--- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], "J. Almeida" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >You write of religious belief: > >"something to cling to in spite >of contrary evidence" > >As far as my own religious belief goes, I suggest that >you first present some contrary evidence, then decide >whether I cling or not. Until then, I am inclined to >dismiss such statements as mere prejudice. >
Joel, you do indeed use the word prejudice in an unusually liberal and, I venture to say, in a transparently self-serving way. I hope you realize that summarily dismissing a fairly innocuous statement as prejudice might also be construed by some as prejudice. When I say a belief based on faith is held in spite of contrary evidence, I am referring to the undeniable fact that countless people everyday believe in all sorts of religiously inspired "miraculous" events, such as Ganesh idols drinking buckets of milk, or weeping statues, or stigmata, or Satya Sai Baba materializing Seiko watches. All these events have been repeatedly demonstrated to be false by investigation. But people, even some prominent Indian scientists, continue to believe in some of them based purely on faith. I have no prejudice against them. To me faith and scientific evidence have equally positive emotional appeal. But it is important to keep them separate. > > Ignore claims that science is incompatible with religion. Both, at >their best, keep us firmly rooted in reality. > Science is incompatible with religion if these two systems of thought attempt to encroach on each other's domain. That is why it is futile to apply the scientific method to basic religious beliefs, and to teach religious ideas in a science classroom. > >Religion and prayer also "reach the parts that science cannot reach", >helping us lead a more meaningful, fuller and happier life. > A sizable minority of people can and do live a "meaningful, fuller and happier life" in the absence of religion and prayer, and in some cases especially after having freed themselves from their particular brand of religion. And that is a dispassionately stated fact, not a prejudice. Regards, Santosh =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
