Emotion And Faith. Logic And Doubt.

[nailit]

It seems to me (both on AB and in real life) that the reasons why religious believers and religious doubters differ in their opinions is because of the way that we process information. Either emotionally or logically.
I was listening to some street preachers a few weeks ago (I was waiting to meet someone and didn't have any ear-plugs with me) and it occurred to me that their entire preaching was based on emotion...Jesus died for us (love) and if we reject him we can expect to spend eternity in hell (fear) and that we need to rely only on Jesus (trust) to find rest (joy) Not once did they offer any 'logical' reason for this...
I encounter the same mindset with my Christian friends whenever the subject crops up, its all based on emotion.

On the other side of the coin is us doubters who continually apply logic. We explore, research and try to make informed choices. Our 'beliefs' are not based on emotion but on facts. We can no more believe in a dying and resurrecting God-man who wishes for us to worship him (and will cast us into an infernal torture chamber if we don't) than we can believe in a flying pink unicorn wearing a tutu. Doubters don't hate God...we just cant possibly believe in him/her/it.

Are those of us that doubt missing out because we RELY on logic?
Are those that believe emotionally missing out because they DONT apply logic?

[naomi24]

Theland, You know what I read and I know you haven't forgotten - but if it pleases you to continue to go around the houses I'll tell you again. 'Chariots of the Gods' by Erich von Daniken.

[Atheist]

Naomi. Did you really read Chariots of the gods, and believe it?

[nailit]

//What did you read?//
Theland, I know that your question was aimed at naomi (and she has replied) but Id also like to reply.
The first book that I read that questioned the bible I cant remember the title or author, BUT I do know that introduced me to the knowledge that Christmas and Easter were not originally Christian festivals and not found in the Bible. (contrary to what I believed as a young Christian)
The next book that I came across (in my local library...no Amazon at this time) was this
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

This was just the start. I dont now hold all the views expressed in these books but they did start me on the road to questioning my faith as I realised that the Bible wasnt so infallible as I was taught (or believed)

Also read the ancient astronaught theory books ;-)
And again, while not accepting of the theories, they DID teach me to question.

[KARL]

Nailit, I think you may find a very large area of overlap between followers of religion and those who decry such things, a purely emotional one. To very many (most ?) in each camp it matters a great deal that to a considerable degree the other believes in and so evidently adheres to an opposite point of view. Each side in its way wants to broadcast the difference and how theirs has to be, must be, the "better" standpoint. Sometimes there seems to be a compulsion to convert...........if successful, would that prove the point regarding better/correct/superior ?

Is this in both cases a matter of at least a smidgeon of insecurity (of course not about being right, oh no) ?

[Theland]

Naomi - I am not only surprised, but shocked, that you, who display such forensic intelligence and education, would be even partially persuaded by this book.

I read it myself, entertaining and had much to say that was very convincing.

But I think he was not only wrong, but raised too many questions that could not be answered.

He reminds me of, "Turtles all the way down."

Panspermia, and then they, (whoever, "they are,") would also be answering their own existential questions with panspermia.

It simply does not work. Turtles.

[Atheist]

Theland, Turtles all the way down is the same as God all the way down. That was the whole point of the story - believers believe; thinkers think.

[naomi24]

Atheist, I wouldn't say I believed it in total, but the fundamental principle I found to be quite feasible and I still believe it to be quite feasible. It makes perfect sense of the hocus pocus that is religion. I read it with the bible by my side and, because I, as a Christian, was incensed by von Daniken's suggestion (how very dare he?!) I checked every one of the many biblical references. He was right and I was wrong. I have him to thank for my subsequent research into the history, the philosophy, and the psychology of religion - a subject I never tire of.

[Theland]

Atheist - God IS, Turtles are just a substitute for desperate mankind.

[naomi24]

Theland, that you were unable to appreciate or even consider a radical idea doesn’t surprise me. You've just told me that the Holocaust, the Russian Pogroms, and the persecution of the Jews over centuries was a supernatural God working in mysterious ways.

[Theland]

Naomi - what would you expect?
Thunder and lightning?

[naomi24]

What would I expect from what?

[Theland]

From the agency bringing about the return of the Jews to the land of Israel, the resurrection of the Hebrew language, the flourishing of the country, the continued hatred. Etc etc etc u

[naomi24]

Theland, Oh, I see. Zionists. I don't expect anything from them - only that they provide me with a good hotel and good service when I'm in their country. Why would I expect anything more?

[Theland]

Naomi - your expertise is more in keeping with playing devils advocate, and like the Royals, "Never explain, never apologise."

You being perceived as right is more important and more entertaining to you, and I find that is rather sad.

It may amuse you, but do you think other ABers would want to be involved?

Can't blame them for staying away.

[naomi24]

Poor Theland.