Reminds me of the discussion I had with a member of a church about ECT vs CI*. His belief in ECT was strong but his ability to support it was weak. So he finally held up his large KJV and said, "I believe what the bible says!" And I siad, "So do I. Where we differ is in interpretation." I really felt bad. I honestly thought that guy was going to pop a blood vessel in his neck. The anger was tangible.
It shouldn't be that way. I've lost many an argument, and it was always because I couldn't support my position. When I was younger, I would get angry with the other person, but as I aged I only got angry at myself. I've always been a bit of a "Mr. Spock" in arguments. i.e. if I get emotional, I've lost the argument.
But an interesting thing happened when I lost arguments. It motivated me to KNOW my topic, or at least learn it as we go along. And the results were that usually one of two things happen:
1. I learn to support my argument.
2. My mind is changed.
I've actually shocked a few sparring opponents by changing my mind after some research. They think I'm faking it at first. They literally don't know how to respond to it. I classic example was when I changed my beliefs from ECT to CI about 12 years ago.
Also, regarding truth, I think Indiana Jones said it best: "
Archaeology is the search for fact ... not truth. If it's truth you're interested in, Dr. Tyree's philosophy class is right down the hall.
*ECT is Eternal Conscious Torment and CI is Conditional Immortality - annihilation. They are about the fate of the lost after the body dies.