29 Aug 2011, 2:49 pm
Fnord wrote:
Science can not disprove anything. Science can only demonstrate the validity of a fact-based claim, resulting in a theory. Repeated and consistent validation of such a theory indicates a fact-based principle, which is generally accepted as truth by those who understand the process.
It is the failure of believers to demonstrate the validity of their faith-based claims with consistently repeatable demonstrations that causes others to disbelieve those faith-based claims.
Religion operates on faith and demands unquestioning belief.
Science is built on facts and requires relentless skepticism.
It is the failure of believers to demonstrate the validity of their faith-based claims with consistently repeatable demonstrations that causes others to disbelieve those faith-based claims.
Religion operates on faith and demands unquestioning belief.
Science is built on facts and requires relentless skepticism.
Yes, I understand all this. Science and religion, indeed, are not the same thing. Applying the methods of one to the other fails because they are fundamentally too different.
However, this does not automatically mean the two cannot co-exist. Too often, I see religion and science pitted against each other when in reality they are not at odds. Sure, some religious beliefs contradict scientific findings. Those I do not hold very highly, and anyone that doesn't lack reason and logic dismisses them as well.
The way I see it is even though science and religion are vastly different and deal with different aspects of our existence, they both change and evolve just as everything else that exists/has existed/will exist. The very nature of our universe (and by proxy our understanding/perceptions) is change. We can pretend religion is stagnant, but when one looks back to ancient beliefs/practices and compares/contrasts them to today's, we come to understand that even with the inflexibility of many, ideas, concepts, perceptions, and interpretations evolve.
... wow. I kind of got off topic there. I'll end my rant now.
29 Aug 2011, 9:43 pm
29 Aug 2011, 10:01 pm
29 Aug 2011, 10:13 pm
29 Aug 2011, 10:13 pm
29 Aug 2011, 10:14 pm
29 Aug 2011, 10:19 pm
30 Aug 2011, 12:07 am
30 Aug 2011, 12:35 am
30 Aug 2011, 12:52 am
30 Aug 2011, 1:03 am
Nexus wrote:
Knifey wrote:
Nexus wrote:
My point is, why even believe in a god at all; if god is an irrelevant concept to understanding reality? God essentially becomes powerless if he is attributed to being nothing more than the physical nature of reality itself. You said so yourself, you don't need god to explain phenomena or the laws of gravity so then, what does god do that makes him so special and warrant such belief?
He intervenes in my life and makes it better.But couldn't you attribute that to own mind's determination to succeed at life? I always believe in the expression that people can make their own luck if they put their minds to it. You'll find that feeling like you're going to have a better life tends to grant you that outcome, because it alters your perception and promotes behaviours that tries to ensure it.
WRONG! If things go well it is God's benevolence. If things don't go well it is because you screwed up. Having a kind loving God on your side is like having a foreman who takes credit when the crew does well, and points fingers when production goals aren't met.
30 Aug 2011, 1:24 am
velodog wrote:
Nexus wrote:
Knifey wrote:
Nexus wrote:
My point is, why even believe in a god at all; if god is an irrelevant concept to understanding reality? God essentially becomes powerless if he is attributed to being nothing more than the physical nature of reality itself. You said so yourself, you don't need god to explain phenomena or the laws of gravity so then, what does god do that makes him so special and warrant such belief?
He intervenes in my life and makes it better.But couldn't you attribute that to own mind's determination to succeed at life? I always believe in the expression that people can make their own luck if they put their minds to it. You'll find that feeling like you're going to have a better life tends to grant you that outcome, because it alters your perception and promotes behaviours that tries to ensure it.
WRONG! If things go well it is God's benevolence. If things don't go well it is because you screwed up. Having a kind loving God on your side is like having a foreman who takes credit when the crew does well, and points fingers when production goals aren't met.
Talk about a tough break working for him though. It would be easier to cut out the middle man and be proud of your own self achievements instead of pawning them off to God's will.
30 Aug 2011, 1:33 am
But then you won't get to heaven now would you? I personally like having Yahweh smiling down on me benevolently while my house burns or a passel of thugs kicks my ass. It shows that He cares. Perhaps not enough to save my house or intercede in the ass kicking 
, but damnit He cares.
30 Aug 2011, 1:50 am
30 Aug 2011, 9:26 am
30 Aug 2011, 11:42 am
