Believers Vs. Skeptics
It seems to me that there's a fundamental difference in expectations between believers and skeptics when they discuss beliefs. What causes so many problems is that they often don't notice this difference
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Example statements that will make me raise an eyebrow and then ocasionally ignore the post/comment because I suspect the poster may have difficulty conducting a discussion in a sane or mature fashion, or seeing past their own dogmas:
"The (insert holy book here) says you should DEFINITELY never touch ANYTHING to do with psychic powers as they are a gateway to the wiles of the (Insert religous bogeyman here)."
"You are closed-minded/gullible and young. As you get older you will understand more about life."
"(Insert alternative therapy here) is useless. Innumerable studies have proved it. You are a fool."
"Forces are at work which mean I cannot reveal the full details of how I know this to you: Rest assured, it is true, and real."
"Why can't you see how stupid this is!"
"X is Y. That's just how it is."
"I dislike your using the language of my academic field to describe your beliefs. Please stop immediately."
*insert maniacal laughter here in response to comment considered absurd*
Example statements I like, will respond to, and will respect the opinions in:
"No evidence has been found to support the power of faith healing. (More than two) studies by (range of different sorts of institutions) have shown no statistical evidence that it is any more effective than other forms of non-medical care therapy/placebo.
(Reference to scholarly journal article to allow examination of statistics and possible bias in the studies. Discussion of thoughts on the article's possible flaws)."
"I find myself worried and confused at your using the language of my academic field to describe your beliefs in this fashion. Here is more information about the specific terms you are using to give you a better idea of what this term actually means in its' proper context."
"I have experienced several phenomena (examples). I am open to the possibility they could have been generated by my mind, but (circumstances that mean poster can't totally discount supernatural forces being involved)."
"I have been practising (alternative therapy) for >5 years and have a general good record with improvements in my patients' conditions. Patients on whom the therapy is unsuccessful, I recommend they try something else rather than telling them they just need more of it. Although my form of therapy has no or limited scientific basis as yet, it appears to help a large percentage of my patients who have trust in my practice. I keep updated on any research about my form of therapy in case it may help improve my practice. If there is a registration or regulation body for my therapy form I am a member of it."
"I believe/I feel/My opinion is/Essay by academic I respect suggests/Research by X group has shown (with reference)..."
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As an example: "I follow suggestions and guidelines like this in many online and face to face communities I'm in, and it's been my experience that it leaves space for interesting discussions among diverse populations, all with an underlying element of mutual respect."
The above wasn't just an example, it's what I believe is useful in online communications -
I do very much want the input of scientists who may or may not share any religious beliefs with me, and may or may not see any validity or use in having such beliefs. I appreciate this dialogue on how the two POVs can more effectively communicate.
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