Why do you post here?

1. Challenging my mind to new ways of thinking. Contrary to what many might think simply from hearing the term 'Creationist', I've actually adapted my position on numerous issues in the past to where I'm polarized almost down the line on both sides of normally partisan lines. For example, people hear I oppose Barack Obama and don't realize I've been opposing both him and George W. Bush since 2004. They hear I'm pro-life and don't realize I've been against the Death Penalty and the Iraq War for just as long. They hear 'Creationist' and don't consider that I support natural selection and adaptation but recognize the alternative Darwin himself considered, of parent species. They figure I'm Christian so I must be Republican even though I've voted 3rd party in every presidential election and many gubernatorial elections as well and affiliated with pro-life Democrats as early as 2007. I oppose free trade, support government regulation and universal health care, and if one were to look purely at my stances on economic issues would likely not be able to tell me from a liberal Democrat. I have played chess for years but this helps me open my mind to new lines of thought even better, and consider the views of other people. It's because I've been so willing to listen to others and consider all sides (including those not mentioned) that I've come up with such a unique set of views that is not truly symptomatic of any one group or political party.2. Being right on the issues. Talking to others on forums like this has been for years a way to reinforce my own beliefs about why I believe what I do, and assure myself there are no stones left unturned, as it were, in being confident about what I believe. I am confident that the Bible is true, and my beliefs are right. That is why I willingly engage in thoughtful dialogue with others on such forums, to pick their brains as it were It makes me consider all the sources of the other side, understand their arguments, and know why they believe what they do. It helps me in real life when I come across these arguments, because I've already met them time and again and had plenty of time to formulate my opinions on them. I like to research and analyze, examine and understand. I look at the issues on their merits, drawing my own conclusions separate from everybody else.3. Stuff that matters. These forums may get argumentative, but it brings out the controversial stuff that needs to be talked about. It makes you think about big picture stuff that has the greatest bearing on everything. Like I said, I want to be right on the issues - especially the most important ones. This keeps me focused on being the best on issues most important. It also assures I am prepared to honestly speak well-researched and thought-out lines of reasoning on the most important topics at all times.4. It's fun, and fun to learn. Lets face it, you're going to run into people who will be throwing out the best sources and lines of reasoning, and it will push you to be at your best. You have to constantly push yourself to see what they are saying, and consider the viewpoints. In the process of conversation, you learn about science and philosophy, politics and economics, worldviews, debate, and human nature. It makes you better in an engaging way. Yes, conflict occurs, but that's typical when anything worthwhile is at stake. Often, conflict is just the precursor to a noble goal.5. Understand opposing tactics. Ad hominems and strawmen fallacies abound galore on such forums. As a result of these forums, I've become very good at recognizing them, and how to avoid them. This is good for countering such tactics when they are used in real life, or else avoiding them altogether. I despise dishonesty though, and it's a constant struggle not to react angrily when they are used, and stay cool-headed. I am learning however.6. Open the minds of others. I am not concerned so much with getting others to accept my point of view as consider it. Many simply hear 'Creationist' and assume brainwashed, never-thought-for-themselves, poorly educated buffoon. As a result, my arguments may lead them to at least consider the potential lines of thought behind the topics, and that it might at least be debatable. This is the first step to being openminded, recognizing the other side is not simply stupid but has reasons for what they believe. Yes, some, even many may simply be reciting what they've heard from a pastor, scientist, etc. But there are free-thinking people on opposing ends of the spectrum, and the arguments more complex than both sides of the aisle would portray them when saying 'our side is right'. Recognizing this is the first step to consideration of one another and getting to the bottom of the issue with reasoned dialogue.Edited by Jzyehoshua, : No reason given.