VIDEO: Agnostic man discusses religion with Mormon missionaries

[Rational Agnostic]

I recently came across this video and thought I would share it. I highly recommend it, because it shows that having a civil, friendly discussion about religion, while still challenging each others' viewpoints is possible. I hope that people watch this, and see how kind and considerate the man is when interviewing the two young missionaries. Atheists/agnostics often have a reputation of being jerks, and I admit I certainly haven't always been the nicest in my debating tactics on this site. But I think all of us, including myself, can learn something from this guy (Chris LaForest) about how to challenge people's opinions without being disrespectful. No matter which side you're on, I think you'll come away from watching this debate feeling encouraged, because it is a great example of people discussing and disagreeing about challenging topics, while still behaving like mature and respectful adults.

 

[ecco]

A one hour video. No thanks.




ETA: Actually, not watching the video is kinda like the approach I take when they come knocking at my door. I say "Go away" and close the door. That saves me a lot of time and is actually being polite to them by not wasting their time.

 

[Rational Agnostic]

A one hour video. No thanks.




ETA: Actually, not watching the video is kinda like the approach I take when they come knocking at my door. I say "Go away" and close the door. That saves me a lot of time and is actually being polite to them by not wasting their time.

I normally don't watch long videos either, but I don't regret watching this whole thing from start to finish.

 

[PureX]

I have had discussion with some of these folks in the past, and have found them to be intelligent, polite, honest, and respectful. Eventually it becomes clear to them that my beliefs are not going to align with theirs, or theirs with mine, and they politely decide to move along. I hold no animosity toward them, nor they toward me, that I can tell.

These days I have little interest in having this discussion, again (as I know it will follow a similar course), so I politely decline to engage with them, and they leave a little dejected, but so be it. That's the life of a "salesman".

 

[Spirit of Light]

I recently came across this video and thought I would share it. I highly recommend it, because it shows that having a civil, friendly discussion about religion, while still challenging each others' viewpoints is possible. I hope that people watch this, and see how kind and considerate the man is when interviewing the two young missionaries. Atheists/agnostics often have a reputation of being jerks, and I admit I certainly haven't always been the nicest in my debating tactics on this site. But I think all of us, including myself, can learn something from this guy (Chris LaForest) about how to challenge people's opinions without being disrespectful. No matter which side you're on, I think you'll come away from watching this debate feeling encouraged, because it is a great example of people discussing and disagreeing about challenging topics, while still behaving like mature and respectful adults.

Thank you for sharing this video
I can honestly say I have felt down since come back to RF, because of all the negativity that circulates in threads. And yes I have my self not been the best version of my self, reason being that I feel I have to defend that I actually have a belief. It is almost that I feel ashamed of being a believer, because anything I say will be turned upside down and pulled apart. That is not a civilian way of discussion.
It is ok to disagree but it should also be allowed to be spiritual in a religious forum. And that missing from RF now.