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If it is a CHOICE for you . . . you have no inner belief about it, period. Claims are NOT beliefs . . . they are intellectual acknowledgments of preference among alternatives about which you have no inner committed position. What you truly believe . . . you believe . . . there is no choice involved.
I think this post bears repeating and deep reflection. It returns us to the idea of empiricism vs rationality (yes, that's "versus") and a priori knowledge, which seems to be a particular roadblock on these forums. You can Google the argument. I don't like the term "rationalism" because used prosaically it's a loaded, emotional one. "Rationale" is more neutral. But philosophically and logically, capital r Rationalism does lead to either belief or non-belief in God, neither bias being indefensible. But BOTH biases lead to trains of thought that can be questioned, and questionable, philosophically.
If it is a CHOICE for you . . . you have no inner belief about it, period. Claims are NOT beliefs . . . they are intellectual acknowledgments of preference among alternatives about which you have no inner committed position. What you truly believe . . . you believe . . . there is no choice involved.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunjee
I think this post bears repeating and deep reflection. It returns us to the idea of empiricism vs rationality (yes, that's "versus") and a priori knowledge, which seems to be a particular roadblock on these forums. You can Google the argument. I don't like the term "rationalism" because used prosaically it's a loaded, emotional one. "Rationale" is more neutral. But philosophically and logically, capital r Rationalism does lead to either belief or non-belief in God, neither bias being indefensible. But BOTH biases lead to trains of thought that can be questioned, and questionable, philosophically.
Thank you Bunjee . . . it is terribly important to understand this . . . especially for those Christians who do not understand the difference between "believe in" and "believe on" as used in the ancient writings. It is the "believe on" that captures the essence of the only true belief . . . NOT the intellectual "believe in" that so many consider a CHOICE they must make. Belief is not a choice . . . and it is reflected in our attitudes and behaviors ("fruits" for Christians) . . . NOT our claims. This is why I am saddened that so many "believers" will be disappointed (regret and remorse) in the next stage of life. Many of you "unbelievers" will also be surprised . . . (as your "fruits" indicate) . . . despite your protestations.
Then I'm obviously one of those who believes in nothing...
if that's the way you feel about it. I don't even believe in you.
Think about it more deeply then . . . your "fruit" of responding to me on this forum would indicate a belief that I do indeed exist to respond to . . . otherwise you are insane.
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