Posted by Gedanken [Gedanken] on November 17, 1999 at 15:14:11 {xx2d.1sWpQHdgEG/iekYGxDfYXLgH2}:
In Reply to: ******AP and AF posted by Friend on November 17, 1999 at 14:12:56:
:It appears to me that you have not understood a word of what I have said!
I haven't.
:Yes, whether the Society is dishonest matters.
But what is dishonesty? How much does it or should it matter.
:Yes, whether the Society is incompetent matters.
Maybe they are just misunderstood.
:My whole point is that discussing these issues helps individuals make those distinctions if they exist. Discussion of the issues is what is
important, not whether you and I agree. Tell me something, does whether I agree with you really matter to you? If not then the value is in
the discussing not whether we agree. I can hardly believe you are so shallow that you cannot see that point.
Well, it's true. It matters more to me that I win the argument than that we come to some understanding of the issues. Also it gives me an opportunity to boast a bit to boot.
:People do have views contrary to your own.
Well, they are wrong. I live to demonstrate that they are wrong.
:What is obvious to you may not be to another. What is obvious to one person may not be
obvious to you. Saying that something is obvious does not help and evidences no more than an opinion.
I agree. We must first establish the precise meaning of every single word in the dictionary before we can start discussion.
:Now, please explain what you mean by “It always amuses me when JWs make [Friend’s] kind of argument.”
It means just that. I am amused that grown people will resort to absurdity to defend beliefs which are have been essentially dispensed to them by a franchise religion; the theocratic equivalent of the Big Mac.
:Are you content to remain stuck in the sandbox of “I am right and you are wrong!”? Does someone boasting from academia not see the
value of continuing discussion of issues rather than personalities in the debate. Does the debater matter more than that debated?
You have an interesting style Friend. After wearing down your opponent you then accuse them of being dogmatic and refusing to present evidence. Of cousre the evidence is never good enough because there always exists some shred of doubt that will give teh Society the benefit o fthe doubt. You might think it is boasting on my part but actually it is sheer desperation. Honestly. I genuinely feel that if I continue to debate with you and Greg they will have to carry me off in a basket.
Gedanken