Even in the most atheistic and secular circles, labeling a particular argument with defamatory words is still an
ad hominem, and is still, therefore, a fallacious argument.
“I’m sorry, but calling me a bigot is simply an
ad hominem. Why don’t you address my actual arguments, instead of simply name-calling?”
I think some folks have been washed away by a consistent stream of propaganda, and they want to fit in. They don’t actually look at the issue in a sincere manner, because ultimately, they’re not interested in not fitting in. I would try to see if my friends and family-members fit that mold, and if they did, I would call them on it.
For a good understanding of the very solid and logical reasoning of our position—which in no way revolves around bigotry or even around “religious fanaticism”, as another
ad hominem may put it—I would recommend Trent Horn’s
radio showsWhy Do You Want to Redefine Marriage? on the subject. Trent very calmly and rationally defends the Catholic position, and I would recommend looking over his shoulder for some help.
Yes, I really think our position is incredibly rational, and yes, I think the alternative perspective is often emotional and shallow. I think knowledge of this will help you to care far less about whether you are alone, and simply to pity those who have been fed a massive shovel-load of lies. This will give you zeal to help them, because ultimately, they need conversion in this area, as we need conversion in other areas.
