There seem to be two subjects which are almost guaranteed to lead to nastiness - politics and religion. Is it impossible for people to listen calmly

@Wraithorn Seeme to make sense. Would you say its down to insecurity?

@alan20 Partly, I think so. For many people their belief in their form of politics or their culture or their religion, forms the basis of their reasons for living and for persevering in a difficultl life.

If you present evidence that suggests that their beliefs are founded on fake or false things then you undermine their reason for living.

It can be difficult to give them food for thought without causing an insult. Some people on SW have blocked me for that reason.

@Wraithorn I can understand religion giving them a reason for living. Many old people facing imminent death find it a consolation, however tentative the basis! I suppose it would be wrong to undermine that.

As kong as everybody in the debate allows for a possible margin of error in their own world-view, it works. What doesn't work is somebody approaching me with the attitude that I am clearly a dolt who has missed every scientific publication since the Vikings. I may not have reasons satisfactory to someone else, but I do have reasons for what I believe. And it's not because I don't know what's going on out in the real world. @Wraithorn

@Mamapolo2016 I think you hit the nail on the head there with everyone needing to allow for a margin of error.
My main isssue with the mainstream Abrahamic religions is their (not your personal) threat that if you think outside of the box presented to you then you will be doomed for eternity. That seems to me to be like threatening one's child with eternal damnation if they do not love you according to your rules.

I am so far out of the doctrinal box I haven't SEEN the box for decades. Intriguingly, I have yet to be asked just what it is I believe by someone who is angry with me BECAUSE I believe@Wraithorn

@Wraithorn And don't ask me now. I have a doctor's appointment. Shouldn't that be a patient's appointment? Bye.

@Mamapolo2016 Damn ! I was just about to ask you just that for interest's sake. Anyway no rush, no fuss, later maybe.

Any time. Except now.@Wraithorn

@alan20 Just for the sake of interest, yrs ago while pondering why people tend to freak out during certain discussions, I happened upon this following quote which seemed to ring quite true.

"You don't have to disrespect and insult others simply to hold your own ground. If you do, that shows how shaky your own position is." --Red Haircrow.
That's good food for thought I think.

Excellent. The shriller the argument, the mire I wonder how sure they are.@Wraithorn

@Mamapolo2016 Indeed ! The more shrill they are, the more you should wonder why. What are they trying to cover up ?

@Mamapolo2016 As ever. enjoy your posts MP

@Robert I know it likely looks like my post...but this isn't

Welll, no, but I enjoyed your contribution - without shouting about it - 😉