08.19.08

Out talking the witnesses

Posted in Religion at 4:58 pm by Anthony

My nephew, Gavin, introduced me to a brilliant website recently. It’s called TED which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. The site brings together the worlds most fascinating thinkers and doers to give a talk on a wide range of subjects.

Last night I listened to author, philosopher and journalist, A.J Jacobs talking about the year he lived biblically – following the rules in the Bible as literally as possible. I’m not really a great fan of this kind of thing where a writer self-generates the subject matter of a book.

Some years ago a couple of Irish writers did something similar when they wrote a series of crazy letters to various business, political and religious leaders and produced a book based on the replies - I just don’t get the point.

During his year living biblically Jacobs had many encounters with a whole range of different religions. Hilariously, he claimed that he must be the only person in America to have a Jehovah Witness run away from him because their discussion went on too long.

I think I can make the same claim for Ireland. Some years ago I was visited by two Jehovah Witnesses and we got into a deep but enjoyable discussion on a whole range of religious topics.

Although I’m agnostic I’m very interested in the whole phenomenon of religion, its origins, how it affects people, nations and history. I particularly like to challenge religious opinions makers and evangelists.

As usual, only one of the duo engaged in discussion, the other just observed and listened. However, after a good half hour of intense discussion, the ‘silent one’ could take no more and let loose a tirade.

“Look, we’ve visited every house in this estate and I know they’re all Catholics but every one of them agreed with us on at least some points. You haven’t agreed on even the smallest point, you are completely unreasonable…”

Keeping in mind the golden rule – If you lose your temper, you’ve lost the argument, I courteously asked the man to wait until I had finished my point but clearly he had had enough and began to drag his protesting colleague away - They haven’t been back since.

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