Debating Debate

Scientism Example 2: Debate

1. Observation: Vocal or correspondent reasoning to prove a point, or to defend against a false idea, has a very long history. Greek and other philosophers debated, and Jeusus "silenced" the Sadducees in debate. Today, many people are debating about evolution and creation, etc etc. I find myself often debating, inwardly or outwardly. However, from my Christian and other experience, I suspect it may not be effective for changing minds.

2. Question: Is debate an effective way of changing people's minds (teaching)?

3. Investigation:

1. The Biblical debates are irrelevant, because mythological.
2. Academic debate is irrelevant, because an attempt to win points. The same is true of legal debating.
3. In teaching situations, debate takes time which could be used for clear teaching.
4. I have never convinced anyone through debate.
5. I have convinced by teaching open-minded students.
6. However, I myself have occasionally been convinced through debate. This implies I am unusually open minded.
7. Debate is often construed by the observer(s) as lack of assurance or defensiveness; one appears to be "trying to prove one's own point".
8. Essays, books, and other literature of debate require much time to read and to write. This time could be used studying evidence (investigating) and/ or teaching.
9. I am much more convinced by demonstration (works) than by argument (words). The evidence of my lifetime suggests that other people are also more convinced by works than by words.

4. Conclusion:

1. Debate is not effective for teaching; it has mostly a negative effect.
2. Teaching open-minded people is effective, especially when it includes examples (works).

5. Action:

1. I resolve not to debate from now on, mentally, verbally, or in writing.
2. I will seek out open-minded people as students.
3. I will teach persistently, firmly and patiently.
4. I will use my own example, demonstrations, and other works as often as possible.
5. I will not respond to debate challenges, but will "teach around" them.