During TAM7 there was a panel with Penn and Teller on it. They were speaking about honesty. At one point Penn was talking about something bothering him with the act, and wondered if Teller had noticed it. Teller said (yes he speaks) "Yes I did but I didn't say anything. You're smart, I knew you would figure it out for yourself." That showed me the great respect that Teller has for Penn. If someone figures something out for themselves, it is far more powerful than if they are just lectured at. Sometimes skeptics need to let people figure stuff out for themselves. Not every non-skeptic is dumb. Many of them are very smart, and given the tools and chance, they will figure it out. It's a sign of respect for the person you are talking to to give them the chance to figure it out.
Remember, if you convince someone about aliens, crop circles, homeopathic medicine or ghosts, you have already given them a good lesson in critical thinking. They can then apply that critical thinking to other subjects. For many people, God is their BEER. You should be open about your lack of belief in God (if you are an atheist) but taking the next step well you have to be an atheist to be a skeptic can have all your critical thinking lessons shown the door! Save it for the next conversation, or let them figure it out as they gain more skills. Be open about whatever your beliefs (or lack of beliefs) are. Explain how it's important in your life. But show respect to your audience. Like Teller, understand people are intelligent and can figure stuff out without your stuffing it down their throat.
Many skeptics have some beliefs that perhaps are better called faith. It might be God, or perhaps, homeopathic medicine or fairies. As long as they understand that it's faith (belief without any supporting proof) and aren't touting it as fact, I think there needs to be some acceptance in the skeptic community. A few sips of beer, and enough respect for others that allows them to change their own minds, can make for a more welcoming skeptic community.
A welcoming group is one
people want to belong to.
