Protestant 'Dodging' arguments

[Isidore_AK]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to keep people on topic when talking theology? It seems like everytime I start to answer an attack, the person I’m talking to completely changes the subject to something else.

I can’t get her to hold still long enough to administer her medicine…

She asked if Catholics believe in the Rapture…I get three words in and BAM! Then to “I’m just a Christian, why do you think you have to be part of an Organization” (even though she goes to a Baptist Church), THEN 'Well, who do you think John the Baptist was?" (The whole ‘Ancient Baptist’ thing)…by this time I was ready to whack her on the head just to slow her down…

Anyhelp? Sedatives? ANYTHING?!?

 

[Milliardo]

I think sedatives will work for me. Same thing happens to me when talking to Protestants–they go on a different tact whenever the topic gets too heated for them. Add to that some loony, fringe sect’s views (anyone heard of the Inglesia ni Cristo, a sect founded by Manalo in the Philippines?) about Christianity (their version anyway), and you have a pretty loopy discussion going on. Oftentimes I just beg off the discussions–my head hurts talking to them (no offense meant to our separated brethren).

 

[Maccabees]

You can’t dialoge with a person who won’t listen to your side. Just move on not everyone is willing to hear your side of the story.
Fundamentalism shrinks the brain.

 

[juno24]

Isidore_AK:

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to keep people on topic when talking theology? It seems like everytime I start to answer an attack, the person I’m talking to completely changes the subject to something else.

I can’t get her to hold still long enough to administer her medicine…

She asked if Catholics believe in the Rapture…I get three words in and BAM! Then to “I’m just a Christian, why do you think you have to be part of an Organization” (even though she goes to a Baptist Church), THEN 'Well, who do you think John the Baptist was?" (The whole ‘Ancient Baptist’ thing)…by this time I was ready to whack her on the head just to slow her down…

Anyhelp? Sedatives? ANYTHING?!?

If you are really intent on discussing a particular topic, when the other person tries to go off topic why not just simply say something like, “That’s an interesting topic! How about we get to that after we’ve finished discussing X (the original topic)?”. If they are truly interested in learning and discussing, they will get back on track. If not, don’t waste your time.