Comments on: Rationalizing Faith

By: Chip

Chip — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:55:52 +0000

There is indeed a powerful psychology pull toward what you term ‘magic.’ I am in the unique position of being a non-believer at an evangelical school. I still find from time to time drawn to the story of Christianity, the narrative of a fallen creation that is in the process of being restored.

But that has no effect on the truth value of the claims, and I think few people are willing the truth-claims of religion. As Karen said, I too am much happier when I am able to delineate between those things which are true and not true.

By: exevangel

exevangel — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:53:29 +0000

I think we all look for magic. Some days I think that the most inquisitive amongst us are the ones who explore the most different world-views when it comes to religion. And I think that’s not only ok but something to be desired!

By: Hugo

Hugo — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:03:58 +0000

I have no problem with faith. I think we all have faith. I think truth is decided democratically, by whatever means of voting. As silly as that sounds. Truthiness.

Either way, I see faith in empiricism bears fruit, so I think I will invite people to shift their faith-based mindset over into empiricism. It is still a beautiful world on the empirical side of the non-existent fence, it is just useful to get things done. Either that, or I will teach them how to live in harmony, from their side of the non-existent fence. Because, like it or not, there is no fence.

We all live by some sort of “faith”, or at least, that’s the way I see it. And I know I could be wrong, being a scientist, I think doubt is as important to faith as faith is to doubt.

By: karen

karen — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:06:51 +0000

I love magic, and mystery, and falling in love and all that, too. I love fantasy novels and mysterious stories. I just find that I’m happier and more balanced emotionally when I can make clear distinctions between fictional entertainment and reality.

It reminds me of a drug, a very potent and powerful drug. The addiction of religion is self-reinforcing with every positive emotion it creates.

Actually, given the powerful chemicals that are released in our brains when we have strong emotional experiences, like religious ecstasy or falling in love, there is a very valid analogy to an addiction to be made here. I have known Christian “junkies” who live from emotional high to emotional high and never miss the Christian conferences, Christian concerts and revival meetings so they can get their “fix.”

By: confusedchristian

confusedchristian — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:04:29 +0000

I will never believe that anything is inerrant again, that’s for sure.

By: bry0000000

bry0000000 — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:32:12 +0000

“I believe that I just am conditioned to look at things with a faith-based mindset.”

I am pretty convinced that many of us who grew up in church are conditioned to have a faith based mindset. Avoiding that mindset, if that’s what a non-believer wants to do, is an incredibly difficult task that requires us to constantly be aware of our conditioning and reject it. For me, getting over the mystic allure of religion was the hardest part in my de-conversion process.

“Some people can’t live without their religion, and will admit that even if it isn’t true, they choose to believe it because it gives their life so much meaning.”"

I really respect people who have this mindset. To me, they’ve honestly questioned their belief system, evaluated how their values fit into it, and chosen the lifestyle that has put them at peace with themselves.

Just a couple thoughts. Good post confused.