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tecoyah · 03-14-2006, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by politicophile

I couldn't disagree more strongly. What could "correct" mean, in the context of beliefs, other than "true"? Is there actually such a thing as a false, but correct, belief?

I suppose its a matter of personal Philosophy, I have no problem accepting someone feels they are correct, even though it may go contrary to my own understanding of truth. Its a form of respect for the individual.

There is a great danger in irrationality. This danger is partly expressed by dogmatic adherence to corrupt religious practices a la Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, Aztec human sacrifice, suicide bombing, terrorism. It is also expressed by dogmatic adherence to non-religious beliefs, such as Soviet Marxism, Nazism, Scientology, social Darwinism, etc.

I am totally unwilling to say that Person A's belief in the racial inferiority of Jews is the correct belief for them. I would instead argue that Person A is wrong in assuming that Jews are racially inferior, and that their belief in this doctrine is incorrect. Why, then, would we give people a pass for irrational spiritual beliefs?

You would not, as you believe differently than I do, which is fine by me. Again it comes to respect, and to an extent experiencing the alternatives to it. If someone decides one path is right for them, and it does not interfere with my own, I really dont care what they want to pray to. If indeed they do try to interfere with my belief, I avoid them as a hinderance if at all possible, rather than force confrontation and try to sway them to my way of thinking.

QUALIFICATION: I'm not saying that we should attempt to prevent people from believing in or expressing incorrect beliefs. Rather, I think we should acknowledge the fact that some beliefs are right and some a wrong. Facts are generally constant between individuals: Jesus was either the son of God for both you and I, or he was not the son of God for either of us: it makes no sense to argue that my belief that he was the son of God is correct AND that your belief that he was not is also correct.

Why argue it at all? What purpose is served by telling someone else they are wrong in your opinion, unless they request clarification. Using your example, I dont believe Jesus was the Son of God, any more than the Buddah was, but what chance is there I would convince you my way of thinking is better than yours, and would I do either of us a service by even attempting to do so?

The point is.....Why do I care in the least what God you pray to, as long as you dont try to kill/maim/hurt someone because of it. That was the entire reason for this thread, frustration based on realization that opposing religions are the reason people are dying, whether Sunni / Shiite....Christian / Muslim...it makes no difference to me, people are still dead.