h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Asking a question doesn't entitle the asker to an answer. As a Mormon myself I don't throw pearls before swine.

Fair enough, but if you refuse to answer it surely turns people away, or makes them suspicious.

Answering someone with a genuine curiousity who is searching for Truth is fine. It is when the inquisitor is twisting Truth, stating lies and opinions as fact, and generally trying to be contentious that it is better to hold your peace.

Being contentious is about debate, though isn't it? If someone agrees with everything they hear straight away surely they's be a bit of a drone? As for lies, non-Mormons seem to be accused of telling lies against the church. This has happened, but the history of the church has many people involved and many versions of history, so one person's fact might be another's lies, when discussing what went on in the 19th century etc.

Debate (as in discussion) is fine, but when it degenerates into name calling and accusations then is becomes contention.

I guess that contention comes when there is no respect for the other persons point of view. Someone else may not share your beliefs, but you should still respect their point of view. Contention, I believe, happens when that respect is absent.

Yes I agree with what you are saying.

I think a lot of mistrust and name calling results because believers feel non believers are trying to undermine their faith, while non believers are dismayed by the inevitable judgements of believers on them for failing to believe!

Religion causes strong feelings doesn't it, probably because it's an issue bound up in emotion and hope and fear, rather than dispassionate statistics.

And the question is?

good question..