My confessions: How to participate in religious/philosophical discussions

In my days as an undergraduate, I wonder if it was normal for religious students like myself to participate in interfaith discussions. Maybe it is just me. Maybe it is the university, or maybe it is the country (in my case, UK).

But anyway, here's a post about some tips in entering such discussions (most of them are no-brainers).

1) Be honest

That is the number one, unwritten rule at such conferences. People who are attending such talks are seeking truth (even if you or some of them doubt the existence of truth) in some way, and to lie goes against the spirit of such a discussion. It is okay to say "I don't know". In fact, it is better to concede your ignorance on a matter than to make up facts to support your point.

2) Be respectful

That is rule number 1.1. Being brutally honest will not get you anywhere. Let's face it, everyone thinks their point of view is right. And it is okay to think you are right, but please do not be annoying about it.

3) Attack the idea, or the action but never the person

On one hand, it is okay to say stuff like "Don't you think the concept of God is unknowable?" or "Don't you think that atheism is morally bankrupt?".

On the other, please do not say the speaker is pretending to be knowledgeable or morally bankrupt.

4) Just because you don't understand something, it does not mean it isn't true.

In other words, avoid arguments from ignorance. Once again, it is okay to admit you do not understand you opponents points. But that does not make their point invalid or stupid.

5) Avoid dirty tactics

Remember we are all truth-seekers. Dirty tricks are not helpful towards most discussions.

An example of a dirty tactic would be asking a loaded question such as "Is it true that only recently that Christians have begun accepting the science of evolution?"  (It is a loaded question because if the Christian answers yes or no, it would give half the answer to put the Christian in a bad light.)

6) Odds are, you aren't going to convince anyone

Let's put it this way-- even in the Gospels, Jesus was not able to persuade most of his listeners to follow him. And in the same way, most people have already made up their minds one way or another. Drastic changes in worldviews have happened, but I have never seen one in all my participations (I participated in about five so far). That said, I have seen conversions to Christianity over periods of time (it was a gradual change, rather than sudden).

7) Rhetoric is unavoidable, but don't rely too heavily on it

Let's be honest-- all of us have certain speaking styles, making some of us better speakers than others. That said, discussions aren't debates-- we aren't here to win a match, but rather to understand different worldviews.

Conclusion

Whether we like to admit it or not, we are all truth-seekers in some way and some sort. Be respectful and be honest, so that we can learn from each other, even if we disagree.