Which person is easier to persuade?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jen R on October 13, 2009 at 1:19am

It kind of depends on what you mean by adopting our stance. I find that many, even most, pro-life believers can be swayed to the need to use secular arguments against abortion. However, IME there's very little chance of persuading them to become nonbelievers. Admittedly, I don't try the latter.

Nonbelievers who are pro-choice seem to me less likely to be persuaded to a pro-life or pro-life-sympathetic view than pro-choice believers. I think this has something to do with the fact that abortion is commonly seen as a religious issue -- and particularly the pro-life position is seen as a Religious Right issue -- and nonbelievers are very used to fighting the Religious Right and automatically have their defenses up when it comes to anything associated with them.

Permalink Reply by Simon JM on October 13, 2009 at 1:28am

I'm not sure on that question but overall I've found people who seem to be moderate or non passionate about the issue are the ones more likely to change their view regardless of their beliefs. I remember one woman who understood the implications of the infants are't persons argument but thought evenso Pro-Choice is too entrenched to change.

IMO overall I've found atheists just as dogmatic on their pet beliefs as the worst Christian.

Permalink Reply by Chris Z on October 13, 2009 at 12:02pm

Great, Great, Great! Thank you Jen, Simon, and Hesiodos for your perspective. Go figure, I agree with all of you. I have to admit, I was a bit bent out of shape in wrestling with this queston; hence, I posted it.

I would recap what I have gained from each of your arguments, but I might as well copy and past each of your posts. What you have done is articulated and cleared up, for me, who is our audience; as well as, provided me with likely and useful ideas as to nature of each person regarding his/her reaction(s) to these issues. Moreover, you have both confirmed and elaborated on my picture as to how I might approach each of these persons when presenting my two most important positions. I will let you know how it goes, thanks again.