Where do you go for intellectual discussion/debate?

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nodito

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…other than CAF, that is. 😉 Lately I have found myself craving discussions about controversial topics: same-sex marriage, the CA vaccine mandate, current events, bioethics, etc. I like Catholic Answers but would love to have discussions in person. My husband and I are largely of the same mind, and it’s not as satisfying when you say something and the other person goes, “Yep, that’s what I think too.” I have some good friends who do not share my faith or perspective on moral topics, but they don’t care for intellectual debate and so we tend to only discuss our kids and personal lives. I feel like I need a book club that only discusses interesting non-fiction books, or a discussion club or something, or else a close friend who likes to engage in thought-provoking conversations. I’ve checked on meet-up but so far nothing in my area seems like a good fit.

Anyone else in the same boat? How do you meet your need for intellectual debate? Or do CAF and other online venues satisfy you?
 
nodito said:
…other than CAF, that is. 😉 Lately I have found myself craving discussions about controversial topics: same-sex marriage, the CA vaccine mandate, current events, bioethics, etc. I like Catholic Answers but would love to have discussions in person. My husband and I are largely of the same mind, and it’s not as satisfying when you say something and the other person goes, “Yep, that’s what I think too.” I have some good friends who do not share my faith or perspective on moral topics, but they don’t care for intellectual debate and so we tend to only discuss our kids and personal lives. I feel like I need a book club that only discusses interesting non-fiction books, or a discussion club or something, or else a close friend who likes to engage in thought-provoking conversations. I’ve checked on meet-up but so far nothing in my area seems like a good fit.

Anyone else in the same boat? How do you meet your need for intellectual debate? Or do CAF and other online venues satisfy you?
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I do not know if I can post this here per CAF rules, but have you tried Meetup? Maybe there is a discussion group there?
 
I remember in college this was the great stuff of late night discussions. Of course, it usually involved alcohol and we were all puffed up with how smart we were, so I’m not sure how substantive the discussions actually were…

…I actually got very tired of debating. I was very abrasive and mean about it at times, even in person (though I held basically opposite positions then). I feel like I do better now by avoiding that kind of thing, for the most part, but I do like engaging intellectually now and then. Book groups are good for that. I know our library has discussion groups for things.

I do have a couple online places I like to go where the comboxes are well moderated. Let me know if you’re interested in those and I can PM you. 🙂
 
nodito said:
…other than CAF, that is. 😉 Lately I have found myself craving discussions about controversial topics: same-sex marriage, the CA vaccine mandate, current events, bioethics, etc. I like Catholic Answers but would love to have discussions in person. My husband and I are largely of the same mind, and it’s not as satisfying when you say something and the other person goes, “Yep, that’s what I think too.” I have some good friends who do not share my faith or perspective on moral topics, but they don’t care for intellectual debate and so we tend to only discuss our kids and personal lives. I feel like I need a book club that only discusses interesting non-fiction books, or a discussion club or something, or else a close friend who likes to engage in thought-provoking conversations. I’ve checked on meet-up but so far nothing in my area seems like a good fit.

Anyone else in the same boat? How do you meet your need for intellectual debate? Or do CAF and other online venues satisfy you?
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I’ll take any and all ideas, suggestions, etc.
Can’t happen at work.
Can’t happen where I live.
Can’t happen at Church despite some really noteworthy people.

HELP! I am tired of hearing the pros and cons of salt and pepper! AUGH!!!
:banghead:
This is why I fear losing my computer. I NEED YOU PEOPLE!!

Well, that wiped me out…
 
I am in college, so I have plenty of chances to discuss many different topics.
 
nodito said:
How do you meet your need for intellectual debate? Or do CAF and other online venues satisfy you?
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:newidea: I used to visit a Forum called: ‘Debating Christianity and Religion; arguing for and against Christianity.’

The Webmaster, who is of course the Lead Administrator, is a Christian. The moderators under him are of a mixed pool. There are Christian and Atheist moderators overseeing the board.

