"Why Believe in God" ad campaign

[Morrigoon]

Consistency might point to a higher truth... higher than specific religions' dogma.

[Ghoulish Delight]

This and other recent discussions here have lead me to the book, The Secular Conscience. I've just started, but a good read so far. If anyone's wondering how a atheism and morality can coexist, take a gander.

Interestingly, it is so far making what I think, stripping away the bluster and red herrings, was Sir Dillon's point in the other thread. And, as presented by this author, I have a hard time finding fault with it. Namely, he argues that secular liberalism has taken the "belief is a private matter" concept too far, leaving them (us) impotent to engage in public critical discourse. If it's okay for everyone to believe whatever they want, then we can't criticize their statements of belief, right? Wrong, by Dacey's reasoning. His point is not, "it's private, so let's stay out of it," his point is, "Everyone's free to express it, so let's jump in and make ourselves heard." It's a strong point.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

Consistency might point to a higher truth... higher than specific religions' dogma.

Most chairs look pretty much the same, not because some external supernatural force binds chairs together. It's because that's the reasonable way to solve the problem of sitting.

Animals share many of the same evolutionary traits because those traits are the ones that give the best chance for survival.

Stable, successful societies share much of the same structure and morality because it works. No magic or supernatural being necessary.

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Most chairs look pretty much the same, not because some external supernatural force binds chairs together. It's because that's the reasonable way to solve the problem of sitting.

Animals share many of the same evolutionary traits because those traits are the ones that give the best chance for survival.

Stable, successful societies share much of the same structure and morality because it works. No magic or supernatural being necessary.

Master Pangloss taught the metaphysico-theologo-cosmolonigology. He could prove to admiration that there is no effect without a cause; and, that in this best of all possible worlds, the Baron's castle was the most magnificent of all castles, and My Lady the best of all possible baronesses.

"It is demonstrable," said he, "that things cannot be otherwise than as they are; for as all things have been created for some end, they must necessarily be created for the best end. Observe, for instance, the nose is formed for spectacles, therefore we wear spectacles. The legs are visibly designed for stockings, accordingly we wear stockings. Stones were made to be hewn and to construct castles, therefore My Lord has a magnificent castle; for the greatest baron in the province ought to be the best lodged. Swine were intended to be eaten, therefore we eat pork all the year round: and they, who assert that everything is right, do not express themselves correctly; they should say that everything is best."

[wendybeth]

Suddenly I feel like gardening.

[Gn2Dlnd]

^ I would really love to see a good production of that show. The only thing I can remember being produced around here, was a concert version some years ago.

[wendybeth]

I love Voltaire. I totally would have stalked him if I lived during his time.

[flippyshark]

I know quite a few folks who certainly know how to "Glitter and Be Gay."

Candide - Love the book, love the show, best Bernstein score ever!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Judaism is definitely not a proselytizing religion. You're either born into it or you choose to convert. And according to certain traditions, rabbis, when asked to perform an "official" conversion, are supposed to turn the person away 3 times before agreeing to to ensure their commitment.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

But, then, many Christians aren't looking to convert anyone. (It simply wasn't something we did in the diocese where I grew up.) And [big disclaimer here] a few extremist Muslims aren't looking to allow anyone who isn't Muslim to survive.