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I don't generally hang around boards like this for long. Certainly this one is in general, more polite than one finds, and for that I do thank all of you.
But, unless this is a place where OPEN MINDED people meet, what is the point?
And sadly, irrespective of belief, folks are typically WEDDED to that belief. Even real scientists have this problem, even the smartest we ever had, Einstein did not like some things that his mind pointed to. I came across this quote recently on the melting-pot called FaceBook
Quote:
“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn't fit in with the core belief.” -Frantz Fanon.
And of course if someone absolutely asserts that the Bible, or any other source, is inerrant, you are just wasting your life talking to them. And they with others. But there are plenty of skeptics that are just against everything too. Or subcontract out their critical analysis to others. The "Google Skeptic" kind, who as long as he can find a contra argument somewhere on the web, will dismiss an idea.
I don't generally hang around boards like this for long. Certainly this one is in general, more polite than one finds, and for that I do thank all of you.
But, unless this is a place where OPEN MINDED people meet, what is the point?
And sadly, irrespective of belief, folks are typically WEDDED to that belief. Even real scientists have this problem, even the smartest we ever had, Einstein did not like some things that his mind pointed to. I came across this quote recently on the melting-pot called FaceBook
And of course if someone absolutely asserts that the Bible, or any other source, is inerrant, you are just wasting your life talking to them. And they with others. But there are plenty of skeptics that are just against everything too. Or subcontract out their critical analysis to others. The "Google Skeptic" kind, who as long as he can find a contra argument somewhere on the web, will dismiss an idea.
I was once a YEC, and now am happy that someone helped motivate me to find the truth. Maybe this will happen to some of the YEC's and/or non-literalists here.
Nah. I am a theist that has recently decided to accept the simplest form of Christianity. That does not mean that I accept the bible as inerrant, nor does that mean that my mind is not open. I have much respect for the opinions of many on this forum that have opposing views. I read them often, even though I don't always comment.
A forum like this gives those who really do have an open mind to help formulate their opinions and beliefs. There is a lot of value in that.
It's true that both sides have their fundies. Don't count us that are in the middle out. There is value here.
I read several blogs of ex-theists. Biblical literalists and creationists are the easiest to teach, because their POV is rooted in ignorance. Show them a few facts and their whole worldview falls apart.
I don't generally hang around boards like this for long. Certainly this one is in general, more polite than one finds, and for that I do thank all of you.
But, unless this is a place where OPEN MINDED people meet, what is the point?
Does that mean that anyone who does not accept the same concepts and ideas that you accept is not open-minded? OR is it equally possible the shoe is on the other foot?
I read several blogs of ex-theists. Biblical literalists and creationists are the easiest to teach, because their POV is rooted in ignorance. Show them a few facts and their whole worldview falls apart.
Why would you want to make anyone's whole worldview fall apart, if they are doing you no harm?
Does that mean that anyone who does not accept the same concepts and ideas that you accept is not open-minded? OR is it equally possible the shoe is on the other foot?
While I am willing to question my beliefs, and have actually done a 180 turn early in my seeking, I KNOW I am open to ideas and concepts. I also read voraciously, and that includes books I don't agree with. So the chances that I am closed minded is minimal. I also accept that the only virtue that will ensure you are never dead ended is humility. So while I have firm even very firm beliefs, I try hard to have a window open in case.
So, NO, open mindedness has NOTHING to do with whether others accept my POV. They rarely do. I am referring to the Moderator cut: deleted banter between fundamentalists (which I am not) and avowed atheists.
While I am willing to question my beliefs, and have actually done a 180 turn early in my seeking, I KNOW I am open to ideas and concepts. I also read voraciously, and that includes books I don't agree with. So the chances that I am closed minded is minimal. I also accept that the only virtue that will ensure you are never dead ended is humility. So while I have firm even very firm beliefs, I try hard to have a window open in case.
So, NO, open mindedness has NOTHING to do with whether others accept my POV. They rarely do. I am referring to the stupid and inane banter between fundamentalists (which I am not) and avowed atheists.
This is an open-minded answer. You will find that I have an affinity for your Divine Love viewpoints . . . but not so much for the supposed "sources" as they are portrayed. We are all capable of divine inspiration and intuition by virtue of the operations of our consciousness. But when the claims fall outside rational limits my fraud antennae vibrate.
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