The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #112522 Message #2381883
Posted By: Bee
05-Jul-08 - 03:35 PM
Thread Name: BS: the religious case against belief
Subject: RE: BS: the religious case against belief
"I like this phrase from Carse: Keeping the discussion alive is part of the power of religious faith. Carse also says that all the important questions are always open for further discussion. He uses nuclear power as an example - a few years ago, "no nukes" was the universal creed of liberals; but now some are reexamining nuclear power as a solution to our energy needs. Another: look at your own argument from the point of view of those who disagree with you. I can't say I found anything Carse said, that I could disagree with. Good program. My belief system doesn't really allow for absolutes, but I'd say this program is absolutely excellent. Carse says exactly what I've been trying to tell you guys for all these years: true religious faith is exploring the questions, not having all the answers. So, hey, why don't you listen to me?" - Joe O
I'd like to read this book, having read the reviews (couldn't listen to the program now, later I may).
To address your last paragraph: by that definition, I and many other agnostics (and some atheists) could be described as having true religious faith, which sounds counter intuitive.
Often the biggest difficulty in 'keeping the discussion alive' is the refusal of most believers to allow that there is a discussion to be had on the central questions of religion. They say they know there is no question at the very centre of faith, often they say they have personal knowledge that there is not. They are convinced that they have the superior position, and thus do not value an agnostic position.
It is very difficult to carry on peaceful and thoughtful discussion of mysteries with someone who has decided from the outset that your position has no merit, the moreso when you yourself are allowing that their position has at least the possibility of merit. It is uneven ground.