On 6 Dec 2007, at 16:14, Nick Arnett wrote: > On Dec 6, 2007 7:47 AM, William T Goodall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > >> >> >> >> This is arguing that smoking doesn't cause cancer because sunbathing >> causes cancer. > > > No, it's arguing that people tend to cling to their beliefs for > reasons > other than logic.
People cursed with faith do, but I don't. My beliefs are what the evidence and logic lead me to. > > > The same challenge exists in faith as in science -- to remain open- > minded. > You seem to be claiming that religion is inherently close-minded... > perhaps > you might consider the possibility that it isn't so, even though some > religious people, like some of all people, are close-minded and seek > to > convert others to close-mindedness. Politics is much the same. And > science > is riddled with politics. Creeds, dogma, holy texts, Papal infallibility, God revealing the Qur'an to Muhammad - this is all extremely close-minded and not open to discussion. You either accept it or you're not part of that religion. There is no open-mindedness there. Try having an open-minded discussion with a Muslim about whether Muhammad might not have been the last prophet, or a Catholic about that 'every sperm is sacred' gibberish. > > >> >> I confront them all the time. Vigourously. That's how this discussion >> got started! > > > Then you get the point of my sarcasm. > > Is it confrontation if your mind is already made up? Perhaps so, > but it is > certainly not engagement. Why would I want to 'engage' with ideas I have already proved to be false and evil? That would just be stupid and I'm not stupid. Clever Maru -- William T Goodall Mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web : http://www.wtgab.demon.co.uk Blog : http://radio.weblogs.com/0111221/ "I believe OS/2 is destined to be the most important operating system, and possibly program, of all time." - Bill Gates, 1987 _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l