Posted by fachad on October 16, 2002, at 15:02:09
In reply to Lou's response to Liz's post-part 2 » jamesdean, posted by Lou Pilder on October 16, 2002, at 9:06:40
> In your post, you used the phrase, "easy way out". Could you explain what the "out" is in your use of the aforementioned phrase?
Lou,
I cannot speak for Liz as to exactly what she meant, but I can give you my interpretation.
Examining all the evidence for and against a particular belief, and evaluating that evidence by rational criteria, and being committed to finding the truth, even if it does not turn out the way you wanted, is a tremendous effort.
Believing what you want to believe, or what you were always taught to believe, or believing what makes you feel comfortable about your place in the universe or you fate after death, is much easier. It does not require any effort. It does not take any courage. You just go along with whatever you want to believe, or what you were taught.
That is why Liz called it the easy way out. But realistically, the first method tends to weed out irrational beliefs, and will guide a person to truth, while the second method only perpetuates dogma.
> Liz,
> In your post, you used the phrase, "easy way out". Could you explain what the "out" is in your use of the aforementioned phrase?
> If you could do that, then I would be able to discuss that with you and, perhaps, some enlightenment will come from our discussion to those that are following this thread.
> Sincerely,
> Lou
poster:fachad
thread:1086
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20021001/msgs/1102.html