Reply #33: Somtimes, by arguing back strenuously, you convince the onlookers.

[bigmonkey]

I'm not convinced that strong argument doesn't convince. It's unlikely to convince the person you're arguing with right then, but:

1. They may continue thinking about it and realize later that you were correct. This has actually happened to me, and I mean by that that I've been contacted by the person I was arguing with to tell me that.
   
   
2. The people who are watching the argument, either online or in real space, can be convinced by the arguments they hear.
   

I try to stick to facts, but if the person is claiming authority through their superior Xtian qualities, pointing out that they are in fact failing to follow Jesus' teachings or example is appropriate. Similarly, if they want to use the Old Testament to justify their actions, it seems mean but is appropriate to point out that those rules were explicitly superseded by the New Testament.