True, though I would say that there are some groups who seem to have more individual members than others who hold contradictory viewpoints. Many proponents of modern instead of classical feminism, for example, do hold both those views on sex, or something similar. Same with the contradictions you'll often see in "emergent church" thinking about the meaning of the Scripture or the properties of God, etc.
Not to say this means the philosophies of the groups are incorrect, though I think that's also the case. It does, however, sharply reduce the amount of trust I'm willing to give their members right off the bat. While I'm as likely to disagree with a Canadian Conservative as I am a Canadian Liberal, and just as vehemently, I'm much more willing to open and continue a dialog with a Conservative because my experience has been that they will more often than not open with and continue to use reason. Liberals I've met- not all, but most- resort to shouting and browbeating and guilt within five minutes, if they don't start right away.
Again, that's not saying Liberals (or "emergent church" people, or post-modern feminists, or whoever) don't have a point. I've been forced to admit they've got some good arguments for why, if not how. But I avoid listening to them because they are not very capable of expressing coherent thoughts.
no subject
Not to say this means the philosophies of the groups are incorrect, though I think that's also the case. It does, however, sharply reduce the amount of trust I'm willing to give their members right off the bat. While I'm as likely to disagree with a Canadian Conservative as I am a Canadian Liberal, and just as vehemently, I'm much more willing to open and continue a dialog with a Conservative because my experience has been that they will more often than not open with and continue to use reason. Liberals I've met- not all, but most- resort to shouting and browbeating and guilt within five minutes, if they don't start right away.
Again, that's not saying Liberals (or "emergent church" people, or post-modern feminists, or whoever) don't have a point. I've been forced to admit they've got some good arguments for why, if not how. But I avoid listening to them because they are not very capable of expressing coherent thoughts.
...
/rant