Happy Easter

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Reed Lover:
It is interesting that you suggest that I once considered the possibility that there was no God, but then became convinced that there was.  Indeed, I could easily - and correctly - posit that my original consideration of the possibility of the non-existence of God was largely, if not solely, the result of the brainwashing - the "thought control" () - of the rational, empirical worldview imposed on me by academia and my upbringing by rationalist, empirical-minded parents.  In this regard, I had to "get out from under" the "thought control" of the so-called "rational worldview" in order for me to even find the open-mindedness to consider the possibility that God exists.  In this way, as I've said before, the rational, empirical worldview can be just as "controlling" as you believe that a faith-based worldview can be.
Re the Scriptural passages suggesting that "one is to set aside one's intellectual notions and give in to spiritual thoughts," this is not what is meant.  One need not "set aside" - if by that one means "dismiss" - "intellectual notions."  No thinking Christian would deny that man's ability to learn and assimilate knowledge, and make use of that knowledge, is a gift, and is an important part of who we are as human beings.
Rather, the suggestion is that spiritual thoughts be given precedence over "temporal" or "carnal" (i.e., worldly, not necessarily sexual) beliefs, attitudes, etc.  It is simply a matter of "priority": to a rationalist, the priority is the temporal beliefs, feelings, notions, etc.  To a believer, the priority is spiritual beliefs, feelings, notions, etc.  Indeed, it is, ironically, the rationalist view that considers these two "approaches" mutually exclusive; the spiritual view does not: i.e., the spiritual worldview has more "room" for - and indeed can even incorporate - the "temporal" viewpoint, while the temporal viewpoint has little or no room (or even tolerance) for the spiritual viewpoint.
You continue to insist that the primary, if not sole, reason for "belief" or "faith" is man's fear of death, his mortality.  Unfortunately, this is one of those things that cannot be proven either way.  I could tell you that I do not fear death, and that my faith does not rest - either minimally or primarily, much less exclusively - on this.  And I believe that there are millions of people for whom this is true.  However, I am guessing that you would simply gainsay this, and accuse us of "denial" or some other psychological term.  As noted, since it cannot be proven either way, it is a moot point.  Suffice to say that, while mortality may indeed be the root of faith or belief for many, perhaps even of most, it is not so for all.  And if even one person truly does not fear death, and yet believes in God and the afterlife, your position is weakened.
Finally, re my "cheap shot," again you misread.  I do not have an "urgent need" to defend my faith.  I do, indeed, defend it in when the opportunity presents itself naturally, and when I can do so in a peaceful manner.  However, one need only read through this thread and compare our attitudes, approaches and demeanors to see that your "defense" of your position is far more vigorous and "urgent" than mine.
Peace.