People Changing Their Minds...
 

When discussing things with people of a different belief system...

Has anyone ever changed their minds during the actual process of the discussion? (hopefully it is a discussion... not an argument).

I'm not talking about a discussion about whether a color us blue of purple. I am talking about discussing doctrinal issues. Salvational, Eschatological etc.

The reason I am asking this is that I have found that most often, if not always, when discussion deep rooted subjects such as ones religious beliefs they will not change their minds at that moment. My experience has been that, if someone changes their mind about something, they will do so later on when the "defense mode" of a discussion has passed and the information that has been offered has had time to sink in.

I would like to know your experiences in this.

And... if this turns out to be so... Shouldn't we recognize that in our evangelist efforts with others? He that winneth souls is wise.

If this turns out to be the way things happen most often we might consider to make our modus operandi equal that realization and discuss things with people less from a standpoint where we are attempting to turn them in their beliefs right now and more from a standpoint of attempting to to plant seed of thought in their mind for later consideration and assimilation.

Perhaps one at a time we can reach a place where we recognize the fruitlessness of attempting "right in front of our eyes" changes in peoples minds and arguing with people is a thing of the past and we can find ourselves respectfully discussing things with people hoping that seeds of thought have been planted (perhaps on both sides... but.. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh) and God will bring the increase.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

Yes indeed. Most people will not respond to a won argument, but they will respond to your investment in them when you show the love of God.

I think we must also always leave open the possibility that we ourselves can learn from others as well - even unbelievers. Not talking about questioning our faith, but rather being transparent in humility, acknowledging that we don't claim to have ALL the answers either.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

Indeed...

I truly believe that truth possess in humility presented with respect to others can be an enticing display that, given time, can call to the yearning for truth that is in all of us.

Since experiencing this change in spirit I have also been surprised to find how much I can learn from others.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

I don't think it's even wise for anyone to change their beliefs on the spot. You should take time to ponder, study and pray.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

Very true...

Great point.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

In my experience, it's not the big discussions that have brought about great change in my beliefs, it's been little casual statements, offered in conversation that offered me a new way to look at something. That stretched my mind, or challenged me.

I definitely responded better to little seeds, then when someone tries to force feed me a whole tree ;)

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

FIrst off........ MICH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Secondly... Yes ma'am. This has been my experience as well. Both in learning from others and helping others to understand things.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

It's always a pleasant surprise to hear enthusiasm at my presence! :heeheehee

One other thing that I have found that helps both when sharing with others, and when others are sharing with me.

Is that people tend to respond much more positively when things are presented as a "Here's how I think about it", or "I find this interesting" or "Have you ever looked at it like...."

People (myself included) don't like to be approached like they are a broken piece of equipment that needs to be fixed. Often they don't want to be "taught" they just want to have a conversation.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

I will be teaching on the armor of God soon. This is one point that will be made on the Shield of Faith.

Faith is... our belief that something is true.

When people go on the defensive they pick up their shield.

When we come to people attacking what they believe they go on the defensive and lift up the shield of their personal beliefs. No one learns when they are on defense.

But when we speak to people in a manner that doesn't make them feel that they are having to defend themselves they never pick up that shield of their faith and they are receptive to hear.

Anytime you feel someone go on the defensive then it can be said with near certainty that all chance of making any progress with this particular conversation is over and done with.

Re: People Changing Their Minds...
 

I like that.

I love to learn, and I am usually a willing student, but to me learning is not one person talking and the other listening, it is the exchange of ideas, the sharing, the conversation.

That is probably one of the reasons why I do not enjoy traditional church services.