5 Ways to Be Kind to Someone with Whom You Disagree

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“When someone senses we have goodwill and respect for them, it enables them to lower their defenses and hear what we’re saying. Sincere kindness can therefore help us make progress in a disagreement.” - TGC(link is external)

Discussion

The Place of Evidence in Apologetics (Part 1)

By Caleb Hilbert

In high school, I was a part of the debate team, where I learned the importance of crafting a persuasive argument based on logic, reason, and information. I may not be exceptionally skilled at it, but I understand its significance. Sadly, some people think debating is simply being contrarian. However, argumentation requires more than merely taking the opposite stance; it demands logic, reason, and, yes, evidence.

Discussion

Pascal on Persuasion

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“Pascal was a pioneer in the psychology of persuasion. …Lead people to the answer, but let them discover it on their own. ‘People are generally better persuaded by reasons they have themselves discovered than by those from the minds of others.’” - Breakpoint(link is external)

Discussion

The Secret of Gentle Confrontation

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“…it is imperative that we have gentleness as we confront. Too many times, especially in our circle, we can be rough with the truth. We can come too strong and our tact in the counseling room can be terrible.” - CLeaders(link is external)

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Politics of Mobilization vs. Politics of Persuasion: Conservatives “will need to win the hearts and minds of most Americans”

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“Instead of trying to persuade voters of the wisdom of particular policies, both Democrats and Republicans sought to mobilize the voters who already thought they way they did… . But if conservatives expect to fully implement their beliefs, they will need to win the hearts and minds of most Americans.” - Veith(link is external)

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The Futility of Coercing or Punishing Belief

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“…trying to use force to compel belief is both impossible (external pressure cannot change inner conviction, though it might bring external conformity that the person doesn’t really believe) and counter-productive (pressure and punishment turns people against the approved ideas).” - Veith(link is external)

Discussion

Conservatives missed the boat on the power of culture

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“Preoccupied as they were with political victories and strategies, movement conservatives were not very attentive to how the deeper beliefs and sentiments of people were evolving in the United States. Yet, political power is circumscribed by the culture of voters and what it will make them accept or reject.” - W. Examiner(link is external)

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