To Mario

Submitted by Leah (United States), Sep 1, 2006 at 12:05

"If I were a christian, I would agree with everything you just said. However, since I am not, the things you say make little sense. Take for example the reference to the bible dealing with "believing without seeing." Though it sounds like something worth trying, any religion could use that as a pretense to promote war, slavery, and various forms of abuse; fact is, many do. No arguments I can make will change your point of view, only you can. In the end, you'll just have a different way of viewing life, one in which unproven things are not involved in your daily decission-making; one in which you are truly free."

" Though it sounds like..."

Any principle can be used to promote war. It is one of the dangers of establishing your principles and values. If it is not, however, what is wrong in "believing without seeing?" You believe (without factual evidence) that G-d does not exist. I believe (without factual evidence) that G-d does exist. There is ntohing wrong with either of these beliefs.

You probably believe that life has meaning. Where is the scientific evidence for that? From a strictly logical perspective, is not living and loving a waste of time? Is not happiness itself a waste of time?

"In the end, you'll just have a different way of viewing life, one in which unproven things are not involved in your daily decission-making; one in which you are truly free." It is arrogance to state that your beliefs have more benefits (you point out freedom as one) than someone else's beliefs. Perhaps they have more benefits for YOU; but that does not necessarily apply to anyone else.

The idea of an unseen force at the hub or height of life is a beautiful and complex one that has given birth to many great schools of philosophy and theology. Today, it provides much joy and reassurance to billions. We do not mock your beliefs; please do not mock ours.

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