[MD] Are theists irrational?

[markhsmit]

On Jan 18, 2010, at 10:23:18 PM, Mary <marysonthego at gmail.com> wrote:
From:   Mary <marysonthego at gmail.com>
Subject:    Re: [MD] Are theists irrational?
Date:   January 18, 2010 10:23:18 PM PST
To: moq_discuss at moqtalk.org
Hello Mark,

[quote]
I still do not understand the moral distinction between using plate
tectonics to explain something, or a benevolent god. 

-----
This is getting old, but I will make one more attempt. 

1) Not everyone, everywhere believes in your God, so using her to explain
things to them may not be helpful.
As far as I know, there is nobody who believes in my God.  It has no gender, that would
be impossible.  It has not ears, no eyes, doesn't talk or listen.  Using my God to explain
things to myself is very useful.  I am not asking you to believe in
my God.  I am only asking you to wake up.  I will ask you the same thing as Arlo,
give me a moral argument why plate tectonics is superior.  You will not be wrong.
It will be your honest opinion.  I am just interested in where you are coming from.


2) There is no need to resort to God to explain things that have sound
scientific explanations existing, and even if no sound explanation exists
maybe that's because there is no explanation. Do you require an explanation
for everything?
Your God is sound scientific explanations.  You have already said this.  It makes you feel 
comfortable, like you understand.  It brings you peace.  My God does not provide
explanations, only peace.  Explanations are for those that need logic to create a
God.  It cannot be done, logic is a man-made creation.


3) It is insulting personally to the people of Haiti who are in the midst of
a terrible tragedy (which, by the way could easily befall any of us in any
location tomorrow) to maintain that the earthquake is a punishment for Aids.
If Aids were a punishment for promiscuity then Lila and Pirsig would have
it, in which case, since you object to immoral behavior to this extent,
makes me wonder why you ever read the book.
I agree.  I never said anything about Aids, that must of been somebody else's post.  I got a lot
out of ZAMM and Lila, perhaps not the same thing you did.  This is the marvel of a book.


4) Please explain how accusing people who have suffered a great tragedy of
bringing it upon themselves is helpful to you or them? Does it make you
feel morally superior, Rigel?
I never accused people of such a thing.  Perhaps you are jumping to conclusions.  I feel very
sorry for the people of Haiti.  Who's Rigel?  With my God, there is no need for moral superiority,
humility is more fashionable.


5) You are exhibiting a moralistic, Victorian era, holier-than-thou point of
view that has been rejected by even those steeped in the Social Level 100
years ago.
Again, that is your interpretation, I'm sorry you feel that way, if it upsets you.  You seem to feel
a moral superiority to people who lived 100 years ago, why is that?  Nothing has changed.


[Quote]
But if we [myself and colleagues] are talking philosophically, we start with
faith, because we make so many assumptions to begin with. We do not have to
prove that which we accept.
-----
Excuse me, but 

1) perhaps a little less talking and a little more experimenting should be
the order of the day in your scientific laboratory.
What, you want me to prove the principles of centrifugal forces before I
spin down a sample?  I accept that that will happen on faith.


2) This is beginning to sound like the most unscientific group of
"scientists" I have ever heard of. I do not know what you are working on,
but I hope I never have to rely on it.
This is the way science works.  We pick up things in the middle, explain them for a little
way, and then stop.  My life is currently devoted to human health, cancer and such.
Hope you don't get cancer, I work on progressing its therapy.


Mary

- The most important thing you will ever make is a realization.
I honestly do not know where all this came from.  Perhaps I remind you of a bad
experience.  All I am saying is that there are many ways to see things.  Even that
statement is a way to see things.  This forum is meant to exchange ideas, not to
state that it is my way or the highway.  Open your mind, things are not as they
seem.



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