Why Aren't Religions Generally More Rational?

[sojourner]

Yet that's not how it works, I went to a Christian high school that routinely expelled anyone who fell away from the faith. Oh, I know you're going to claim "that's them, not me", but you have to realize that your personal beliefs represent a minuscule minority of Christianity. I'm not arguing with your views, I'm arguing against all of Christianity.

"All of Xy" isn't pathetically myopic fundamentalism. You're way too obsessed with this nonsense. There are many, many, many people who didn't grow up with the experiences you had -- and that's certainly not the Xy portrayed biblically -- nor is it the Xy portrayed by the church Fathers and Mothers. This isn't just about "my personal beliefs." This is about a large cross-section of Xy that is welcoming, open, progressive, and rational about their faith.

 

[Cephus]

"All of Xy" isn't pathetically myopic fundamentalism. You're way too obsessed with this nonsense. There are many, many, many people who didn't grow up with the experiences you had -- and that's certainly not the Xy portrayed biblically -- nor is it the Xy portrayed by the church Fathers and Mothers. This isn't just about "my personal beliefs." This is about a large cross-section of Xy that is welcoming, open, progressive, and rational about their faith.

You are the only one saying that it is. I've never once said that. Quote anywhere I've ever said that it is. You just hate fundamentalism and wish it would go away, but it represents a huge percentage of Christians today, whether you like it or not. So while you're welcome to talk about your so-called "progressive" Christianity, I'm addressing *ALL* of Christianity. You can join the discussion or you cannot but I'm not playing by your self-imposed rules.

 

[sojourner]

You just hate fundamentalism and wish it would go away, but it represents a huge percentage of Christians today, whether you like it or not

First of all, I don't "hate fundamentalism." I hate dishonesty and lack of responsibility. Second, fundamentalism such as you're indicating here represents a fairly small slice of pie where worldwide Xy is concerned.

So while you're welcome to talk about your so-called "progressive" Christianity

Progressive Xy isn't "so-called," when it represents a fair cross-section of Lutheranism, Anglicanism, Methodism, Presbyterianism, and the Campbellite Movement (as well as smaller, lesser-known groups, such as the Society of Friends and the Brethren).

I'm addressing *ALL* of Christianity.

You're only addressing fundamentalism.

You can join the discussion or you cannot but I'm not playing by your self-imposed rules.

My joining the discussion is going to insist that the characteristics of one subset of Xy isn't imposed as some set of "universal Xian traits." I'm not playing by your self-imposed rules; you can be honest and admit that the traits you ascribe as "universal" really aren't.

 

[Politesse]

You are the only one saying that it is. I've never once said that. Quote anywhere I've ever said that it is. You just hate fundamentalism and wish it would go away, but it represents a huge percentage of Christians today, whether you like it or not. So while you're welcome to talk about your so-called "progressive" Christianity, I'm addressing *ALL* of Christianity. You can join the discussion or you cannot but I'm not playing by your self-imposed rules.

You're not addressing "all of Christianity" though... you seem barely aware that much of it exists.

 

[NulliuSINverba]

Assuming religions could be more rational than they are (and I believe that's a generally safe assumption)

I'm not convinced it's a safe assumption.

... then why aren't religions more rational?

Religion is inherently irrational. The more rationality you add, the less religious it is.

Is it because people prefer something else to rationality? And if so, is that because they don't see many benefits to rationality?

Rational thought occasionally leads to open admissions that the truth is elusive. This is sometimes problematic.

Or is it because humans are greatly irrational and religions simply reflect that fact?

But if that's the case, must they reflect that fact? Is a truly rational religion possible?

Probably not.

For instance, could there be a religion that was in accord with logical reasoning and empirical evidence?

I doubt it. Religion would still be compelled to deal with what lays beyond the logic and the empirical evidence.

Are religions generally becoming more rational over time?

Do mean "more irrelevant?"