Open Discussions About The Paranormal

by The wanderer 113 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Elsewhere

  I defend the right to open discussion about anything.

  And does this not include the act of exposing a hoax?

  When a scientist presents a hypothesis or theory for peer review he is open to dissenting views and criticism... and appreciates this as it helps him improve his ideas. Reputable scientists love and encourage dissenting views and criticism... Bullshiters cannot tolerate this and will attempt to suppress dissenting views and criticism.

  When people propose a superstition or any other super natural idea they call it "bashing" or "intolerance". Anyone who is unwilling to accept criticism and demands for proof is someone who is unable to support his own claims. This peer review, or as some like to call it, "Bashing" serves the purpose of exposing bullsht for what it is.
• 

  BlackSwan of Memphis

  Open Discussions About The Para normal

  Several times threads would feature a particular discussion about the paranormal.
  In the past, discussions featured ghosts, unidentified flying objects, Ouija boards,
  and other similar topics which correlate to the paranormal.

  Some Individuals Are “Put Off” With The Subject

  On several occasions, it could not be helped but to notice that individuals who
  were having these discussions were often heckled, insulted or criticized by those
  who were somehow “put off” or offended by the discussion.

  Why?
  If an individual is confident and convinced that, his is the “right path”, then why do
  they feel a need to belittle others who are engaged in a harmless discussion?

  My impression about individuals who engage in these actions are that they seem
  to be as curious as everyone else about the subject, but in order to “save face”
  and “appease” others who think as they do, they opt to engage in a ridicule
  campaign of sorts.

  What are your thoughts governing this issue?

  Respectfully,

  Richard

  I don't think there is anything wrong with asking a person to rethink their position in a respectful manner. Often, I DO think that because of the internet we feel more comfortable being "blunt" when we MIGHT not be as blunt to a person's face. I know that I can fall into this trap, although, ha, in honesty I am getting more blunt in real life then ever before. Not sure if that's good or bad.

  I DO know that I have chosen to limit my net conversations. I honestly get annoyed when net converations get flaming or belitting, and I have experienced this both from beleiver and non believer.

  Asking people to think logically about their position is a good thing. However, the problem is as you suggested, sometimes, people will resort to belittling rather then discussing. As I said, it happens on both sides.

  Why do we resort to belittling? My best guess is that we're human and we get bitchy and in bad pissy moods and well, the net is here. And sometimes we, myself included, forget that the people reading our posts have feelings.
• 

  nvrgnbk

  And does this not include the act of exposing a hoax?

  Of course it does Elsewhere!
• 

  The wanderer

  Dear Elsewhere:

  Here are your words:

  "Because, when people disseminate false information and superstitions
  they are harming society as a whole by causing people to suspend logic
  and reason in favor of fantasy and fairytales."-Elsewhere

  Based on your words stated above if an individual introduced the
  information below based on the accounts of scientists and engine-
  ers would they still fall into the category of disseminating false
  information or superstition?

  Respectfully,

  Richard
• 

  SPAZnik

  "Because, when people disseminate false information and superstitions they are harming society as a whole by causing people to suspend logic and reason in favor of fantasy and fairytales." - Elsewhere
  
  Is that so?
  
  Are you against fictional movies too? They might be seen as a little bit of a false information dissemination and as fantasy and fairytale. Does Spiderman harm society as a whole? While I can see how life WITHOUT fantasy or fairytale would surely harm society as a whole, I, admittedly, fail to see how discussing things like the paranormal causes the 'suspense of logic and reason'.
  
  Are you suggesting, Elsewhere, that people should not discuss, wonder and speculate for fear they will suspend all logic?? I seem to recall the JWs suggesting much the same thing. "Do not take it upon yourselves to speculate brothers." 'Leave the thinking to us'. Seems like a desperate and arrogant attempt to corner the market on intelligence. What a fearful way to live!
  
  Geeezus, no discussing the unknown or unusual allowed? What will they think of next?
• 

  SPAZnik

  "This peer review, or as some like to call it, "Bashing" serves the purpose of exposing bullsht for what it is." - Elsewhere
  
  Uh, isn't that, like, "discussion"?
• 

  SPAZnik

  Wanderer - are you ridiculing the ridiculers? :P
• 

  SPAZnik

  I say let people laff and ridicule all they need to. Learning is a process and intelligence merely a tool. What say we lighten up juuust a smidge, and get over our selves and our own opinions, 'kay? I think it could be fun!! Enlightening even! :)
• 

  The wanderer

  Dear Spaznik:

  In answer to your question.

  "Wanderer - are you ridiculing the ridiculers? :P"-Spaznik

  No, I wanted to raise a question as to why
  individuals ridicule others for engaging
  in discussions such as the paranormal.

  "If an individual is confident and convinced that, his is the “right path”, then why do
  they feel a need to belittle others who are engaged in a harmless discussion?"-The Wanderer

  I was not motivated to cut anyone down.

  Respectfully,

  Richard
• 

  Flowerpetal

  I don't have any problem discussing the paranormal. I watch programs on it and find it interesting....some things are unexplainable, and some things, a person is free to choose what he/she will accept or reject.