Speaking the Truth about Miracles
Do not take religions of miracle such as Mormonism, Christianity, Islam and
Judaism seriously. Truth matters more than kindness in the sense that its unkind
to deprive people of the chance to grow and face the truth. But that does not
mean we promote the truth in an unkind way. We speak the truth kindly. If
somebody does not want to hear the truth from us, we respect that. Respecting
that means that we don't push. It does not mean we have to approve. However, we
may still ask them questions so that they can see through their own errors.
Religious people are defensive which is why they encourage the myth that giving
them the chance to see their faith is wrong or even telling them it is wrong is
rude. We need to ask them why their dislike of us playing devil's advocate
should come before our dislike of keeping what we see as the truth to ourselves.
Believers in the supernatural are being objectively irrational if not
subjectively. In other words, they are irrational even if they intend not to be.
If others truly respect us unbelievers, they will listen to what we have to say
for error breeds error and always causes trouble in time. Anything that harms
the truth is not good. We should be strong enough to go where the evidence leads
us for if something is true then the evidence need not be feared and may support
it.
You cannot protect people from themselves but do exercise and claim your right
of freedom of speech to warn them. For example, if a fanatical Catholic is going
to Medjugorje do not be afraid to tell them they should not look into the sun.
Tell them that Jesus said people must not look for signs but do his will. People
need to be informed so that they can make their own choices.
True respect for others treats them as searchers for truth. Guide them to
realise the truth for themselves by asking questions.