I do grow from those discussions. Which doesn't mean I change my ideology based on what others say, but I do discover new things about my own ideas, new angles to look at them from and even if I think what x person says is just a pile of garbage, it still forces me to look from other directions(and I don't mean putting myself in their shoes, but simply take a different thinking route), and this is a learning experience.
I refuse to be anchored in the same thoughts all my life, I learn more everyday and this is why (para)philosophical conversations, or intellectual in general, are enjoyable to me.
I do concur. But alas, whenever i visit there seems to be less about Politics and Religion and more about ranting and raving.
I enjoy political banter. I think it's some of the funniest things in the universe how much people can lie to just gain peoples favor. Although i'd say that someones political beliefs can easily point out how a person really is, and how some people make a judge on character based on this fact too. Yet Ironically some of the nicest, charitable people i know are often quiet right wing politically. Which offers quiet an
interesting view. (I mean you'd think that they'd be more lib or left right?)
I also find it really interesting on how regional politics can be too. I think i prefer just stone cold facts than the banter though which P&R can have. But meh. *shrugs* that's how politics is right!
Mind you that kinda comes in where i studied more Political History than Politics as just the subject itself.