The GM
Graduate Poster
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2004
- Messages
- 1,175
Fresh off the presses. About five minutes ago, my friendly JW came to the door. While I'm not planning on joining their cult, the old guy is pretty nice, respects my time, hands me a Watchtower and leaves. Unlike some horror stories I've heard, he's never tried to force his way into my home or anything like that. As a result, I'm nice to him.
So after some discusssion I've had here with people in regards to talking about controversial subjects with those affiliated with fundie religion, I decided to try an experiment. Instead of the usual pleasatries I hit him with a hardball question. Here's what I said:
GM-"You know, I read that last issue of the Watchtower you left here and was amazed to see an article featuring Carl Sagan. You are aware that Mr. Sagan was a noted agnostic, right?"
JW- "Yes, I know, but he was a brilliant man who despite himself spoke to the word of God and proved God's existance."
GM- "Really? I'm unaware that Sagan released a book on the subject. Can you tell me the title?"
JW- "Well, it's scattered through out his works. If you read what he has to say, then you know what I'm talking about. It's funny that he's godless, and in fact most scientists are. You would think that scientists of all people would believe in God."
GM- "I think they don't because they think that God can't be proven. In other words, faith is not evidence. Since you can't see God or directly chat with him like you and I are talking right now, they think that it's best to only believe in things in which they can prove are in fact real. In their mind, they can't prove God exists, and therefore don't believe in him."
JW- "Well, it's a good thing you and I both know better. In this week's Watchtower, we see...."
He's never actually asked me if I even believe in God. I guess because I'm courteous and don't slam the door shut on him he makes the assumption that I'm 'like him' whatever that's supposed to mean. He circumvented the questions I was trying to ask, and while the conversation never got uncomfortable, he didn't want to address the point I was trying to make. Maybe he can't, or maybe he wasn't quick on his feet, or whatever. I may try this again when he visits (he's sure to) and see if I can get him to respond and engage in a bit deeper of a conversation. I still think you can communicate and provoe critical thought amongst fundies without the nastiness and name calling you see on the web. We'll see if I'm right, I guess.
So after some discusssion I've had here with people in regards to talking about controversial subjects with those affiliated with fundie religion, I decided to try an experiment. Instead of the usual pleasatries I hit him with a hardball question. Here's what I said:
GM-"You know, I read that last issue of the Watchtower you left here and was amazed to see an article featuring Carl Sagan. You are aware that Mr. Sagan was a noted agnostic, right?"
JW- "Yes, I know, but he was a brilliant man who despite himself spoke to the word of God and proved God's existance."
GM- "Really? I'm unaware that Sagan released a book on the subject. Can you tell me the title?"
JW- "Well, it's scattered through out his works. If you read what he has to say, then you know what I'm talking about. It's funny that he's godless, and in fact most scientists are. You would think that scientists of all people would believe in God."
GM- "I think they don't because they think that God can't be proven. In other words, faith is not evidence. Since you can't see God or directly chat with him like you and I are talking right now, they think that it's best to only believe in things in which they can prove are in fact real. In their mind, they can't prove God exists, and therefore don't believe in him."
JW- "Well, it's a good thing you and I both know better. In this week's Watchtower, we see...."
He's never actually asked me if I even believe in God. I guess because I'm courteous and don't slam the door shut on him he makes the assumption that I'm 'like him' whatever that's supposed to mean. He circumvented the questions I was trying to ask, and while the conversation never got uncomfortable, he didn't want to address the point I was trying to make. Maybe he can't, or maybe he wasn't quick on his feet, or whatever. I may try this again when he visits (he's sure to) and see if I can get him to respond and engage in a bit deeper of a conversation. I still think you can communicate and provoe critical thought amongst fundies without the nastiness and name calling you see on the web. We'll see if I'm right, I guess.
