I believe faith distorts a person's sense of reality. People of faith are unable to use their reason to full effect. We see this occuring all the time. I myself experienced it when I had faith. My own journey as a Christian became more and more troubled towards the end, as I tried to use my reason to understand the countless theological, ethical, scientific and philosophical problems that my religion presented. Unfortunately, change does not come easy. Especially when there is the threat of eternal torture. Even thinking about the various problems Christianity presents seemed dangerous to me, as I thought I might be angering god. Religions that promote the concept of eternal torture are evil. Their God is a cruel psychopath. I hope these people will realize that their master is an evil tormenter, and that they have alligned themselves with the side of darkness and become blind followers of an evil being they imagine exists.
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Does faith compromise a person's ability to reason?
- Thread starter 839311
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Klaufi_Wodensson
Vinlandic Warrior
Well I think you should distinguish "faith" from Christianity. Faith could mean one's religion, or it could also mean the biblical definition, where God says to have faith. With biblical faith, yes, I think it distorts a person's sense of reality. But I don't think that is the case with religion itself.
The Wizard
Active Member
I picked, No. I don't understand why it would. Unless someone uses both in an unbalanced manner.
waitasec
Veteran Member
i want to say yes but it seems too harsh.
i have seen very nice people say and do things they would not normally do because of their religious faith. my mom for example has said pretty mean things about homosexuals and i know it's a challenge for her to say such things because it's not in her character. she's one of the sweetest people i know.
she just can't believe god is capable of contradicting himself...
to me that is unreasonable.
i have seen very nice people say and do things they would not normally do because of their religious faith. my mom for example has said pretty mean things about homosexuals and i know it's a challenge for her to say such things because it's not in her character. she's one of the sweetest people i know.
she just can't believe god is capable of contradicting himself...
to me that is unreasonable.
No, not at all for most people.
Yes. But it must be understood that various things are called "faith". Unfortunately, those that most often are meant by that word are among the most unhealthy.
Rainbow Mage
Lib Democrat/Agnostic/Epicurean-ish/Buddhist-ish
Many of the people who have seen me constantly question and refine my beliefs due to my skeptical mind can tell you, no faith doesn't impair the ability to reason. Reason is very important to me as a Theist, and why I keep seeking and asking questions.
St Giordano Bruno
Well-Known Member
External institutionalized Faith with a capital "F" such as an established church or even being a victim of the herd mentality or the bandwagon effect it could for sure, but just faith that is developed from within the person as should not be too much of a problem. Like for example my "faith" has nothing to do with majority beliefs of the wider population, they are just beliefs I find personally the most plausible to me, even if on some issues I am in the minority.
Rainbow Mage
Lib Democrat/Agnostic/Epicurean-ish/Buddhist-ish
The herd mentality even extends to Atheism. My my...
science_is_my_god
Philosophical Monist
What is reality? Do we really know? Sure, quantum physics can give us a rough idea. But modern science still doesn't definitively know.
Reason tends to be overrated when you consider the fact that Pantheistic Solipism, the idea that the mind is constantly dreaming that it is awake, is not only philosophically, mechanically, and physically possible, but probable. Quantum physics in and of itself brings us to about a 50% chance that reality is real. It sounds crazy but trust me, if you sit down and do the math it seriously comes out to about that.
I want to sincerely applaud you for your courage. Some of your more hardcore militant atheists can't comprehend how difficult this can be, especially when raised in a secular household as a child. I just want to let you know that if the god of the bible actually does exist, then he is either understanding as to why you chose to abandon your faith, or alternatively, a god not worth worshipping anyway.
It is a very difficult process to go through, I know first hand being raised and baptized as a Roman Catholic. I just want you to know that non-religious people are just as warm and compassionate as any priest can be (usually much more compassionate in my opinion) and you never have to walk through this difficult road alone. I've gone full circle from Catholicism to atheism and everything in between, so if you ever need someone to talk to you just let me know.
The Wizard
Active Member
This here is the same with me. If they are used in the wrong way or an unbalanced manner it's going to cause all sorts of problems.
There are successful religious scientists so one can only assume that they are able to apply critical thinking and skepticism to their scientific work but choose not to apply them to their religious beliefs. Possibly because they'e been raised to believe that there are some things to which these things can't or shouldn't be applied, presumably because of the realisation that if they were these beliefs wouldn't hold up to scrutiny.
I would conclude that yes it does comprimise ones ability to reason but that this needn't render someone incapable of reasoned thought in other aspects of their life.
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Breathe
Hostis humani generis
@OP
No. Sometimes it does, but most definitely I couldn't say "yes". So I chose "no".
Some are fundamentalists and literalists: for them, their "faith" is so strong that it does not need "science". I abhor this mentality. I don't even consider this faith. I consider this ignorance.
Not all theists are Bible-bashing creationists who have a fear of science. The world isn't also divided into black and white.
No. Sometimes it does, but most definitely I couldn't say "yes". So I chose "no".
Some are fundamentalists and literalists: for them, their "faith" is so strong that it does not need "science". I abhor this mentality. I don't even consider this faith. I consider this ignorance.
Not all theists are Bible-bashing creationists who have a fear of science. The world isn't also divided into black and white.