Like the question says, what is the difference? I have my own thoughts, but, I wanted to see what everybody else had to say. I like to see where folks stand, on the spectrum of dedication, too, to be honest.
Persistence is trying to influence change. Stubbornness is trying to resist change. Someone who is stubborn will refuse to do whatever it is you want done, no matter how persistent you are.
Stubborn: To continue on past the point of reasonability Persistence: To continue on when you know you are in the right, or when you know everything is going wrong
I like this explanation, but I prefer "Persistence is continuing against adversity. Stubbornness is continuing against reason." ^^So sort of like Cloudy's explanation.
Oh, Ken Ham. With a name that delicious, it's a shame he's the father of all nutcases. Back on topic: I think redneck summed it up well.