[MD] The Quest for Quality

[Ham Priday]

Hi Margaret --


> I think much of the hostility that many intellectuals have
> about a belief in God is well founded.
>
> The fearful belief in God is the foundation for malevolent
> organized behavior that is socially approved of.
>
> When 'Christians' are bombing abortion clinics - there
> is a fundamental problem with 'fundamentalists'.
> When 'Christians' are using their religion to commit crimes
> and act in hostile ways toward non Christians - there
> is a problem. When our President (and the recently nominated
> Republican Vice President) thinks that we should continue
> with this war because 'GOD said so', there is a problem.

Irrational fundamentalism can sometimes spawn hatred and violence, whether 
it's fostered by religion, superstition, imperialism, or sociopathic 
criminals.  Not all religions are fundamentalist, however, and not all 
violent movements are based on religion.  Nazism, for example. 
(Incidentally, I'm quite sure that neither George Bush nor Sarah Palin 
used the phrase "God said so" when advocating U.S. completion of the Iraq 
war.  If you can provide a source for this spurious quote, I'd like to see 
it.)

> There is a BIG difference between personal belief systems
> and organized religious efforts.
>
> I think there are a lot of good reasons why some
> intellectuals want to banish theism. It causes some
> really difficult social problems, though.
> I have known and respected many 'Christians'
> who simply attempt to organize their life around a set
> of guiding principles - like the 10 Commandments or
> the Golden Rule AND they attempt to have a great deal
> of compassion toward their fellow man and they do this
> under the symbolism of Christianity, ok then. I have no
> problem with people attempting to organize their life
> around beliefs that make them feel good - even if it's a
> belief I don't agree with. As long as they aren't imposing
> their belief system onto me.

Margaret, it was you who raised the question of a "higher power" and a 
"traditional God" in connection with Essentialism.  To clear the air, my 
belief system is a philosophy, not a religion, and Essence is not a divinity 
or a supreme being.  The expression "higher power" was an expression I used 
once in desperation to Arlo's insistence that I explain man's evolution in 
essentialist terms.  (I advised him to read a book on anthropology.)

> BUT, all that aside - I have some other beliefs too
> about believing in a higher power.
>
> I do understand the human 'need' to sense a higher power -
> I've even read about some studies about
> a part of the brain that is stimulated when people report
> feeling a connection to a higher power (whatever that might
> be)...
>
> I have called this a 'Doctor it hurts when I move my arm
> this way" religion. Which is to say... when it makes you
> more uncomfortable to consider the universe without a higher
> power than it does to consider it with one...then
> just don't move your arm (or think in such a way that
> makes you uncomfortable) that way.
>
> The truth is, you cannot have the concept of 'faith'
> without an 'unknown'. So, if you logically realize that
> you have the power to make a CHOICE between belief
> or non-belief...cause let's face it - none of us know.

Right, Margaret, and I have often stated that absolute truth is inaccessible 
to humans.  Indeed, if man possessed absolute knowledge, he would not be 
free to choose a belief system and moral values.

> Most people are fearful and life is difficult enough...
> just basic survival in the concrete jungle
> that most people have to operate in - so why not let them
> embrace a concept that makes them feel good.
>
> Most of the time, I believe a much simpler point of
> view...which is that it doesn't really matter what you
> believe in...just be kind and compassionate to your
> fellow man - that's all. Everything changes - always.

That's a nice philosophy when you're dealing with people who share your 
values.  But it's simplistic to say that what you believe doesn't matter. 
What what if you're confronting a ruthless attacker, or an enemy who 
believes it's Allah's Will that he  destroy your country?  Our beliefs are 
what determine the course of history.  If you're like other liberals who are 
looking for "change", you'd be wise to look behind the promises and learn 
exactly what the candidate you plan to vote for really believes.

[snip]
> It is possible for people (I think) to have emotions and
> intellectual ideas to support multiple belief
> systems simultaneously - IN fact, it's kind of a
> waste of mental energy to try to constantly support
> and hold up one belief system.

I disagree.  I think more energy is wasted in trying to accommodate oneself 
to every ideology or perspective that comes along.  Ideally, life should 
have purpose and cogency.  As we grow older and wiser, we should expect to 
find this meaning for ourselves and live by it.  Reflecting on our past, we 
realize how much of our dedication, loyalty, and activity was wasted on 
frivolous pursuits.  This existence is the only opportunity we have to 
discover the meaning of life as a free agent and use this knowledge to our 
own and others' advantage.  A fly spends its life flitting from one garbage 
can to another.  Man is equipped with reason and an exquisite sense of 
value.  Surely, these endowments prepare us for greater things.

[snip]
> Why not allow yourself to have multiple,
> situational belief systems?

If I were to have multiple belief systems, I would be trying to move in many 
directions at once, which is inconsistent and ineffective.  Every encounter 
is an adventure for me, whether it's reading an author's philosophy, 
watching a movie, listening to a new piece of music, or exploring the 
countryside.  Every experience brings more confirmation that my valuistic 
philosophy is on track, I am a free agent, and my life has cogency.  I would 
wish the same for all of us.

Thanks, Margaret.

--Ham