Re: QUESTION

On 12 Oct, 15:52, "Rob Brown" <bbr...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>  Would that include missionaries and those sending them out to
proselytize?

Absolutely it would.  The only person a missionary is going to convert
successfully is someone who - for whatever reason - is already
inclined towards that way of thinking.  The process of 'conversion'
doesn't involve taking a non-believer and making them believe: it's
taking someone who's already a believer and prompting them to admit it
to themselves.


> They certainly see converting non believers as their duty.

Sure: after all, those who don't believe are going to Hell.  The most
altruistic interpretation of proselytisation is that these people want
to save people's souls.  That doesn't change the fact that only the
individual themselves can change their point of view.


>  You suggest a scenario which would have both believers and non
believers
> almost never discuss their beliefs.

No, not at all.  I'm all for discussion.  Exchanging points of view is
one thing - it's instructive.  It can help understanding and therefore
reduce fear and mistrust.  But actively trying to persuade someone to
accept your own point of view is something else.


>  The discussion, if it happens at all, can always be interpreted as
either
> side trying to persuade the other.

It can be interpreted that way, sure.  And by those who are afraid of
the other point of view, it usually is.


> Why are you even posting to discussion groups on the subject?

Because the subject interests me.  And because I feel inclined to
share my point of view.  Whether you agree or not is, of course, your
own business.


> I think your last paragraph states an untenable position. It practice it
would
> forbid almost any discussion of religion between believers and non
believers and
> even between believers, particularly of different religions.

Not really.  You work from your stated assumption that discussion
equates to an attempt to persuade.


> The fact that you are posting causes me to question your stated
position.

That doesn't really matter.  My position is my own.