What do you believe?
- Thread starter Winter
- Start date
Japanimaniac
後輩
- 6 Oct 2004
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Winter said:
What I think everyone means, myself inucluded, is that we tolerate most (if not all) of today's beliefs, practices, and religions (and even that statement is admittedly a little unbelievable). I agree that the ancient druids' practices are wrong in all senses, and that I neglected to think about such things when saying I respected all religions.
M
Mr. Just-A-Guy
Guest
Like I said before I don't believe in any gods, as well not in Santa Claus.
I'm Atheist.
I was quite surprised with the number of "Atheists" in a previous poll! I thought, like, there were only 10 Atheists including me in this world.
I'm Atheist.
I was quite surprised with the number of "Atheists" in a previous poll! I thought, like, there were only 10 Atheists including me in this world.
Fantt
Envious of Nabeshin's Fro
- 29 Jun 2003
- 477
- 8
My favorite philosopher is .Robert Anton Wilson. He has a spiel about belief that goes something like:
Most people have some sort of Belief System (we'll call it a BS). Most people's BS colors their perception of reality (life is divine, angels exist, the speed of light is the fastest speed achievable, good dogs go to heaven, god has a special plan for everyone, evolution is "real"). Most people's BS also, in some way, prevents them from being exposed to some part or other of "reality" (can't look at that, can't read that, Democrats are full of crap, Republicans are full of crap, don't listen to that, tarot cards are evil, science is wrong, religion is wrong, etc. etc.). Therefore, I strive to have as little BS in me as I can. I strive to have no absolute convictions about anything - existence, life, atoms, god, etc.
What I like to think of as existance is wonderful, amazing, terrifying, awe-inspiring enough, that I'd rather not box in my perceptions of it with anyone's BS (mine or other peoples).
Most people have some sort of Belief System (we'll call it a BS). Most people's BS colors their perception of reality (life is divine, angels exist, the speed of light is the fastest speed achievable, good dogs go to heaven, god has a special plan for everyone, evolution is "real"). Most people's BS also, in some way, prevents them from being exposed to some part or other of "reality" (can't look at that, can't read that, Democrats are full of crap, Republicans are full of crap, don't listen to that, tarot cards are evil, science is wrong, religion is wrong, etc. etc.). Therefore, I strive to have as little BS in me as I can. I strive to have no absolute convictions about anything - existence, life, atoms, god, etc.
What I like to think of as existance is wonderful, amazing, terrifying, awe-inspiring enough, that I'd rather not box in my perceptions of it with anyone's BS (mine or other peoples).
- Thread starter
- #32
Not at all.
I just mean some people are too afraid to leap willingly into the somewhat nonsensical realm of faith, and others are too afraid to leap away into the sometimes overly logical realm of reality.
I'm just saying many people are driven by their underlying fears.
I just mean some people are too afraid to leap willingly into the somewhat nonsensical realm of faith, and others are too afraid to leap away into the sometimes overly logical realm of reality.
I'm just saying many people are driven by their underlying fears.
mad pierrot
I jump to conclusions
- 22 Nov 2003
- 1,453
- 85
Here's a question: What do you think people should believe?
I'm assuming everyone on this board, at one time or another, has wished that someone believed something otherwise.
Example: While I want to say, "Anyone can believe whatever they want,"
it's not true. I don't want anyone believing that killing babies gives them magic powers, or that listening to the news makes them smarter.
More specific example: I wish a friend of mine who joined the army didn't believe he needed to.
So, if you could change something about the way people think, what would it be?
Then again, I could be completely wrong. In a broader view, maybe it's necessary to have a diverse range of beliefs, even if it includes less desirable things like war. If we don't have extremes how will we know our limits? Can't make the omlette of evolution without breaking a few eggs?
I'm assuming everyone on this board, at one time or another, has wished that someone believed something otherwise.
Example: While I want to say, "Anyone can believe whatever they want,"
it's not true. I don't want anyone believing that killing babies gives them magic powers, or that listening to the news makes them smarter.
More specific example: I wish a friend of mine who joined the army didn't believe he needed to.
So, if you could change something about the way people think, what would it be?
Then again, I could be completely wrong. In a broader view, maybe it's necessary to have a diverse range of beliefs, even if it includes less desirable things like war. If we don't have extremes how will we know our limits? Can't make the omlette of evolution without breaking a few eggs?
EscaFlowne
後輩
- 14 Nov 2003
- 2,757
- 38
I grew up a baptist, but me myself believe in myself. If i'm wrong so be it, hell or heaven. I believe my good natured attitude and actions towards the next man or woman will look out for my "after death future."
Japanimaniac
後輩
- 6 Oct 2004
- 1,028
- 12
The problem with peace and love and happiness is that in the end we would all be mindless zombies. Hippies, minus the weed. Controversy, conflicts of interest, and disagreements are what keeps people thinking for themselves. Read HG Wells' The Time Machine. Good book.
Fantt
Envious of Nabeshin's Fro
- 29 Jun 2003
- 477
- 8
Why do you say that? Are you suggesting that if everyone was happy that there would be no more problems to solve? There is nearly an infinite amount of information about the universe which is currently unknown. If we're all happy, it's only temporary until we run out of resources, of which there is a finite amount in our solar system.
Being happy doesn't imply an end to struggle. It just makes struggle more pleasant.
Two people can be very happy and stronly disagree with each other. Two people can love each other and have views the other consider "controversial." Conflict does not imply or necessitate violence.
Being happy doesn't imply an end to struggle. It just makes struggle more pleasant.
Two people can be very happy and stronly disagree with each other. Two people can love each other and have views the other consider "controversial." Conflict does not imply or necessitate violence.
Japanimaniac
後輩
- 6 Oct 2004
- 1,028
- 12
Fantt said:
You prove my point. There will always be someone worried about this, and therefore unhappy. This would cause them to work towards a solution, against the will of those who are "happy". Thus, the cycle of controversy and rational thought are continued.
If everyone was truly happy, we would worry about nothing, and spiral towards oblivion. You just said so yourself.
Fantt
Envious of Nabeshin's Fro
- 29 Jun 2003
- 477
- 8
Maybe we're just talking about degrees of happiness/worry. The question was what do I think people should believe. I'd rather people be optimistic and strive towards happiness than gloomy and aggressive and violent. I'd rather people try to solve problems in a way that makes all parties satisfied without resorting to killing.
That's what I think people should believe.
That's what I think people should believe.
Japanimaniac
後輩
- 6 Oct 2004
- 1,028
- 12
You might not believe me, but I agree with you. ^.^ I just kind of slipped into my analytical side for a moment. No hard feelings!
