Steve, I have come to see that by your definition, everyone is delusional.
( well, except maybe you ) :D


KT

Well, we have quite a minority of the world that is not significantly delusional.

"Skeptical scrutiny is the means, in both science and religion, by which deep thoughts can be winnowed from deep nonsense. "
Carl Sagan

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1218043335.gif



KT

I disagree. What is a correct answer for one person may be incorrect for another. The answers to many questions are not reasonably attainable (e.g. what is the root cause of global temperature variations?). The whole subject reminds of a bumper sticker: "Absolute statements are never true".

Where does that leave us as individuals searching for meaning or purpose in life? I go back to formulating a worldview based on knowledge and experience and not one based on what someone else tells you is the "absolute truth". I would rather trust in my own knowledge and what my own experiences have taught me than to accept someone else's version. Even if it means that my personal version of the "truth" changes constantly. I'm OK with that. In other words - don't believe something just because someone tells you it is true. Decide for yourself.

That's exactly what I have done and what I encourage everyone to do for themselves.



KT

Actually, quite the opposite. Your worldview is based entirely on "argument from authority".

Steve, to be honest, I have a hard time taking you serious after your claim that only you and a few others are free from delusion.


Maybe you'd like to take the floor and give a brief synopsis on "the way things are-from the clear headed". :D
Thanks.


KT

I think you misread my post. I think most people operate with some delusion in their day to day lives. This may in fact be a necessary coping strategy in social and self-aware animals. However, significant delusion is another issue. I consider religion a significant delusion in this day of modern science, especially when it intrudes into collective decision making that effects populations at large.

If i could call for an artillery strike on this thread, i would.

"Ripper 2 5 this is Mike 2 1! Immediate suppression at grid Gulf Lima 2 4 5 6 3 4 9 3. Target: Delusional troll in the open! HE-Prox. I authenticate Zulu 5 Alpha, over!"

a higher porpoise?
 

I cannot agree with any of the poll choices. The first one is closest, but is backwards. It should be:

"I recognize the higher purpose, and that leads me to the Diety."

You see, theist or atheist, very few people deny there is much more than what we see. One thing we have difficulty (impossible, I think) explaining away is this feeling we should do "right" and avoid "wrong." That leads to the question of where our shared sense of "right" and "wrong" comes from. And from there it is a short trip to the recognition of a Diety.

The Mormons are knocking as I read this.

SPPPOOOOOOOKKKYYYYYY

I would say this too, if I didn't understand the actual analysis. Especially if I hoped to create the illusion that my friends and I in the minority were actually more logical than the bulk of other humans.

Analysis, analysis of what? You have to have some sort of evidence to analyze, otherwise it is just argument from authority supporting an argument from ignorance. The only illusion here is one of magic.

No diety is required to have "right" or "wrong" in a society. All animal societies have acceptable and unacceptable behavior. We are no different. For every culture the rules are established. This has been true since we were still wild primates, long before any civilization. And for just about every "wrong" type of behavior you can come up with, history can provide a culture who embraced your "wrong" as a "right" and thrived at least as long as our own culture.

This "difficulty (impossible, I think) explaining" of this feeling has been totally explained and documented in Anthropology for years. It is not a mystery.

I understand you completely and your above response just repeats the fact that you believe anyone that has religious beliefs or convictions is delusional.

Unless you are your own boss and have your own country, I suspect you are directed by and governed by 'them'. :D


How do you cope? :D


KT

Amassing my arsenal, continuing the quiet revolution, and biding my time. :p