On the contrary. More space should be given to individual experience without the need for explaining why. — Valentinus
One way to look at it is that the language of the mystics will never square with that of those who are interested in the boundary between the possible and what have you.
For myself, the two registers are too far apart to have an argument with each other.
But others do not feel or think that way.
My point of view is not close enough to others to make an argument either way.
I accept the criticism that such a point of view doesn't try to sort out a lot of issues.
But I own that lack of clarity. I don't blow it off as unimportant. — Valentinus
So for the 101 student, what are people looking for to prove God's existence? What domains of Philosophy are appropriate? What domains of Science are appropriate? — 3017amen
(and yes i do believe in evolution).
— christian2017
"Believe in" it, huh? — Frank Apisa
So for the 101 student, what are people looking for to prove God's existence? What domains of Philosophy are appropriate? What domains of Science are appropriate?
— 3017amen
In a word: power. And that means prediction and control. We care about what can help or harm us. Feed the hungry. Foil the tyrant. Heal the sick. To an unbeliever like myself, religion taken literally looks like wishful thinking. I wish there was a benevolent god. It's such a nice idea that I'm amazed I haven't let myself believe it without evidence. The skeptical path is a dark one. It's a manifestation of elitism through a 'dietary restriction' (what the mind will accept as reliable.) — jjAmEs
christian2017
1.2k
(and yes i do believe in evolution).
— christian2017
"Believe in" it, huh?
— Frank Apisa
accepting and believing are both spectrums, and these are two spectrums with very similar meanings atleast in the case when they are used in certain contexts.
I could have said "i accept evolution" or "i accept the theory of evolution" or "i accept that the theory of evolution is true". — christian2017
We have had this discussion before but what the heck, let's try again. Maybe it will get better.
If you are having conversations with God, what is there to prove? The whole thing about proof, as something that people do, is to make something necessary beyond any doubt. If God starts talking to me in clear language that my tiny mind understands, it will be life changing and incommunicable to others. Other people don't want to hear about the good time I am having with God.
And I don't blame them for their resentment. It is really annoying to have other people claim a relation to stuff that others don't feel, share, or understand.
What could make for a different outcome? — Valentinus
You can't prove God by reference to empirical evidence because if you did, you would be misunderstanding the epistemological method for believing in God, which is through faith alone. — Hanover
That "believe in" construct just sits so poorly with me, I mention it from time to time. — Frank Apisa
I could have said "i accept evolution" or "i accept the theory of evolution" or "i accept that the theory of evolution is true". — christian2017
3017amen
1.5k
That "believe in" construct just sits so poorly with me, I mention it from time to time.
— Frank Apisa
Frank!
I realize that word 'Belief' gets under your skin. It would be intriguing to explore some of the reasons with you, as I don't recall us ever chatting or reading about that... . Can you elaborate on your contempt of same? — 3017amen
I could have said "i accept evolution" or "i accept the theory of evolution" or "i accept that the theory of evolution is true".
— christian2017
Christian!
I get a sense that you are opposed to the dichotomization of creation and evolution. Can they co-exist? For instance, in a similar fashion, theoretical physicist Paul Davies has a theory about the concept of a di-polar God, are you familiar with that? — 3017amen
in a Philosophy forum...when matters of the true nature of the REALITY of existence are being discussed, I think the words are inappropriate. — Frank Apisa
It seems to me that faith and belief are closely related. — 3017amen
I don't think Belief is a blind guess. — 3017amen
It seems to me that faith and belief are closely related.
— 3017amen
I agree with this. They are related.
"Belief" (in the context we are discussing) is a blind guess about the unknown.
"Faith" is INSISTING that the blind guess is correct. — Frank Apisa
"IN THE CONTEXT OF WHAT WE ARE DISCUSSING!"
I have written those words several times in this thread.
I am discussing people using the words "believe/belief" and "faith" IN THE CONTEXT OF A DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT DOES OR DOES NOT EXIST IN THE REALITY OF EXISTENCE.
It really has nothing to do with your mother, Christian. Surely she is a fine woman...learned, educated...and not a crack-head. I hope she gets the job. — Frank Apisa
sure what to say...you are moving all over the place rather than discussing a single issue. — Frank Apisa
You seem to disagree.
If you are...tell me how either of those statements is NOT a blind guess. — Frank Apisa
God doesn't exist. — wiyte
You project that some immaterial form exists. — wiyte
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