"When in the service of Mother Church, any response, as long as it uses words, is a refutation of those who are not part of Mother Church."
My church right or wrong? I agree this is a problem.
When a dialog cannot be made and both sides just throw ad hominum or I am right you are wrong attacks, then we are wasting our time.
Debate does not actually get anywhere either, in my experience, as those on either side are already to emotionally attached to their ideas. Only occasionally will a debate spur real reflection on the opponents position away from the emotion. It is those that have not made up their minds that debates can effect.
Is it possible to get a dispassionate debate on something so tied to the human emotional response as religion is?
It's a cinch that when White blames those who act "in the service of Mother Church," he's not blaming Baptists or Presbyterians.
Nothing like a little finger-pointing to advance the cause of Christian charity.