[phakding]

Majority of people attach themselves to a viewpoint based on either emotions or because someone they trust and respect told them so. And once they do, they can't separate themselves from their views. If you try to attack their beliefs, they take it as affront to themselves. When that happens, no amounts of facts will change their mind. Instead they will just shut you out and their beliefs will now be more firm.

I would love to tell you an alternative approach, but I don't know of any.

I have just given up. I just nod and say ok or change the topic. It's not my job to change people's minds.

[l33tbro]

My only technique is to calmly ask them questions based on their beliefs. I also don't really set out to change minds, but occasionally it can be amusing to watch people walk you through the goofy logic of their fringe beliefs.