Many “intellectual” conversations I have had with others typically start positively with general discussions on philosophy and politics, but somehow evolve into discussion on religion. It just so happens that the majority of these religious topics ring distant bells of the Protestant Reformation and ideologies of Edward VI. As a Catholic, I vehemently defend my religion as best as I can because, after all, “I’m Catholic. I should know how my church works.” My argument rests heavily on my experience and growth as a Catholic and what I have learned as truth in my life. When arguments are posed to me such as, “Catholics worship Mary” I tactfully refute, “No, we don’t worship Mary. We honor Mary and we pray to her.” Sometimes, after much more rhetorical persuasion on my end, the conversation ends on a pleasant note with an imaginary tally mark added to my side of the argument as a win. However, sometimes the weight of my experiences do not hold enough credibility and authority to sway the opposing viewpoint. For instance, a recent discussion on religion in general which ultimately turned into a discussion on Catholicism as a concept of truth versus fiction brought to light issues such as provability. Many opponents of organized religion use this tact to prove their side of the issue and this is one area where my personal expertise in my religion can be refuted, and in this instance, refuted quite well. The only experience I could offer that was relevant to this experience was my own personal Catholic epiphany that cannot be related to others who are not open to this sort of experience or feeling. The comfort my religion has brought and my knowledge of the development of the church does not mean that it can be scientifically proven. The weight I attach to my pro-Catholic and pro-religion argument can easily be refuted when issues of provability come into fruition.
In some aspects, I truly believe that personal experience can serve as an authority to a given situation because personal experiences reflect a more human aspect than what data and statistical analysis can present. However, there will always be some facets of argument and discourse that cannot be supported by personal authorities.
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I think that personal experience does make you a reliable authoritative figure. I'm not religious in any way shape or form, and I'm most definitely not Catholic. So to me you are an authority because you know about Catholicism more than I do and you can teach me about it. I'm sure when it comes to debating on religion more or different people may not consider you an authority, but I would.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you stated that personal authority brings in a human demention. The human demention brings in a overwhelming amount of pathos to a argument. Since our emotions dominate a large part of our personal beliefs personal authority is a good rhetorical stratigy. However, unless your the pope there will always be people that are "more catholic" or a "better catholic" than you. So in this religion debate your "opponent's" religious qualfications play a huge role--ie. suitational ethos is linked to everything.
ReplyDeleteI believe that credibility has a big role in religion especially in arguments. For instance, if a Catholic priest was to argue with a Baptist pastor, I would most likely choose the priest because he is more knowledgable on the subject of christianity and religion itself. Of course me being catholic might put a little bias on that statement, but a catholic priest actually has a degree on the subject of theology.
ReplyDelete"Sometimes, after much more rhetorical persuasion on my end, the conversation ends on a pleasant note with an imaginary tally mark added to my side of the argument as a win." <---- This is why we're friends. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI think that the validity of a personal argument matters the most with who you are arguing with. If you were telling a ten year old about religion they would probably believe you with out question because you are undeniably older and wiser than them. If you were telling the same thing to a fellow student, though, you would need a lot more facts and proof and not just your own experience.
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