The atmosphere is ripe for a good debate. There are sub-forums addressing numerous other religious systems, including Judaism, Islam, and the pagan peoples.

If you desire to debate about Catholicism specifically, then yes, there is also a Subforum for that too. I won’t post the link, as the first page of results in this subforum contain inflammatory thread titles.

Purpose of the Subforum, by Winepusher.
*"The purpose of this subforum is to discuss and debate topics relating to Catholicism and the Catholic Church. This will not be similar to Holy Huddle, where only Catholics can post here. It will be open to all: Protestants, Atheists, Catholics, anybody from any faith.

If you wish to challenge Catholicism, or the Catholic Church as an institution, you may do so here. If you wish to discuss Catholic Theology using the Bible as authoritative, you may do so here."*

There is also a bible study Subforum.

:compcoff:

During the time I spent there, I was of the impression that the rules are enforced and that the moderators are not prejudiced.

Here is an example of one of their rules: “When a Christian is reported, a Christian moderator will evaluate and punish them. When an Atheist is reported, an Atheistic moderator will evaluate and punish them.” <---- Essentially, if you get into trouble, someone belonging to your chosen religion will be the one dealing with you. This is a clever rule because it increases the chance of fairness.

Should you decide to defend Christianity, you will of course experience the natural consequences of defending the faith. However, you will not be banned simply for defending and supporting Christianity.

I spent a year debating on that website until I lost my flame. Perhaps a flame within yourself might be lighted. :knight1:
 
I teach at a college. Plenty of opportunity for daily worthwhile debates/discussions.
 
My friends are pretty good for discussions, but to tell the truth, I am tired of discussing a lot of things anymore. My husband turns the news on all day long, unless I make a stink about it, so that is all I hear – discussion and debate. And it is depressing.

I prefer talking to my grandchildren and the kids next door, where the only debate I hear is between the 2 and 3 year old.

I just want to have a meaningless conversation once in a while, preferably one that will make me laugh. That is why I like hanging around the kids. I have become a pitiful specimen of a once astute college student. 😦
 
Have a local college? Give the Philosophy Dept a call to see if they have any groups. You could also audit a course and get connected with other cranial types:D
 
As it happens, DH and I have a lot of arguments. The good, intellectual ones, that is–it’s what happens when two overthinking nerds get married. 😉

We agree on all the basics, but often take different approaches to them. As a result, things here can get heated, but it’s all rather fun.

That website mentioned above, the one about discussions pertaining to Catholicism, looks fun. I may look into it.

I also frequent a blog with a very active comments section. The blog is about science/parenting/women’s health, and the commenters come from every imaginable background and perspective, meaning that I get to learn about how other people see things as well as examine my own ideas on those subjects. Fun!
 
nodito said:
…other than CAF, that is. 😉 Lately I have found myself craving discussions about controversial topics: same-sex marriage, the CA vaccine mandate, current events, bioethics, etc. I like Catholic Answers but would love to have discussions in person. My husband and I are largely of the same mind, and it’s not as satisfying when you say something and the other person goes, “Yep, that’s what I think too.” I have some good friends who do not share my faith or perspective on moral topics, but they don’t care for intellectual debate and so we tend to only discuss our kids and personal lives. I feel like I need a book club that only discusses interesting non-fiction books, or a discussion club or something, or else a close friend who likes to engage in thought-provoking conversations. I’ve checked on meet-up but so far nothing in my area seems like a good fit.

Anyone else in the same boat? How do you meet your need for intellectual debate? Or do CAF and other online venues satisfy you?
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I joined a Lay Dominican Chapter and that has really stretched my mind!
 
felsguy said:
Have you looked into joining Mensa?
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That’s flattering, felsguy. I’d consider myself above average intelligence and well-educated, but I’d be surprised if I tested into the top two percent of the population IQ-wise. My husband, on the other hand…
 
Looking for debates? Obviously you don’t have two teenagers like I do. Actually, my oldest is headed to college in a month - and I am going to miss our debates.
 
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