they just don't get it

they just don't get it

I think one of the reasons debate is so hard to do, and often involves feelings of frustration coming into play, is that often I (and others?) feel misunderstood,or perhaps the person I am debating with comes across as just not getting it...also I have a feeling that this is not uncommon; so I am not unique in this, since I to get reactions from others, who more or less feel the same way about me when debating.

I think the above reactions are based on reality, what is not realistic is my getting frustrated, since that is based on a desire that is impossible to attain; that being my own system of belief, and my reasons for believing it, will be understood on a level that I desire.

I know that I can also come across as being someone who 'just doesn't get it" from those that I am trying to debate with, even with the best of intentions of trying to give my opponent a fair hearing. One way that I know this is that I am simply told, or another that leads me to this conclusion, is after I answer them, they respond that I did not answer their question, or that I even tried to avoid it. I guess I have to come to the realization that sometimes this happens and perhaps it is impossible for either one of us to understand the other; so frustration is avoided by simply excepting that reality.

Some atheist no matter how hard I try to communicate with them, nor how well, will still think me sick with some kind of mental illness, because of my faith. So be it, such is life and we all get it from time to time be we atheist, theist or some belief that is different and totally unique. I know that some theist will give no truck with atheist and have their mind already made up on who and what an atheist is; so I should not be surprised if I run into it with an atheist once in awhile.

Of course I need to learn not to go places where I am not welcomed. Some groups are made just so like minded people can get together and discuss topics in peace, so I can expect to get rough treatment if I go into such an environment. Of course some types love this kind of exchange, and I guess that is why debate groups survive so the fighting and word slinging can go on. I think that most moderates from all angles of the political or religious spectrum, for the most part don't get involved with debate since they just want to be left alone, and really aren't interested. For my part I think I got into this kind of communication genre in order to learn to be able to write more clearly about my beliefs, and I think I still have a long way to go in that regard.

peace
Mitch

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