LeaAnon]

, or jehova witnesses and their belief that you should have blood infusions.

I meant not have blood infusions. :P

[Aelfoak]

, or jehova witnesses and their belief that you should have blood infusions.

I meant not have blood infusions. :P
Their belief in this baffles me! I don't understand why any god would want you not to save a life, even if it were your childs, by not having a blood transfusion, this confuses me.

[LeaAnon]

Well I do tend to get into it with them... They say we are playing god by doing this....which upsets me more because my 5 year old wouldn't be here now if she hadn't had a bone marrow transplant from her sister who is 3...this happened 2 years ago. Then they say well in your case i guess we can make an eception.

[Sabrina]

Once till 5 am in the morning with my very Catholic neighbor's husband. HE has his beliefs and I've mine...LOL
We finally agreed that we just do NOT agree....

he, of course, has zero space for a female deity and that was the fundamental difference between our faiths. When I spoke of balance and energy - he more or less scoffed in my direction...
and it was "Gloves off" at that point. LOL

I did win one part that he could Not argue against:
I asked him simply that if he expected respect and religious tolerance From Me...why was he unable to return the same?
That he had no answer for.
And when I charged that his religion left no space for tolerance of others and asked how he saw that as "Christ like"?....he hung his head and said the fact that his church did NOT preach tolerance to other religions was shameful.
So some progress was made.

I've more faith than anything that by being neighbors and his witness of how I run my home, raise my children and how I DO support HIS kids too in everything they do...
eventually he Will come to see that my spirituality is as blessed and sacred as his own.

I'll just have to win him over with time.
Meanwhile, his wife is V e r y interested in what I practice and that won't help matters if he sees that I've infiltrated his very home and marriage...
it's somewhat skiddish you might say.

[LeaAnon]

well...he can not expect everyone to go his way....his children will grow up and make their own choices and if she feels that isn't the path for her....he will need to respect it. It is difficult living with someone who dosn't feel the same way as you in your faith but it can work. Mine has worked fine for the last 4 years believing different things.

[SacredWithin]

Have you ever, or would you ever debate your belief system?

I do it a lot online. And I try to do it as often offline as I do it online. Some people can get pretty violent though... :awwman:

[Joshua]

I've entered into discussions with people who claim to want more information about what I believe. For some of them it's honest intellectual curiosity, while others have ulterior motives. I know that a discussion is almost over the minute someone says 'but the Bible says-' to which I quickly and firmly state that I place no spiritual value in the Bible whatsoever. If a conversation comes to this point, it was doomed anyway.

[înnerpoînt]

I, too, often discuss my faith and practices with numerous people. I work the trade-show circuit and a lot of the items that I sell leave no doubt as to what they are for. There have only been a few that absolutely refused to listen and discuss differences/similarities in spirituality. As a rule, most seem to be truly curious and do ask intelligent questions. But, yes, I do still get the Satanic angle quite often. When that subject is broached, my reply depends on how it was presented. If it is asked out of curiousity, I will explain that the Christian concept of Satan has no part of Wicca. If it is put in the form of an accusation, I'll reply that I do not worship any of the Christian gods.

[misschief]

do you mean debate them with yourself or others??that's what i was going to ask too. i debate my beliefs within my self always, how else would i advance? but as far as other people.... not often, i get tired of it. i just say ok whatever. lol.

[soilsigh aingeal]

I have done so and I will do so if I think it will help people see eye to eye with me.

[~ Monk ~]

I like to discuss, but debate? There's no point. What works for me works for me, and no amount of debate will change that.

[~Anamorata~]

I get drawn into these lil'discussions' all the time...it's like they see me, and immediately think it'll be fun, to make the witch defend herself and what she believes in. Debated theories, beliefs, rights, punishments etc...sometimes for several hours. It usually ends up with me getting furious, and saying things I shouldn't, them feeling smug, and me being depressed the rest of the day/evening. Drives me nuts!!! :geez:

[Sleet]

I used to. Now, some combination of don't see the point and don't have the energy. Debating is a young person's game, not for us old curmudgeons.

[~Anamorata~]

I'm 33, not too young...I hear you...I get tired very easily just within the first 10 seconds of it! That also amuses them to no end... :grrrrr:

[Pol]

Have, long time ago.

[Pol]

(voted no, as I'll not be doing it again)

[AuroraSilvermist]

My spiritual beliefs are not really open for debate. I'll discuss them, sure, but debate implies persuasion, and I don't want to persuade anyone that my beliefs are true; to me, they just are.

