Quote:
Originally Posted by Halx
Well obviously. If someone were to point out something that I have faith in that I am wrong to (by this I mean that if I believe something that goes against observable reality) then I'd be happy to re-examine my beliefs. I am pointing out the more popular reality-contradictors.
|
So you mean, specifically, things such as a belief in God. There's a problem, however, with the fact that what people define as "God" varies, and so you can't get a single answer as to why they have faith and why they are wrong to believe in it.
It's common for nonbelievers to think that most people regard God as a white-bearded man in the sky, lording over His Children. There are many people who view God much like many of us would generally view the universe. As an example, Christians who believe in evolution and the importance of science will more than likely view God as the ultimate and full extent of the inner workings of the universe.
What the universe is and
how the universe works is what they consider God.
And so you get this empirical reality they tie into their spirituality. They see a seemingly infinite reality and they try to tap into it as they determine the best way they should live their lives. They use it to inspire their ethics and how they treat others, and how they struggle and try to overcome hardship. Many of these faithful look inward, not up to some Man-God. They try to feel a connection to the universe and to humanity, as they see links via experience and reality. It's more in tune to the senses and experience than, say, those who are constantly hoping for the return of Jesus.
I feel I haven't yet explained this to the best of my ability, but this is a start.
Quote:
Originally Posted by telekinetic
Belief in something because of evidence is rational. Belief in something despite lack of evidence (or worse, in the face of contrary evidence) is faith. Faith is, by definition, irrational, or it would not require faith.
|
There are many situations where we have built up a certain amount of empirical data but still have no conclusive knowledge, and yet we go by a kind of faith regardless because it is promising. This happens a lot in issues of human health. The evidence, as it builds and changes, leads us to change what we think of things. Eggs used to be bad for you, now many of us believe they are generally good.
Also, I have not seen the evidence as to how air travel works. Does this mean it is irrational for me to have faith in that it will get me from Toronto to Vancouver in the sky?
But these are all in tune with material realities. The issue, I think, is in the realm of the non-physical: emotions, thoughts, communication, etc. Without any sort of faith, a human cannot hope to be a part of a society. Faith is based, in the very least, on trust in something one may not have any control over. Without a certain level of trust placed in various areas, I can't see how a human being can function on a healthy level.
Again, I don't know if I'm describing what I'm trying to say to the best of my ability. I'm currently taking a break from working on a book, so my head is swimming somewhat.