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In my mind this position defies logic. There are basically two major ways of coming to such a conclusion as "Agree to disagree" position. First is lack of knowledge. Second is ignoring certain information. I cannot attest which is more prominent in your case since I don't know you all that well. I also admit the possibility that it maybe neither.
Regardless, allow me to explain what I meant.
Truth is singular, it is illogical to assume otherwise. Truth about something is the exact nature of something. Which ever opinion about that something someone has doesn't matter. Object in question is how it is. If two people think about it differently - they can never be both correct. They maybe relatively the same distance away from truth, that is the only probable equality of judgmental opinions.
Consensus, as I understand it, comes from word "sense", both verb and noun. Verb signifies process of acquisition of information. Noun signifies knowledge resulted from working out that information. If one says "2+2=4" and the other says "2+2=10" then consensus is not "something in between". I wish there to always be a "sense" in consensus. And that can be achieved by mutual strive for truth.
How can one protect oneself from self-delusion on that path? What is the logical answer? Being deluded is the same as accepting something as irrefutable without knowing everything to prove it irrefutable. So the key notions would be 'challenge' and 'doubt'. Until you know everything there can't be anything you can call an absolute truth. You must challenge everything that composes your worldview regularly to not become arrogant. You must have doubt, otherwise you're likely to fall prey of a self-delusion.
People are stupid. They will believe any lie if they WANT to believe it or if they are AFRAID that it might be true. There is no way counter this other than be mindful of that fact. How can one build one's life and understand one's purpose without succumbing to a delusion? Same way. Knowledge is the answer.
I happen to have certain knowledge about person you call Jesus. And it's not what most people would think. I have only admiration towards this person, but I would never insult neither him nor myself by forfeiting my strife for truth - making him something he isn't and accepting anything for granted.
You said for what you would die. I should be fair and do the same. I would gladly give my life and my soul to full capacity - to clear out the fog of lies that parasites weaved around humanity to feed upon us. It physically pains me to see all this unfold. English doesn't word that can accurately describe what I feel when I see people becoming mindless creatures, refusing to think, depraving themselves of the means to fulfill humanity's purpose. But at the same time I know some people who didn't give in to the temptation of granted 'truths', who couldn't allow themselves to let go of their minds. Every time I think about them I feel that they are those who will survive the mass degradation. True champions of our species. Ironic that they are in a way much closer to the person you call Jesus that any religious person I have even known.
I would also die for my family, my people. There is certain knowledge that allows me to make this decision without regard for my own future, effectively sacrificing my own personal purpose. Maybe one day, if it all works out, I'll teach you this knowledge. If that day comes, I can predict that will be able to intuitively understand it.
I'm sorry that I can't explain myself very clearly. There is a huge gap between what I want to say and have to ability to express.
After all - maybe you are exactly right. Maybe all I do in my life is for nought. Maybe there isn't any truth besides faith or mathematics, maybe Wittgenstein was right. But I refuse to fall into that ignorant bliss until I've exceeds all other possibilities.
I'm not angry or frustrated. I just want you to understand that I think walking forward and moreover walking together requires mutual effort. For me to "Agree to disagree" would be like kill my own parents. I can change any of my positions (done some on numerous occasions) and I never force my position upon anyone. I only want proof that I'm wrong. I agree to work together towards the truth. I agree to help you on your way if you choose to strive for truth. But one thing I won't do - I won't turn away from truth. There is nothing religion can offer me that I don't have on my own simply by virtue of being human.
I can be your friend, friends help each other, especially when one does something stupid. I wouldn't stand and do nothing when my friend is sinking into the depths of addiction. Since you were able to speak with Joe on your own - I think you have enough of an open mind to change for the better. I would be glad to see you self-develop.
When I think of liberty I think of the word 'freedom'. Freedom is the right. Any right in any way, as much as any power, transfer into responsibility. Such as right to life.Responsibility for life is to live it good, not waste it. I don't think liberty is about allowing everybody to do whatever they want - that is in fact happens regardless of whether liberty exists. Current lack of liberty mostly manifested in inability to do right things legally, wrong things - far less so, because the nature of wrong things cares not about legal aspect more times than not. I think of liberty as a freedom from parasites, freedom from stupidity, freedom from self-delusions. Maybe I'm asking too much out of it, but I think if something is worth doing - it's worth doing well.
What is essential for our agreement? For me it is only one thing - strife for truth. If we can agree on that - everything else will fall into place eventually (if the strife is genuine by both).
Sorry for making this so long. There just things that had to be said. Trust me when I say that I wouldn't bother to explain nay of this if I didn't care. I always have something to do and it doesn't exactly bring me joy to make lengthily explanation without too much hope of reaching other person's heart. But Joe said good things about you and I value his opinion.