highwaystar101 said:
I object to calling them stupid to be honest. Most creationists I come across are normal people, with the same rationality and intelligence as you and me. I think it's a case of selective suspended rationality. For example, someone who believes Noah's flood actually took place for religious reasons, they will suspend their usual rationality when approaching it. They will find ways to believe that the flood took place, despite the fact that rivers still meander. That doesn't mean they are this irrational all the time, just in this case. Most of the time they use the same level of intelligence and rationality as the rest of us. We all do this to an extent (even atheists and agnostics). |
Very good post, and I think it is something more people should take into account when arguing. Calling someone stupid, irrational, ignorant, etc. is only going to make the person less likely to listen to you. Even if someone makes a post you consider to be stupid, address the poster like they are rational and treat them with respect. It not only makes the person more susceptible to your message, but it also keeps things more civil.
