Because sometimes people do change their minds.

[Lyserg Zeroz]

atheistexperience.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-previous-thread-someone-wrote-while.html I thought I'd post this on Anything and Everything! section, but I'd rather post it here, just in case, and because it's related to debating.
Just a reminder that discusion is not always useless ;D, even if only for rare occasions. I liked this and so I just wanted to share it with you people.

[Nakor]

Just so. It's also worth noting that no single debate will ever change someone's mind about something so thoroughly embedded as religion tends to be. Even in this example the turnabout was slow and gradual.

I only recently read another conversion story which, while not quite the same sort of debating, is quite an interesting read. Eric Workman, valedictorian of Indiana’s Greenwood High School, was fighting for church/state separation -- and was Christian. He received so much disdain from the Christians involved in the fight (and positive support from the freethinking community in general) that he ended up questioning his beliefs and is now an atheist.

You can read his speech here

I leave that as an example of why, when debating, we have to be respectful of the other side. Trolling and insults do not help make your case; more often, they just drive people away.

[Lyserg Zeroz]

That's true, when it happens, it usually takes time. But I think sometimes a single debate can be an important break point in which people realise there may be something odd about their beliefs, and one debate can start something that with time may lead to a conversion/deconversion(?).

Interesting read indeed, also good that in the end it seems it was a very positive experience for him, it reminds of the "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" thing, and the fact that sometimes is specially important for people to have a supporting group for when they are questioning their beliefs or going against the beliefs of a majority.

Anyways, merry christams or happy whatever you're having, people!