Hello Vance,

Thanks for taking the time to write.

You said:

"My third reply: I really am trying to develop a process for talking to a person whom I suspect is more interesting in proclaiming the ideas in their head than in having a mutually respectful exchange of ideas. Here's a specific way to see if common ground can be found:"

Vance, I appreciate your desire for a charitable dialogue.

In every conversation we've had, I've made sure to respect you and your position. In longer messages, like this one, I quote your words and respond to you directly, to show that I'm listening and taking your words seriously. I answer your questions and engage in the conversation seriously.

We've had a respectful exchange of ideas.

You said:

"I could directly ask one or both of these questions:

(1) Would you be interested in hearing my views on the topic at hand? (Aside: it's helpful to give a brief indication of how one came to one's beliefs.)"

I'm always interested in hearing things like this.

But Vance, you've begun all of our conversations. You've picked what we talk about. You've controlled what our conversations cover. Yet you've never brought up how you came to your beliefs.

I'm open to hearing your beliefs and history, my friend. I love these kinds of conversations.

You said:

"(2) Would you be willing to honestly answer specific questions I have about your position? It's okay to object to a question and thus not answer it but not okay to simply ignore the question and change the subject."

Indeed.

I've answered every question you've asked. I don't fear questions, no matter how hard they hit.

I'll go back through my notifications just to make sure I haven't missed any.

You said:

"When the answer is "no", that would be a graceful way for both sides to move on."

Why should we move on?

I've enjoyed our conversations.

Yes, I have something I want to share. I've searched for truth my whole life, and i believe I've found it. I'm excited to share it!

You, as well, want to share your position, it seems. Simply having a position and wanting to share it is not a bad thing, my friend!