And while I don't much care what anyone else thinks of my spirituality, I'm always interested to hear about other peoples' religious beliefs--it's how I learn and grow. :)

[Psyche Ague]

I love debating about what I believe. I've found that everytime I've done so I've come across something I wasn't sure of the answer to and that it's only made my faith stronger. I learn something every time. Bring it on! *grin*

[Smiley Girl]

Never. I don't see any point in it. The person you're debating with has a 2% chance of ever seeing it your way, or they wouldn't be dabating with you anyway!
I really don't see the point in any debating... unless the person who needs the convincing is neither of the two parties who are doing the dabating.

Make sense? :)

[Autumn]

I voted never never...I'll just be the one hurt insulted and angry because I get all hepped up, better to walk away...

[RogueSpirit]

I don't know that I've ever debated my own specific beliefs... it just isn't up for debate. I have debated or otherwise argued about my right to my own opinions which include my beliefs. And I have debated about what other religions believe with people who either had no clue and were outright making stuff up to make the religion look bad or thought they had a clue because they read one book (most often by a questionable author). And in some instances, the debate with the one book wonders was about their own religion. I don't belong to a religion, so my beliefs aren't something that someone is likely to be capable of debating with me about because they would have to know what I believe to begin with. Can't argue what you don't know... well, I guess you could, but you won't be doing it with me.

[~Anamorata~]

Think I have come to a decision about debating...I will not do so again!!! Thankies to all!! You helped quite alot! :woot: :acheeer:

[The High Queen of Faerie]

well, i think that all belief systems have truth in them. i'm not about to go up to a christian and be like "hi, retard, there is no jesus." or anything. >_o

[Thalias_Smile]

I have TRIED to discuss my beliefs...and then got accused of "witnessing" :geez: Simply because I incorporate Christian mysticism into my belief system...actually, I incorporate several forms of mysticism into my belief system :tongueout . What can I say, Im too Christian for the Pagans, and too Pagan for the Christians :blor:

I have refused to get into "debates" with anyone concerning my beliefs...they have their beliefs and I have mine...I am not a Christian simply because I am not...enuf said. _travolta_

[Radocs]

Yep, I do it all the time.

[Teresa]

When someone finds out or figures out that I am pagan and sometimes even a little bit more,discussions occur to clarify things.I like to make sure that they understand what my pent means to me.I had a friend that actually thought I worshiped Satan. He was like I know I don't wanna tick You off because you may hex me.He also would say little things like you have an evil nature.LOL I had to set him straight and explain what I believed and How I work.He has a new appreciation of me now and also knows that most pagans are not devil worshippers. _wiz_

[~Anamorata~]

Ah, the dude was back to 'discuss' what he views as heathen bullhockey...every other sentence, he was telling me I was going to burn in h*ll!!! Okay...I let him go on, until Shane, our very huge other bartender showed up, and very happily tossed him out. He had a go at Shane for being a Druid...which, just made Shane laugh..."he does not wish to discuss this with me, because I'll make him see the error of his ways."(Shane) We get alot of these kind of nutters into the bar, and it never fails, that they can spot myself(Osirian Wiccan), Shane(Druid), Minerva(Greek Trad) and Fawkes(Native American Shaman)amongst the other employees. How they do it, is beyond me, but it still happens. One of the things he said to Minerva, was about MY daughter..."the reason she is sick, is because her mother, or lack of a mother, is a heathen fool." Now that ticks me off! You can say anything you wish about me, but you WILL NOT drag my child into it! That I will not stand for! Grrrrrrrr..... :mad:

[misschief]

ick. i wouldn't like that either. i'm not sure what i would do. :|

[~Anamorata~]

I certainly hope he does not show his face tonight...I'm just in the mood to do a lil arguing...grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :aburst:

[Enozgirl]

Nefertari Nefre -- it's his H-E-double-hockey-sticks... let *HIM* burn in it. What a marooon...:mad:

[~Anamorata~]

Nefertari Nefre -- it's his H-E-double-hockey-sticks... let *HIM* burn in it. What a marooon...:mad:

And this, is why I love Mysticwicks!!! _twohorns_ :heartthro :heartthro

[misschief]

I certainly hope he does not show his face tonight...I'm just in the mood to do a lil arguing...grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :aburst:i wanna go too!!! lol.

