Losing faith?

[sojourner]

It scares the hell out of them but they have the advantage of group narcissim, which enables them to fight against all those who threaten their clans and they, therefore, become islands unto themselves.....but still, forever, afraid that one day they too will become the one singled out for some tiny infraction.

It's one hellova stigma-threat and only the pack mentality can avert its gaze.

Nah. Doesn't scare most Christians I know.

 

[sojourner]

A logically incongruous statement.

How? Can you provide some valid support, or is this a vapid claim?

 

[George-ananda]

Primitive people thought epilepsy was demonic possession, and once medical science developed they saw it for what it was. And it wasnt demonic posession. Before germs were discovered, people thought they were being punished by evil spirits. And so on.

My point is, every gap in knowledge was filled by 'god', karma, spirit, or some mystical entity. But as we gain knowledge, these entities disappear.

So my question is: If you're religous, do you ever feel that sooner or later your present beliefs will also be eclipsed by more knowledge as we advance? Does it scare you?

I think you're thinking in the old-school way. Narrow religion versus narrow science Narrow science has for the most part won that battle. However I see broad science/religion being the way of the future.

Narrow religionists get scared by the big bang theory, evolution theory, etc.. They produce counter-arguments that appear contrived and weak.

Narrow science people get scared when they hear claims of things that just don't fit into a materialist world-view; miracles, spiritual encounters, etc.. They produce counter-arguments that appear contrived and weak.

What one philosopher refers to as broad science/religion goes where the evidence takes them and they are not compelled to make all experiences fit into a certain world-view. Their world-view evolves.

 

[Sir Doom]

So my question is: If you're religous, do you ever feel that sooner or later your present beliefs will also be eclipsed by more knowledge as we advance?

No, this is part of my dogma. No belief will stand in the face of new information. Its impossible to stop this process, so I embrace it as fundamental.

Does it scare you?

Hell no! The opposite. Its a confirmation of everything I hold sacred. It's the absolute basis of every shred of power I've ever earned. That's why it carries the ultra-rare designation of dogma. There is almost nothing else I put in this category and its certainly the least likely to ever leave that category.

I mean, I suppose it carries that weird sort of fear born of anticipation. But that's really a positive thing, isn't it? The thrill of the unknown? I love that feeling! Who doesn't?

 

[Sleeppy]

The more knowledge I've gained the stronger my faith has become. I'm more worried about the types of advancement our race is going towards. No one ever seems to think anything through. We might have knowledge, but the sense of responsibility that should come with it has been missing for the most part.