quote:
I don't even claim to know for sure, but this I do know: we're talking about two different paths, here. One path is the path of making conclusions from evidence, without bias or prejudice.
The other path is simply choosing what fantasy you like best. Just making things up with your imagination.
Surely only a great fool would think that the second path is the path that leads to truth?
Well I can't argue with that. However, having been raised in a scientifically inclined family, I would like to think that we are not all bound by the same logic where choices are concerned. For example, though you feel the other path is based on fantasy of ones choosing, what does one make of the evidence provided by the scriptures?
This brings me back to my earlier statement, when I said that not all God and faith experiences are created equal. There are those who are not raised in religious families and come to explore the implications of God and faith through means of research and evaluation.
I think that the Truth you mention, is not as simple and obvious as we may feel. I think the foolish behavior is attributed primarily to those who think they know more than others on the matter.
The facts are, that no one holds any authority over the other where truth and origin are concerned. This would imply God and Faith as well. I guess it all comes down to respect and sincerity. However, mankind has been plagued with such issues since the dawn or recorded history. Which raises an even more interesting point. Why is it that humanity as a whole seems driven to share a common belief?
To my knowledge the scriptures contain a host of measurable facts and claims. The biggest being God's claim to Creation. I think, those who overlook these facts are shooting themselves in the foot where truth and sincerity is concerned. I also believe that if someone truly wanted to learn about God(religion aside), that cosmically... provisions has been made to do so.