The Gullibility and Harm of Universalist Thinking

[Debater Slayer]

Universalism, defined as the belief that all belief systems are equally valid, seems to me to be harmful because, in reality, not all religions are equally valid. Some contain beneficial teachings, some (I would say most or all) are inaccurate, some are redundant, and some are outright harmful.

I think there is a fine line between universalism and pluralism, and we should never confuse both with each other. Pluralism or coexistence doesn't necessarily imply that all belief systems have validity or deserve respect, whereas universalism seems to lend credibility undiscerningly. I think there is a world of difference between Buddhist kindness meditation and Islamic and Christian teachings about eternal suffering, for example. Universalist thinking overlooks such differences and assumes a gullible position of superficial equality between all belief systems.

Discuss/debate.

 

[Unification]

Universalism, defined as the belief that all belief systems are equally valid, seems to me to be harmful because, in reality, not all religions are equally valid. Some contain beneficial teachings, some (I would say most or all) are inaccurate, some are redundant, and some are outright harmful.

I think there is a fine line between universalism and pluralism, and we should never confuse both with each other. Pluralism or coexistence doesn't necessarily imply that all belief systems have validity or deserve respect, whereas universalism seems to lend credibility undiscerningly. I think there is a world of difference between Buddhist kindness meditation and Islamic and Christian teachings about eternal suffering, for example. Universalist thinking overlooks such differences and assumes a gullible position of superficial equality between all belief systems.

Discuss/debate.

The pledge of allegiance to the system:

Unfortunately though extremely well intended, we have accumulated so many controllers of our lives and our peace, that we now find ourselves without independence at all.

We are controlled from without by government, religion, corporations, friends and families, and from within by our own minds which have been so disturbed by them.

You have to believe the way they believe, you have to fight those that they wish to fight, and you have to hate those whom they wish you to hate.

You have to, or you are not a member in good standing.

You're not considered one of them.

Rules, regulations, doctrines, laws.

The burden of living with the group, and living under the groups ways, and then having to stand up and sing the songs of freedom while you observe their demonstrations of brutal savagery take a serious toll until ones physical body breaks down and one simply drops dead, is put in a box and buried in the ground.

Having spent a few years trying to obey the laws of the lawless, but now stiff and cold, a totally meaningless excursion on a disturbed planet.

This applies for anything, not just a few viewpoints.

 

[Unification]

The pledge of allegiance to the system:

Unfortunately though extremely well intended, we have accumulated so many controllers of our lives and our peace, that we now find ourselves without independence at all.

We are controlled from without by government, religion, corporations, friends and families, and from within by our own minds which have been so disturbed by them.

You have to believe the way they believe, you have to fight those that they wish to fight, and you have to hate those whom they wish you to hate.

You have to, or you are not a member in good standing.

You're not considered one of them.

Rules, regulations, doctrines, laws.

The burden of living with the group, and living under the groups ways, and then having to stand up and sing the songs of freedom while you observe their demonstrations of brutal savagery take a serious toll until ones physical body breaks down and one simply drops dead, is put in a box and buried in the ground.

Having spent a few years trying to obey the laws of the lawless, but now stiff and cold, a totally meaningless excursion on a disturbed planet.

This applies for anything, not just a few viewpoints.

Strip away anything that creates divide and inequality and we start to discover what is true. We start to get honest with ourselves. We start to become more aware. Individually and collectively. Things that all of mankind have in common is the best start. When we remove all labeling and judging of others, and reach common ground in the middle, the more progress will be made. Any and all change happens internally, a change and altering of mind.​

 

[George-ananda]

I like Universalism as I see its main concern is supporting the common elements of all decent religions. Fundamentalists of religions and atheists are more concerned with the differences (bad emphasis IMO). Universalism appeals to the more liberal wings of religions and these people are happy to come together.

 

[Monk Of Reason]

The only problem I have with universalist thinking is this idea that religions must be equally respected. I don't think this is the case at all.

 

[Quintessence]

One can regard things as equally valid and worthy of respect, and describe things in terms biased by our own values and point of view (i.e., accurate/inaccurate, important/redundant, harmful/beneficent). These things are not mutually exclusive.

 

[flsabeti]

Universalism, defined as the belief that all belief systems are equally valid, seems to me to be harmful because, in reality, not all religions are equally valid. Some contain beneficial teachings, some (I would say most or all) are inaccurate, some are redundant, and some are outright harmful.

I think there is a fine line between universalism and pluralism, and we should never confuse both with each other. Pluralism or coexistence doesn't necessarily imply that all belief systems have validity or deserve respect, whereas universalism seems to lend credibility undiscerningly. I think there is a world of difference between Buddhist kindness meditation and Islamic and Christian teachings about eternal suffering, for example. Universalist thinking overlooks such differences and assumes a gullible position of superficial equality between all belief systems.

Discuss/debate.

All Religions are different schools of thought, they should be taught in schools.

 

[flsabeti]

And put to test in society.!

 

[Rick O'Shez]

The only problem I have with universalist thinking is this idea that religions must be equally respected. I don't think this is the case at all.

Yes, religions should earn respect, not be automatically entitled to it.

 

[viole]

Universalism, defined as the belief that all belief systems are equally valid, seems to me to be harmful because, in reality, not all religions are equally valid. Some contain beneficial teachings, some (I would say most or all) are inaccurate, some are redundant, and some are outright harmful.

I think there is a fine line between universalism and pluralism, and we should never confuse both with each other. Pluralism or coexistence doesn't necessarily imply that all belief systems have validity or deserve respect, whereas universalism seems to lend credibility undiscerningly. I think there is a world of difference between Buddhist kindness meditation and Islamic and Christian teachings about eternal suffering, for example. Universalist thinking overlooks such differences and assumes a gullible position of superficial equality between all belief systems.

Discuss/debate.

I am not sure whether Universalim entails that all beliefs are equally valid. If it did, it would obviously be absurd.

It is not possible that X and Y beliefs are equally valid if

- X believes that God exists
- Y believes that God does not exist

Unless, of course, God could exist and not exist at the same time.

Ciao

- viole

 

[YmirGF]

All Religions are different schools of thought, they should be taught in schools.

I think we are already confusing kinds enough without hitting them with watered down, politically correct, messaging about the various religions.