[~Anamorata~]

More the merrier! In one way, I want him to show up, and in another way..I'm hoping he doesn't...but, just in case he does... :uhhuhuh: HE better be ready!

[Yasmine Galenorn]

I no longer debate my belief system. I believe what I believe, I have no problem with others believing differently unless they start trying to force their beliefs onto others. I simply have no interest or energy for what I see as primarily useless debates. Now if you're talking debating philosophy for the sake of a good debate--hey, a lot of folks enjoy that. But I'm no longer open to explaining myself or what I do if I feel I'm being primed for attack...nor do I demand of others that they do so.

Yasmine :colorful:

[Moon Daughter]

i don't really have a system of beliefs...only beliefs which are constantly changing as i exprience more and more.
do i question my beliefs? every day!

[savannahrose44]

I have and would. My beliefs are not made of glass and if I cannot hold up to someone else in debate then there is no reason to have them in the first place. :uhhuhuh:

[Aleigh]

I don't really want to "debate" my beliefs. It seems like trying to prove my beliefs are more right or better than someone else's? I don't think they are, I just think they're more right for me. That's the major reason I haven't told my 2 best friends I am a Pagan. They're both pretty strict Christians...who kind of think I am a Christian because I never bothered to correct them. Believe, me, I know that's a lie by omission, but I have my reasons. I just know that they would both argue with me until they're blue in the face that their religion is the only right one, and anyone else is "unsaved" and going to Hell. They don't mean to be rude or anything, that's just what they honestly believe. I don't believe that, I never will. I know it's not true. I also know that I will never convince them it's not true, and the only way to do that would be to destroy their faith in their religion, and I don't wanna do that. And I really don't need them trying to convert me for the rest of my life. :p I'm sure they know, or at least suspect, on some level, because we never, ever discuss religion. I don't think they want to have to deal with it either. Sort of a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, I guess. I ask myself frequently if I really want to keep not telling them my whole life. I know someday if/when I'm ready to give them up as friends I probably will, but I'm not ready to do that. :( This is really the only problem I have with them. *sigh*

[WingedTigerChild]

If I had to, I would. The way I see it, if what you believe and why you believe it cannot stand up to some good, hardcore criticism, then you might want to rethink both. This is what I tell a lot of the more conservative Christians I talk to.

[Moriquenya]

Never, never, NEVER! I don't owe anyone a justification of my personal belief system.

If a true friend asks for clarification (NOT an explanation of 'why'), I would make things clear. But actually debate someone, PUH-LEEZE!! I won't even bother.

[Moon Daughter]

oops.
i should learn to read more attentively.
it turns out, the question was about debating your beliefs with OTHERS.
when i was 16-17, it was my favorite thing to do ( the whole world was wrong, and i was right.
and my parents just did not undersand).

now, i'll explain or discuss certain aspects to the close people who really want to know, or 'trade wisdom' meaning me and someone close will exchange views and beliefs regarding a specific issue..
as for debating it, and trying to prove or defend it- nope. not even against my Very orthodox uncle and aunt, who feel that anyone believing that God is not masculine singular is EVIL.

[Dallin]

I've been required to defend my beliefs, if that's what you're asking. And I have done so, although not to the point of trying to overpower the person I've been defending against. But I won't let people walk over me. As Tangerines says, "Pacifist, not pushover."

[Fane Ayuma]

that's what i was going to ask too. i debate my beliefs within my self always, how else would i advance? but as far as other people.... not often, i get tired of it. i just say ok whatever. lol.

with myself, me too, same as you, with others im great at arguing and getting my point across so i like debating them.

[ap Dafydd]

Don't really see the point of debating about it.

If someone wants to know what Paganism's all about, then I'll expound it to them for as long as you like (especially if you buy me a pint!)

And if someone decides they are going to have a go and insist on telling me about Jeeeeesus, then I'll have a few choice words for them ("off" is but one of them)

But getting up and trying to puff up my own path and put down someone else's, just to score points in a debating chamber has always seemed a pretty pointless exercise to me. After all, it's not being done to convince anyone, just to show who's better at debating...


gwyn eich byd

Ffred

[Koehnae]

I'm a bit of a born debator... I can debate anything and do so often. My religion is a very personal thing and I will defend or debate my beliefs if I feel its necessary.

[Cev'aq]

I quite enjoy debates, no matter the topic. I've been debating about belief systems with one friend for years. He and I enjoy it immensely. :)