The power of Myth - Page 2

nroberts · 12-13-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duvidoo

Richard Dawkins suggests that there must be a Flying Spaghetti Monster ... since he has a gospel dedicated to him he must be real.

Amazon.com: The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster: Books: Bobby Henderson

Who's Richard Dawkins?

mentor · 12-13-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kblair7

I agree. What I am arguing against is not the rationalist school or religion, its the thought process, the logic, that some use to justify the superiority of their belief structure over another's. I don't care what it is, you could worship giant carrots. It is also the lack of respect that I sense, which really irritates me. Since it is simultaneously a lack of respect for our history and cultural development, as humble as those origins maybe.

I like the quote btw... when one believes himself to know absolute truth over his fellow man, he becomes a tyrant, and that nature of true evil in this world.

what you are saying is important. I quite agree that we do not respect each other's belief system as we should. I realize that I am not without sin in this regard as well. It is something that seems to have been part of the human fabric since the beginning, going all the way back to primates fighting over fig trees.

We are all wanting to say "my god is better than your god" even if we are athiests. The problem with being disrespectful of other's beliefs is that it hurts your own cause. At the same time, human belief systems continue to evolve. It is in a sense an epic battle for the hearts and minds of people.

You are a warrior, and I know you understand the rules of engaugement. I think you are choosing the right approach, in that tolerance and understanding of other's beliefs can win their hearts and minds. Any other approach is condemned to fail in the battle of ideas. But make no mistake, it is a war of ideas, and each combatant is trying to get the others to submit to her/his will, as von Clausewitz would say.

But these forums are a place where we can 'try out' ideas and see if they are either too over the top or too weak for use in the greater world. This is a place we come to wrestle, to make sport of ideas. I think it is accepted that the rules of tolerance are a little more relaxed here than in our society at large. We are tolerant of our intolerance toward each other's belief systems.

mentor · 12-13-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

Who's Richard Dawkins?

He first gained notoriety for "the Selfish Gene" and more recently for "the God Hypothesis".

Check out if you are not being facetious

http://richarddawkins.net

nroberts · 12-13-2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mentor

He first gained notoriety for "the Selfish Gene" and more recently for "the God Hypothesis".

Check out if you are not being facetious

http://richarddawkins.net

You sure he isn't just a South Park character?

mentor · 12-13-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

You sure he isn't just a South Park character?

Oh, he's a character all right!

kblair7 · 12-13-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

I actually don't know any atheist that claims they don't need purpose or meaning in their lives. I don't know of any atheist that doesn't have value for beauty and, for lack of a better word, the human spirit. So right off the bat you're apparently completely misunderstanding those you wish to convince.

I don't disagree with you. My argument is with people who rail against religion, and use flawed logic to do it. If you going to be a disbeliever at least do it right and don't be depreciating.

Duvidoo · 12-13-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

Who's Richard Dawkins?

Author of The God Delusion.

nroberts · 12-13-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kblair7

I don't disagree with you. My argument is with people who rail against religion, and use flawed logic to do it. If you going to be a disbeliever at least do it right and don't be depreciating.

I don't understand. What is 'depreciating' in this context? Can you provide an example of such flawed logic?

nroberts · 12-13-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duvidoo

Author of The God Delusion.

What's that?

mentor · 12-13-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kblair7

I don't disagree with you. My argument is with people who rail against religion, and use flawed logic to do it. If you going to be a disbeliever at least do it right and don't be depreciating.

I hate that "you've got to hold yourself to a higher standard" sh*t, but you are right. That's why the Christains were so successful when they were on top of their game. They are cruising on that reputation to this day, tho few act "Christain" anymore!

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