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Preconceived ideas and Conclusions

When we enter any sort of discussion in general, but especially when we are discussing the existence of God, we have to be aware that people come in with preconceived ideas and conclusions, including us.

We've already concluded that God exists. We're not trying to work through the evidence. We are stating facts. And this is a problem when talking to someone because it gives the notion that you're speaking down at them. "You are unlearned, listen to me so I can impart some wisdom upon you". This is a bad discussion strategy and it stems from our lack of awareness of our Biases.

There is nothing wrong with having a bias. We're all humans, we all have biases. The problem is not being aware of these biases.

Being aware of our biases helps us with the next point.

Listening

How many times do we go into an argument with already a prepared list of responses.

I was watching some parliamentary debates and I was thinking to myself, boy these guys are not even talking to each other. One asks a question, and then the opposing party responds to a completely different point. It's extremely frustrating listening to those people.

In an discussion, we have to emphasise listening and empathy. 

If I'm coming in with a list of my own prepared responses, then I will not even bother listening to the other side. The other side will perceive me as simply wanting to prove I'm right, and will shutoff as well.

This will lead to a fruitless discussion, academic maybe, but lacking in love and empathy.

Dialogue

Dialogue is the action of exchanging ideas and giving them serious thought and consideration, even if I disagree with them.

Dialogue is also important in clarifying one's own thoughts.

For example, lots of time we hear about a concept, but if we don't discuss it out loud and work through the details of these concepts, the concept remains vague in our minds.

Dialogue plays an important role in our mental development.

It also plays an important role in understanding where the opposing point of view is coming from 

Before we embark on examining the answer

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